Contract Provisions
Contracts contain provisions frequently and unfortunately dismissed as "boilerplate." "Boilerplate" comes from the newspaper business and originally referred to metal sheets produced regionally or nationally and shipped to local newspapers for use on local presses without change. "Boilerplate" now describes standard contract provisions which can be changed only with difficulty. An integration or merger clause is frequently found among a contract's "boilerplate" provisions. Particular wording varies, but the integration clause states that the terms in the written contract are the final agreement and the written contract supersedes prior negotiations, representations, or agreements. The integration clause limits the introduction of "parol" evidence
Modification of Alimony in Futuro
Parties to divorce proceedings cannot predict the future with greater ability than others. Despite thoughtful planning, circumstances can change materially. In Tennessee, modification of alimony depends on the type of alimony awarded and on the specific facts of each case. Three of the four types of alimony may be modified under certain circumstances: alimony in futuro, rehabilitative alimony and transitional alimony. One type of alimony cannot be modified under any circumstances: alimony in solido. According to Tennessee law, alimony in futuro is modifiable upon a showing of a “substantial and material change of circumstances.” In a recent case, Willet v. Taeubel, the Tennessee