5 Common Reasons Clients Ask Gibbons Law Firm for Help

The clients of Gibbons Law Firm come to Roger Gibbons with their legal issues because of his reputation for well-balanced legal advice and comprehensive knowledge of the law. His work for over a decade as a prosecuting attorney gave him an extremely diverse background as he prosecuted thousands of criminal cases of all kinds. His ability to listen to his clients concerns and give straightforward honest advice is why they trust him with so many different areas of law. Roger has represented individuals, employees, builders, contractors, homeowners, lenders, small businesses, subcontractors, municipalities, and other government entities throughout his legal career. If you would like to know five of the most common reasons people seek legal advice from our law office in Lake Ozark, we have them outlined for you in this blog.

Personal Injury Cases

Roger Gibbons understands all the intricacies of a personal injury case and the elements necessary to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. He helps his clients focus on the task of getting well and adjusting to their life-changing injuries, by taking on the responsibility of building their personal injury case and helping them get the compensation they are entitled to. As doctors appointments add up, and the bills start to stack, it is much less stressful when you know you have someone fighting on your side so you can focus on your healing.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is something we all should do with the guidance of an experienced professional. As our lives change, things like our last will and testament should be updated as well. Roger Gibbons is able to help his clients consider every facet of their lives and plan for future possibilities as they determine what their wishes are and have them legally documented. This includes deciding things like where your assets will go, who will have guardianship of your children, whether or not you need a trust, establishing a durable power of attorney, writing a will, etc. With the help of a thoughtful and experienced estate planning attorney at Lake of the Ozarks, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and it feels really good to know you’ve gotten it done and done right.

Legal Guidance for Business 

As a business attorney at Lake of the Ozarks, Roger is able to help businesses from the very beginning starting with how to structure the business, drafting contracts between business partners, and even drawing up real estate contracts for commercial property. For employers, he offers direction regarding contracts with employees, guidelines on firing, advice when it comes to Workmen’s Compensation claims, and can even give legal assistance when it comes to collections when clients won’t pay. 

Facing Criminal Charges

Unfortunately, clients can find themselves facing criminal charges - sometimes relatively minor, sometimes more serious. Either way, it is highly recommended that you seek legal advice from a skilled criminal attorney in Central Missouri as soon as possible if you are ever being charged with a crime. Knowing your rights and having advice on how to proceed in your legal situation can make a huge difference in the final outcome. Having criminal charges on your record can affect your future in ways you may not be able to predict, and it’s not something you want to take a chance on. Roger Gibbons offers free initial consultations, so you don’t have to face any legal situation uninformed.

Family Law & Divorce

Because of his balance of assertiveness and diplomacy, Roger Gibbons is a skilled asset when it comes to family law. In the case of divorce, he helps beyond the actual dissolution of marriage and division of assets, also establishing things like visitation, child support, custody, alimony, etc. In addition, he able to guide families with legal adoptions, guardianship outside of divorce e.g. for dependent adults or foster children, and more.

When you trust Roger Gibbons for your legal representation, you get an attorney with both diversity and tenacity. No matter what area of law you are dealing with, he makes it easy to get to know him with a free initial consultation. All it takes is a phone call to get on the schedule. So, whenever you are in a situation where you need legal advice of any kind, remember Roger Gibbons in Lake Ozark - and don't forget to use the links below to follow Gibbons Law Firm on social media for more tips and helpful information about legal services at Lake of the Ozarks.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Cheers to the Designated Driver

The holidays are here and as many of us are looking forward to a season of celebration, there are a few unsung heroes out there that are worth mentioning. While friends and family members gather together to make memories and have fun, the dedicated designated driver helps them all do it safely. It really isn’t safe to walk the line by trying to judge how many drinks you should or shouldn’t have before you get behind the wheel. When you have a sober chauffeur, everyone else can just enjoy.

Whether that means a friend who cares enough to refrain from drinking or hiring an Uber or some other transport service, often the most important thing is to make the decision ahead of time and have a mindset that if you plan to drink, you will plan ahead and have a safe ride home. Even though we all know it’s true, it helps to have a few reminders of why it’s so important not to drive while you’re under the influence of alcohol. Today’s blog outlines five ways alcohol effects your driving, and why having a designated driver is so important and appreciated.

1) How You React

So many variables can happen when you’re driving, from a deer darting across the road to a car pulling out of a blind driveway on a curve. You also have drivers who are distracted, or under the influence of alcohol themselves. When you drink, it can cause you to be slower to react to the unexpected and make it harder for you to avoid a collision.

2) How Your Eyes Respond

Our eyes tend to be drawn towards light, like oncoming headlights, and when driving at night we have to be able to gauge our distance from oncoming traffic. That can be harder to do when we have been drinking.

3) How You Think

In many ways, a person’s decision making is different when they are drinking versus when they are not. When you’re behind the wheel, you must be able to make quick decisions, think ahead, and be aware of your surroundings. Alcohol can be a hindrance to all of these.

4) How Well You Track

When a driver has been drinking, they tend to not look as far down the road, and not track as straight. This leads to weaving or even swerving depending on how much they have been drinking. This is not only high risk for getting you pulled over, but also risk for causing a serious accident.

5) Your Focus and Speed Control

Generally, when people have been drinking, they don’t stay focused as well as they do when they’re sober. So, keeping track of their speed is more difficult went under the influence.

Appreciate Your Designated Driver!

It is for all these reasons and more that Gibbons Law Firm has such a great respect for the designated driver and the responsible adults who plan ahead before drinking. We know it is a time of year when people are celebrating and making memories. As personal injury attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks, we have seen happy times turn tragic because of drinking and driving. It only takes a little bit of planning, to make a huge difference in your life and someone else’s. Don’t take chances, find a designated driver, and treat them well! They are doing a great service for you and others. If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a car accident in mid-Missouri due to someone else is drinking and driving, please contact our law firm in Lake Ozark for a free initial consultation. To hear more helpful legal tips and information from Gibbons Law Firm, use the link below to follow us on social media.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Do YOU Have an Estate Plan for Your Business? Here's Why You Should.

Running your own business is certainly not for the faint of heart. When you are able to build up a successful business, that usually means many years of dedication, heart, time and energy that you have sacrificed to get to where you are. Have you ever thought about what would happen to your business if you were no longer able to run it? Or what that would mean for your family, or your employees and their families? In the same way that people will put off having a personal estate plan made, it is not uncommon for business owners to not even think about creating an estate plan for their business. But there are several things to consider when you run your own business and would certainly want to avoid if something were to happen to you. So, in today’s blog, we are going to talk about three things to think about as a business owner, when it comes to planning your estate.

1) Leadership

Running your business takes a very specific skill set. If you have a family member who is highly involved in the business, it may make sense for them to carry on in your place. But, what if no one in the family has the skills, time, or interest in running your business? Maybe they are willing and interested, but just don’t have the skills. If that’s the case, it would be a benefit to have a plan for who would have the skills and ability to lead the business if you are no longer there to do it. You also will want to create a transition plan for that person and make sure that if they are positioned to take leadership, they would also have access to bank accounts, online accounts, financial information, and technical information about the business, etc.

2) Ownership

Your spouse or family can still own the business while you have someone else appointed to lead the business. But if that is not as beneficial to your family as a one-time payment would be, then you might want to consider other options. If you have business partners, they may be interested in buying your portion of the business from your family. It is a smart idea for business partners to have life insurance policies on each other so that if one of them were to pass, there would be funds available for the buyout. If you do not have partners but still believe your family would want to sell the business, then it’s a good idea to have information regarding valuation and other important information that would make transfer of ownership more feasible. That transition plan we talked about can help tremendously if you think selling the business would be the best option at that point.

3) Taxes and Probate

Unfortunately, the tax liability that comes upon a business when the owner dies also comes with a deadline. It is very sad when businesses have to liquidate in order to pay the tax burden on time. You don’t want your business to end that way, so if you would rather your family or business partners have a chance to run your business rather than it coming to an end, then talk to your estate planning attorney at Lake of the Ozarks about an estate plan for your business.

Our business law attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks know that an estate plan is one of the last things of business owners thinking about when they’re building up their business. But we also know how important it is. So, if you have any question at all, feel free to take advantage of a free initial consultation with our lawyers in Lake Ozark. It is as simple as giving us a call and getting on the schedule. We can make the process of estate planning for your business in mid-Missouri easy and effective for you. We can also help you with other legal matters as well. For more helpful information and legal tips from our law office in Lake Ozark, we invite you to use the links below to follow us on social media.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Legal Guidance for Landlords

Investing in rental property at Lake of the Ozarks can be a great move for many people. For some, it is a major part of their retirement plan. There are a few legal issues involved with going into the property rental business at Lake of the Ozarks. There are also other legal issues that can come up between renters and landlords. That’s why it’s a very good idea to have a trusted attorney that you know and work with to guide you in the process and be there for you if a legal issue should arise unexpectedly. If you are interested in finding out more regarding what it entails to become a landlord Lake of the Ozarks, we have several helpful bits of information for you in today’s blog. These are common areas where having a knowledgeable landlord-tenant attorney at Lake of the Ozarks will make your job as a landlord easier and keep you more protected legally.

Rental Agreements

Having a proper rental agreement drawn up by an experienced attorney is a very important step. That contract entails the entire agreement between you and your tenants, and will determine what each party’s rights are, and exactly what you can enforce legally. When details are left out, it can be detrimental to you if there’s a violation, disagreement, or a challenge to the contract. Some of the things that must be clearly defined include exactly who the tenants are, payment amounts and due dates, the terms of the lease, deposits, fees, fines, etc. You can count on Gibbons Law Firm to include everything necessary in your contract, exactly as it should be to protect your legal rights.

Property Damage

Unfortunately, sometimes renters don’t take good care of the property they are renting and can caused significant damages. If that property damage exceeds their deposit, there are times when the landlord may need to take legal action to recover the damages. Having the help of an experienced attorney can help lead to a much more successful outcome. On the flipside, there are times when tenants may claim they have suffered property damage because of a landlord’s negligence. If a leaky roof damages electronics, or a tree that is not well-maintained falls on the tenant’s car, they may seek damages from the landlord. No matter the situation, having experience representation will empower you to handle the issues in the best way possible, and having and good legal advice from the beginning may help you avoid issues altogether.

Eviction

If you’re considering going into the rental business, it is possible that at some point you will deal with an eviction. It is an unfortunate situation to be in, and the steps you take should be done with knowledge of your rights, and your tenants’ rights. It is highly recommended that you seek guidance from a capable attorney before you start those actions. It is bad enough you’re having to evict someone, but if the situation draws on or you face further legal action because you didn’t understand the proper process, then it can make a bad situation even worse. That’s why we are here to help, and we offer free initial consultations.

Legal Guidance from Gibbons Law Firm

At Gibbons Law Firm, we are very familiar with the legal issues landlords face at Lake of the Ozarks. We are skilled at drawing up contracts that are clear to both landlord and the tenant and protect your rights as they should. We are fully capable of advocating for you through any legal challenge and can advise you ahead of time so you can avoid those issues when possible. If you have any questions at all about the legal issues you need to be aware of as a landlord, take advantage of our offer for a free initial consultation. We would be happy to meet with you and give you the information you need to be more informed as you embark on this new adventure. We also invite you stay in touch by following us on social media using the links below in our footer. We will share legal tips and helpful information there regularly. 

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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3 Common Reasons Clients Call Gibbons Law Firm

When people call the law office of Roger Gibbons, they may call for a variety of reasons. But they are choosing Gibbons Law Firm, because they know they need sound legal advice from an experienced attorney who cares and who can communicate clearly at a time when they need accurate information. Roger has provided legal guidance for individuals, employees, homeowners, small businesses, builders, contractors, lenders, municipalities, and his diverse legal background has been a huge asset for his clients over the years. If you are interested in knowing how, read on to see 3 common reasons people call our Lake Ozark law firm.

Business Law 

Being in business for yourself will inevitably bring up an array of legal issues or decisions, depending on your profession. One of the first things you will need to consider is how to structure your business. This will have legal liabilities and tax implications that you want to fully understand before you make a decision. Most businesses also require contracts with clients, with vendors, or even between business partners. If you have employees there will be legal guidelines affecting hiring, firing, workman’s comp and employment contracts as well. From time-to-time businesses also rely on use to help them deal with collections when they have a client that will not pay. Whatever your needs, our business attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks are fully capable of navigating you through your legal options regarding your business with confidence.

Family Law

This is another area of law that can have an array of topics or legal issues which apply. We have clients contact us to help them with adoptions, and guardianship for children and dependent adults. We have clients retain us to help them through divorce proceedings and all that comes with it such as custody, child support, visitation, division of assets, etc. Roger Gibbons has the experience and the demeanor to advocate in an effective way while diffusing hostility and emotions and focusing on his client’s end goal - which makes him the perfect advocate when it comes to choosing a family law attorney at Lake of the Ozarks.

Criminal Law.

Some of our clients reach out to us because they find themselves facing criminal charges. No matter what the charge, even if it seems fairly minor, it is highly recommended that you have legal advice before facing any kind of criminal defense in mid-Missouri. You will be up against the vast resources of the state and its attorneys. Having legal representation and knowing what your rights are and where you stand legally is essential. Roger Gibbons offers free initial consultations, so there’s no reason not to take advantage of the opportunity to be armed with knowledge necessary to help you make a decision on your legal defense.

Initial Consultations are Free at Gibbons Law Firm

Whenever you’re facing a difficult legal situation, remember Gibbons Law Firm. You deserve the peace of mind that coming comes from knowing the attorney you are working with is knowledgeable, experienced, and able to guide you in making an informed decision about your legal situation. Don’t forget that your initial consultation is free. Just call our law firm using the number below to schedule your appointment. We also invite you to follow us on our social media channels to hear more helpful information on interesting legal topics. We have links to our channels below for your convenience.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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3 Examples When Prenuptials Make Sense

There are a lot of sacrifices you might be willing to make for your spouse, but you might feel very differently if you were not together. For example, if you get married and your spouse has a lot of debt, you may find yourself paying off their debt even if you are no longer together. That is just one example of a reason why people might be interested in prenuptial agreements before they get married. Unfortunately, about half of all marriages do end in divorce. A couple is more likely to arrive at a mutually agreeable plan, or a healthier perspective on what is fair when the two are still getting along with each other. To think that they will arrive at a better decision once their thoughts are clouded with anger, could be unrealistic. Of course, no one gets married with the idea of getting divorced, but there are times when it makes sense to have prenuptial in place before getting married. If you’d like to hear 3 specific examples of when that might make sense, just read on. 

1) Debt or Income Differences

If there is a huge difference in the amount of debt, or the average income that two people bring into the marriage, it may make sense to have prenuptials drawn up. Again, you may be willing to help your spouse pay off a huge amount of debt if you were married, but to think about paying that debt off for someone who’s no longer with you, that’s a different story. If you make considerably more money than your spouse-to-be, you might want to have a prenuptial to avoid having to share a large amount of that income with an ex, should the unthinkable happen to your relationship.

2) Owning Your Own Business

When you put your blood sweat and tears into building up your business, your clientele and your reputation, you may be very willing to share all the benefits from that business with your spouse. But if you were to split up, it would be devastating for everything you worked for to be taken or to have to sell it in order to buy out your ex. If you are a business owner, we would be happy to sit down with you to discuss how a prenuptial could protect your livelihood in the event of a divorce.

3) Kids from a Previous Relationship

One of the biggest reasons to have prenuptials is if you have kids from a previous relationship. Obviously, there are sentimental items and things your kids will inherit that will have no value to your new spouse’s family. Prenuptials can outline that those family heirlooms, photographs, etc. stay within the family they originated. Prenuptials can also be comforting for kids on both side of the family knowing that their interests are being looked at and protected as you make this decision to get married.

Get the Information You Need to Make an Informed Decision

While it may be uncomfortable to talk about prenuptials, the situation you could find yourself in if you don’t have them can be much more uncomfortable. At Gibbons Law Firm, we understand you may have questions, and we offer free initial consultations so you can know where you stand and have the details to decide whether or not a prenuptial is a good fit for you. Our family law attorneys in Lake Ozark have the experience and compassion to help you through the entire process. Just give our lawyers in Lake Ozark a call to schedule your free consultation about prenuptial agreements in mid-Missouri. If you’d like to hear more helpful legal information from time to time, we invite you to follower us on our social media channels. Just use the links below to select the platform of choice.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Roger Gibbons' Diverse Background and the Clients He Helps

Roger Gibbons’ vast experience has become a great asset to his clients over the years, and diversity is one of the things that makes Roger Gibbons stand out. Not just the diversity of his legal background and experience, but also the diversity of skill sets. He has a commitment to listening to his clients, empathizing with what they are going through and what their concerns are, and guiding them through the difficulties they face. He also has the confidence to take something to trial if it’s in the best interest of his client. He gained this experience and these skills working in his private practice since 1992 and serving over a decade as a state prosecutor. He has literally prosecuted thousands of criminal cases of all types. If you’d like to know an attorney who is capable, compassionate, and able to communicate clearly both with his clients and in the courtroom, we’d like to tell you more about Roger Gibbons and his Lake Ozark law firm.

The Attorney

Roger’s whole focus is on listening and understanding his clients. His approach is to provide well-balanced legal advice based on his comprehensive understanding of numerous areas of the law. He is compassionate, honest and straightforward with his clients at a time when they need nothing less.

Types of Clients

Gibbons Law Firm has helped a wide variety of clients including:

-individuals

-employees

-builders

-contractors

-homeowners

-lenders

-small businesses

-subcontractors

-municipalities

-government entities

Types of Cases

Gibbons Law Firm has helped clients with the following types of cases including:

-accident/personal injury law

-appellate practice

-business and corporate law

-child custody matters

-construction law

-contracts

-criminal defense

-divorce and family law

-employment law

-landlord-tenant

-land use and zoning

-real estate laws

-wills and probate

-workers’ compensation

Family law

Family law covers a lot of different situations and can be quite complex as well as emotional. This may include everything from adoption to divorce, child custody, paternity, guardianships, prenuptials, estate planning and much more. As you might imagine, having a personality that is empathetic and open to listening but also emotionally balanced is just what you want in your family law attorney at Lake of the Ozarks. Roger is able to look at all the aspects, keep your end goal in mind, and negotiate on your behalf to look out for your rights and those you love.

Personal Injury Law

Personal injury is a very specific type of law and having an attorney that understands how to investigate and prove that another party’s wrongful conduct caused the injury or damage is key. Having an attorney with trial experience is another asset when facing a personal injury case and having a record of obtaining settlements and winning jury trials like Roger Gibbons has, can create stronger negotiating power when dealing with insurance companies. Gibbons Law Firm generally represents personal injury clients on a contingency fee basis and only receive compensation with the case is resolved. So, if you or someone you care about believes you may have a personal injury case at Lake of the Ozarks, take advantage of the free consultation with Roger Gibbons to find out what your rights are and if you have a strong case.

Criminal Law

Every person accused of a crime has specific legal rights under the United States and Missouri constitutions as well as the laws of Missouri. The rights of free citizens depend on these protections in order to keep our justice system truly just. Anyone facing criminal charges is facing the extensive resources of law-enforcement agencies and prosecutors at the very least. Because of that they face the potential of lengthy incarceration, heavy fines and other penalties. At Gibbons Law Firm we are committed to providing clients with criminal defense services in mid-Missouri that will ensure their rights are protected and that they are treated fairly.

Bringing All These Skills to the Table for You

Roger Gibbons knows that when you’re facing any of these types of legal issues, it’s critical for you to know what your rights are and what your course of action should be. The outcome depends on it, and often the stakes are quite high. That is a big reason why he offers free initial consultations. All you have to do is call our office or go to http://www.rgibbonslawfirm.com/ and fill out a contact form. So don’t hesitate to find out what your legal rights are and where you stand on your particular legal issue. Be sure to follow us on social media as well, where we will share helpful tips and legal information regularly. You can use the links below to follow us on your favorite platforms.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Reasons Why YOU May Need to Update Your Will

Having your will made may feel like a major undertaking, but with the proper legal help it doesn’t have to be overwhelming at all. Once you have your will made, it is also important to keep it updated. Many people put it away and don’t think about it once they have it drawn up. But there are several life circumstances that will trigger a need for you to update your will. Usually those are circumstances that keep you pretty busy and the last thing you think of is having your will updated. So we wanted to give you some ideas in today’s blog so you can be prepared and recognize when it’s time to update your will.

Having a Child

Having a child can change a lot of things, and it definitely will affect your estate planning. It may trigger you into thinking about things like life insurance, and also your will. Even if you already have children, when you have another child you want to make sure they are included in your will and your estate plan.

Your Child Turns 18

When your child has their 18th birthday, they will legally be considered an adult. So, when your child is approaching their 18th birthday and getting ready to graduate, make an appointment with your estate planning attorney Lake of the Ozarks to make sure you have considered how that will affect your will and estate plan. For instance, you will no longer need to include plans for guardianship for your adult child past their 18th birthday. 

Grandkids

Once you experience the joy of having grandchildren, there’s no doubt you’ll want to include them in your will. This can include financial assets, and sentimental heirlooms. If it is your wish that grandkids receive certain parts of your estate, Gibbons Law Firm can make sure they are included in your will and your wishes are known.

Change in Beneficiary

If something happens to your beneficiary, and they pass away, you will need to update your will to name a new beneficiary. That can be a very sad and devastating situation, and we will help you through that with understanding and compassion at a time of loss for you.

Charity Donation

If you have become very involved with a charity organization since your will was last drawn up, you may want to update your will to include that charity in your estate plan. That is definitely something that we can help you with.

Keep Your Will Up-to-Date

Life changes happen, and some of them will affect your estate planning and choices regarding your will. It’s easy to let a will become outdated, life is busy and it’s not exactly the first thing we think about every day. But that is why we wanted to share this blog with you. Just having it top of mind that when certain situations happen in life, you should give us a call to bring your will up-to-date at Lake of the Ozarks. It doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact, we make it easy for you. So, if you have experienced one of these life-changing circumstances since the last time you updated your will, give us a call and we’ll get you taken care of. If you enjoyed this blog and would like to hear more tips and information from Gibbons Law Firm, we have links to our social media channels below so you can follow us on your favorite platform.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Legal Tips for Landlords at Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks is in need of more rental housing, there is no doubt about that. Gibbons Law Firm wants to encourage you if are considering becoming a landlord at the Lake of the Ozarks. It can be a great way to create an income stream and provide much-needed housing for the area. But there are certain legal issues that are involved when it comes to getting into the rental business at Lake of the Ozarks. Having a relationship with an experienced landlord-tenant lawyer at Lake of the Ozarks can be a huge asset in your rental business. If you are curious about what legal issues you might need to be prepared for, and how our law firm in Lake Ozark could help, we will describe 3 for you in today’s blog.

1) Contracts

It all starts with a properly drawn up lease agreement. You want your tenants to know exactly what their rights and responsibilities are, and as a landlord, you want to know what your rights and responsibilities are as well. When these things are clearly lined out for both parties, it makes compliance and enforcement much more successful. By having an experienced attorney in mid-Missouri draw up your lease agreement, you can be in the best possible position if you ever have to enforce that legal document. Some things that your lease agreement should specify Include the exact terms of the lease, precisely who the tenants are, what the payment amounts and due dates are, as well as deposits, fees, fines, etc. When you work with Gibbons Law Firm, you can rest assured that your lease agreement will include everything it should clearly and specifically.

2) Eviction

Unfortunately, sometimes it becomes necessary for a landlord to evict a tenant. It is not a fun situation, and can be quite stressful, especially depending on your contracts and the way you go about the eviction process. Both parties have rights and it’s important that you take the correct steps in the right order to be successful with an eviction. We can help you handle that situation legally and effectively.

3) Property Damage

This can go both ways. Sometimes tenants create significant damage during the course of time they are renting. If you experience major property damage because of your tenants, we highly recommend seeking the help of a tenant landlord attorney to analyze the situation and see if you have a case. We can also guide you through the process of seeking compensation. In addition, a landlord-tenant attorney can provide legal guidance if you have a tenant that claims they have suffered property damage because of e.g. an unsafe environment, or something like a leaky roof. They can walk you through the process to assess your responsibility or legal liability, and proper course of action. Gibbons Law Firm can help you through this scenario if you ever face it.

Get the Guidance You Need at Gibbons

In general, it’s just really a good idea to have a relationship with a landlord tenant attorney if you are thinking about getting into the rental business. Having a local attorney with the knowledge to guide you in the variety of legal issues you may face as a landlord is not only an asset to your rental business, it is a load off your mind allowing you to focus on your business rather than worry about legalities. We do offer free initial consultations, so if you’d like to come in and get to know us and learn a little bit more about the legal issues you want to be prepared for as a landlord, we invite you to give us a call and schedule an appointment. Would love to sit down and talk with you. If you enjoyed this blog and would like to hear more legal tips and information from our law firm, we have links below for you to follow us on social media.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Estate Planning - 3 Important Things For Business Owners to Consider

If you are a small business owner, chances are you have put your all into getting where you are now. You have sacrificed time, money, heart, and more to build your business into a success, and you continue to work to maintain that success and a reputation of integrity. Have you ever thought about what would happen to the business you have built up if something were to happen to you? What about the livelihoods of your employees? Although many small business owners don’t think about it, estate planning for your business is something you should take care of in addition to your personal estate plan. If you haven’t thought about making an estate plan for your business at Lake of the Ozarks, this blog will talk about three things to think about to make it easier for you when putting your plan together.

Someone to Lead in Your Stead

Sometimes a business owner's spouse or other family member may be highly involved in the business, and in a position where they can step up and run the business. Sometimes there are partners that are more knowledgeable about the business and may be a better choice. If neither of these are a practical option, you want to think of another person who would be capable of running your business and talk to them about that possibility. Then you’ll want to make a plan for what that transition would look like. Your successor will need access to bank accounts, financial information, online accounts, technical information about the business, and more. Once that transition plan has been created, be sure to put it in a place that it will be accessible along with your estate plan.

Ownership

Sometimes, it makes more sense for the family to sell the business rather than own it, if they are not feasibly able to take over the leadership role. In that case, having information for valuation of the business, as well as important information to make it easier for the next business owner, and therefore a more appealing business for a buyer should be part of your estate plan. If you have partners who you believe would be interested in stepping into the leadership role, you can provide an option for them to buy your portion of the business out. It is not uncommon for business partners to take out life insurance policies on each other so in the event one passes away, there will be funds to allow for that type of buyout. If you believe your family would benefit more from a cash payout for your portion of the business, you could provide for that option if no one is able or interested in learning how to run your business and taking on that responsibility. 

Probate and Tax Timelines

It’s important to be aware that there are tax implications when the owner of a business dies, and that tax burden comes with a timeframe. Unfortunately, some businesses find themselves forced to liquidate in order to cover that tax burden within the required deadline. It is a sad way for business to end, and it does not have to be that way. If you prefer that your family or business partners have the opportunity to take over the business, let's talk about an estate plan for your business. 

Business Estate Plans - Protecting Your Legacy

As business law attorneys in mid-Missouri, we know that having an estate plan is not always intuitive for small business owners. So we wanted to let you know why it is important, give you a few things to think about, and offer you a free initial consultation at Gibbons Law Firm. Just call our office at (573)348–2211 to schedule an appointment with one of our estate planning attorneys in Lake Ozark. We are capable of helping you with all your business legal needs, and very familiar with the process necessary to get this important plan in place for your business and your peace of mind. We also have regular legal information and helpful tips on our social media channels if you’d like to hear more. We have links below for your convenience, feel free to follow us!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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