Starting a Business? Gibbons Law Firm Can Help!

By the time someone is ready to start their own business, they have usually gone through a pretty long and intense thought process about the products or services they will offer, how to make it profitable, how to market and brand the business, etc. While organizing all of those important elements, it is also a very good idea to have a business law attorney in central Missouri to help you with the legal aspects. There are a number of important legal decisions to be made when you’re setting up your business, and legal liabilities that you want to avoid when you run your business. Having a trusted attorney with a background in business law at Lake of the Ozarks can make life much easier and keep you more protected when you start your business. At Gibbons Law Firm we are as skilled and passionate about the legal aspect of your business as you are about the business itself. So keep reading if you would like to learn 5 things to consider when starting your own business to keep yourself legally protected.

1) Business structure

Understanding the difference between a sole proprietorship, an LLC, and an S corporation is important when deciding how to structure your business. An attorney with a background in business law can look at your particular situation and help you decide how to structure your business based on the level of protection that comes with that business type.

2) Organizing money

It is advisable that you keep your personal finances and your business finances separate, even if you are a sole proprietorship. If ever your business is audited, you could open up having all of your personal accounts reviewed as well as your business, if your accounts are not kept completely separate.

3) Outside accountant

Even if you are comfortable and experienced in doing your own bookkeeping, it is advisable to have an outside accountant at least review your books. Just as you are an expert in your field, accountants stay up-to-date on any changes in laws and regulations and have a much deeper bank of knowledge when it comes to how to protect your business and keep proper records. 

4) Update contracts

You may have contracts between you and your clients, between you and vendors, and even between you and partners. Having those contracts drawn up or at least reviewed by a skilled attorney at Lake of the Ozarks can help ensure that the contracts are done properly and are legally binding. But it’s not enough just to have legal advice when they are drawn up initially. Contracts need to be reviewed periodically to make sure they stay up-to-date and don’t allow any loopholes or vulnerabilities that could hurt you and your business.

5) Documentation

When in doubt, write it down. The better you document and keep records the better it will be in the event that you have a dispute or lawsuit. Keeping excellent records when it comes to hiring and firing is a good example. It is also important to keep good records when it comes to contracts with your customers, outsourcing marketing, pretty much any agreement. With good documentation, it’s easier to prove your side in a conflict with the paperwork that you have.

Gibbons Law Firm is here to help with all of your business legal needs!

Our attorneys in Lake Ozark have the background and experience as well as the passion to look out for you and your business venture. At Gibbons Law Firm, we appreciate entrepreneurs and all they bring to our society, and we like to be able to look out for them so they can continue to look out for us. If you are thinking about starting your own business, we would love to talk with you and help you through the process. Your first consultation is free, so give us a call today! If you would like to hear more news and legal tips from Gibbons Law Firm, we invite you to follow us on social media using the links below.

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

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Your Helpful Legal Guide to Family Law

When it comes to family law, emotions can run high. It may be more difficult to think clearly when you're feeling this emotional so it's important to turn to an experienced family law attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you're experiencing a tough time like this, whether you're going through a brutal divorce, child custody case, adoption, or other family law matter, Gibbons Law Firm is here for you. We can be reached at (573) 348-2211 for your free consultation. Keep reading this week's blog for a few helpful points when it comes to family law.

Your Helpful Legal Guide to Family Law

CHILD CUSTODY: IT'S BEST IF YOU CAN REACH AN AGREEMENT ON YOUR OWN.

Know if you and your spouse can come to an agreeable compromise regarding the division of custody, the court may respect your decision. If you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement, the court will be required to make arrangements on your behalf. This will be done with the child's best interests in mind; your and your spouse's differing opinions may have little weight in the final decision.

CHILD SUPPORT: KNOW YOUR PLAN.

The individuals who are legally recognized to be a child's parent are generally both required to provide financial assistance if possible. If you were never married, you may be required to order a paternity test in order to legally identify the father. Once this has been achieved, you should be able to seek child support.

NO REASON HAS TO BE GIVEN FOR DIVORCE.

Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, which means that couples do not have to have a specific reason for filing for divorce. All that is required is for at least one spouse to testify that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" or that there are "irreconcilable differences" between spouses.

ASK YOUR ATTORNEY ABOUT CHILD SUPPORT IF YOUR SPOUSE REFUSES TO PAY IT.

If the court has ordered your spouse to pay child support, you can seek legal recourse through your attorney for missed payments. Do not retaliate directly by attempting to withhold visitation rights, as this type of action may be subject to legal consequences of its own.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A DIVORCE ATTORNEY, IT'S JUST STRONGLY ENCOURAGED.

When it comes to whether or not you will work with an attorney, you always have the right to make your own choice. However, we encourage you to consult with a family attorney in Camden County MO before moving forward with your divorce. Your attorney will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed in order to protect both your and your children's interests.

Our Family Law Attorneys Are Here For You!

Who's ready to get the legal help you deserve for your family law matters? That's where we come in. Gibbons Law Firm is here for you. We can answer all your questions in a consultation and we don't charge you ANYTHING for your first one. Give us a call today at the phone number listed below. You can also stay up to date on our latest announcements and legal tips by following us on our social media channels listed below.

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

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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What Does Divorce Demand Financially?

Divorce is such a hard time one everyone. Do you feel like your marriage is over? Are you putting off getting divorced because you're worried you can't afford it? We suggest knowing the facts before jumping into a hasty decision. Our divorce lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few different types of fees to think about when considering divorce, in this week's blog. If you have any questions, please call Gibbons Law Firm today at (573) 348-2211.

What Does Divorce Demand Financially?

Will there be litigation?

This factor will likely have the strongest influence on the overall cost of your divorce. If you and your spouse can agree on how you want to handle things, you will be able to sign agreements outside of the courtroom, which will likely save you thousands of dollars. If you cannot agree on things and instead decide to take various issues to court, you will be faced with expensive litigation fees.

Do you have children?

If you and your spouse share children, your divorce will almost inevitably become more challenging (and, consequently, more expensive) as you determine how to divide custody. Custody battles are often the most highly contested aspect of any divorce, and when spouses cannot agree on an issue, the overall cost inevitably goes up. 

Do you feel it will take a long time for you and your spouse to reach an agreement?

It probably goes without saying, but the attorney(s) you choose to represent you in the divorce process will significantly impact the overall cost. Some attorneys are much more expensive than others, and some are guided by significantly less integrity. When selecting which Lake of the Ozarks divorce attorney you would like to represent you, it is important to choose a trustworthy individual you can rely on to keep your best interests at heart. The longer your divorce takes, the more legal fees there will likely be.

Do you have many assets between the two of you?

The more property and assets you and your spouse accumulated during your marriage, the more work will be involved in dividing them between you. If you only shared the marital residence, dividing the property shouldn't be too challenging. However, if you own multiple properties, share lucrative investments, and have both your names on extensive retirement accounts, the process may become much more involved.

We're Here For You During This Tough Time!

Are you ready to move on with your life? If you're ready to start this transition, we urge you to seek the advice of an experienced divorce attorney. Divorce is not a decision that should be made lightly. To get a better idea of what you'd be getting into, call Gibbons Law Firm today at the phone number listed below. Be sure to follow us on our social media channels below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.

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 Tips To Keep In Mind When Starting Your Dream Business

Why spend time making someone else's dream come true when you could become a business owner and make your own dreams come true? Stop working the 9-5 job and take that BIG step and start your own business. Our business lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few tips to keep in mind when starting your dream business, in this week's blog. Call Gibbons Law Firm today at (573) 348-2211 for your free consultation.

3 Tips To Keep In Mind When Starting Your Dream Business

1. You can't keep enough records!

We can't say it enough - documentation is vital to the legal protection of your business. Whether it's a new employee being hired, contracts with customers, or outsourcing your marketing - keep good documentation of all agreements. This can help to protect you and your business, should a conflict arise. If you have everything documented well, you can easily prove your side via the paperwork you have on hand.

Many small business owners utilize friends and family, especially when getting started. While this can be of great benefit to the business owner, it's important to ensure you treat these employees just like everyone else. It's also vital to keep good documentation when letting an employee go. Document the reasoning and conversation that takes place, when firing an employee.

2. Make sure employees understand confidentiality!

Intellectual property is a BIG deal for any business but can have a devastating impact on a small business. Be sure you protect this property well. Consult legal assistance when it comes to safeguarding your intelligence. Trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and confidentiality are all examples of intellectual property. When hiring a new employee, be sure they are clear as to what information they are privileged to and what they are not allowed to disclose to others outside the business. This can help to keep your vital information safe and help you legally protect this property.

3. Update your contracts when necessary!

Once you have your legal contracts reviewed and ready to go, that's not the end of the road. On a regular basis try to have your business lawyer review these documents. With each year, you may need to make updates to your contracts in order to stay up with any loopholes that may come about. It's also important to update any dates or other information to ensure they are still relevant.

Ready To Start Your Dream Business?

Getting it started right and hiring an experienced business attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks can only benefit you! For more legal tips for business owners, call Gibbons Law Firm today. We can be reached at the phone number listed below. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest legal tips.

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 Tips On How To Divide Marital Property

You don't expect to have to divide your assets eventually with the person you chose to marry. Divorce isn't something you see coming. It's tough and can catch you by surprise. That being said, you CAN get through it. Our divorce lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you 3 tips on how to divide marital property, in this week's blog. If you have questions regarding divorce, please call Gibbons Law Firm today for your free consultation. Call (573) 348-2211.

3 Tips On How To Divide Marital Property

1. DO YOUR BEST TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT ON YOUR OWN.

If you and your spouse are not able to come to an agreement, the only alternative is to allow the Court to decide. The Court will divide your marital assets in an equitable (but not necessarily equal) manner. When determining how to divide the assets, the Court will consider a variety of different factors including both spouses' current income, both spouses' earning potential, and how each spouse handled their finances during the marriage. Based on these (and other) factors, the Court will determine an arrangement that will meet each spouse's needs in a way that is fair and equitable.

2. BE MINDFUL AND TREAT THIS LIKE A BUSINESS MEETING.

Your emotions are clearly running high. So take your emotions out of the equation and treat this like a business meeting. Be professional and fair. Generally, couples who are facing divorce have two primary options for dividing their property. They can either reach an agreement on their own, or they can let the Court decide. If you can reach a decision on your own, then this process can become much easier and shorter.

3. CREATE A PLAN THAT MEETS BOTH YOUR NEEDS.

If you and your spouse are able to be amicable and cooperative, designating your own plan for dividing assets may be an ideal solution. This is generally the most desirable option since it allows both you and your spouse to have complete control over the division of your property. You can work together to devise an agreement that will accommodate both of your needs.

Need Expert Legal Guidance To Get Through Your Divorce?

Divorce is an emotional time. As human beings, we don't always think clearly when our emotions are running high. You can really benefit from some expert advice from someone who can be legal guide throughout this tough time. That's us. Gibbons Law Firm has the expertise to get you through this. Give us a call at the phone number listed below for your free consultation today.

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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Divorce: What You Should Absolutely NOT Do

Is there really a RIGHT way to go about a divorce? No matter what divorce is emotionally painful, there's no doubting that. HOWEVER, there are a TON of wrong ways to go about the divorce process. Our divorce lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few pointers on how NOT to handle your divorce, in this week's blog. If you're struggling to get through your divorce and need the advice from an experienced divorce attorney in Lake Ozark, call Gibbons Law Firm today. We can be reached at 573-348-2211.

Divorce: What You Should Absolutely NOT Do

DO NOT:

GO INTO DEBT BY SPENDING MONEY WHEN YOU DON'T NEED TO BE.

Divorce can be an expensive time for the parties involved. You are typically going from two incomes down to supporting yourself (and your family) on your own. Any debt that is accrued while you are still married may be brought into the divorce process. Try to avoid racking up unnecessary debt while you are getting divorced.

LIE ABOUT ASSETS YOU HAVE.

Hiding assets is a bad idea. Once the lawyers/court/judge finds out about the asset, it is going to be involved in the division anyway. This can also make you look bad if you try to sneak away with unaccounted for assets. It's best to be upfront and honest during the entire divorce process.

BRING YOUR CHILDREN INTO THE DRAMA.

It's important to remember your divorce is between the two adults, not the kids. Try to limit talking about your split in front of the children, if you have any. This could end up driving a wedge between one parent and the kids. Try to stay as involved as possible in your kids' lives, as well. It can be a tough time for children as their parents split apart and they need as much love and support during this time as possible.

MAKE THINGS HARDER THAN THEY NEED TO BE BY FIGHTING.

While most divorces you hear about end up in a large dispute, it does not have to be that way. Matters can often be handled in a civil manner. This can actually help the process go much smoother and quicker. If both parties can decide on how to split property and time with kids (if there are children from the marriage), it does not have to be a drawn-out process.

You Can Get Through This!

Like we said, divorce is tough on anyone, we get that. That's why you deserve to have an experienced divorce attorney on your side throughout this difficult time. That's where we come in. Gibbons Law Firm can help you through this and make sure you are not being taken advantage of. Give us a call today at the number listed below.  You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements and legal tips.

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: Do You Have Everything YOU Need?

Estate planning can be a difficult process. No one likes thinking about their death and leaving their loved ones. However, estate planning properly can save your loved ones a world of stress during a time where they are already mourning you. Our estate planning lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you some pointers on what to do in this process, in this week's blog. Call today for your free consultation. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at 573-348-2211.

Estate Planning: Do You Have Everything YOU Need?

MAKE YOUR MEDICAL WISHES KNOWN AHEAD OF TIME

A living will or healthcare directive allows you to dictate in advance what type of medical care you do (or do not) wish to receive if something happens to you. This is becoming an increasingly popular and important document for individuals.

MAKE SURE YOUR POWER OF ATTORNEY IS SET.

This is a document that will give the person that you choose the authority to represent you. They can use this in legal, financial, or personal matters.

AVOID DISPUTES AMONG HEIRS BY HAVING A WILL.

This is generally going to be at the top of the list, no matter your age, position, job, marital status, or how many kids you have. If you have real estate, other property, minor children, or assets, you will need a will. If you think this covers pretty much everyone, you are right.

HAVE YOUR FINANCIAL INFORMATION READY TO GO WHEN YOU MEET YOUR LAWYER.

Any financial statements from your investments and bank accounts should be gathered as you plan your estate. A complete list of your assets is also helpful. Have a good idea of who you'd like to leave each asset with ahead of time. This can help cut down on the time and help get some of the emotional details out of the way.

UPDATE YOUR WILL WHEN NEEDED.

Anytime a major life change takes place, you will likely need to make updates to your estate plan. If your marital status changes - whether getting married or divorced - you should update your plan. The birth of a child is another reason you should update your estate plan. If your assets or income change drastically, it may be time to make changes, as well. The passing of a beneficiary will require a change to your plan to ensure you have all beneficiary information up to date.

Our Estate Planning Lawyers Are At Your Service!

All of us at Gibbons Law Firm are here to help you in this important process. We hope that you found this blog helpful. You're never going to want to sit down and start thinking about what happens when you die, but that doesn't make this process any less important. Make your wishes known before it's too late. We're here to help. Give us a call at the number listed below to schedule your free consultation. Follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.

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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Your Legal Guide Through A Tough Divorce

Divorce - no one sees it coming the day they get married and it's really tough to emotionally prepare for. That being said, our divorce lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a legal guide through a tough divorce, in this week's blog. If you or someone you know is looking to file for divorce and is seeking an experienced divorce lawyer in Lake Ozark, call Gibbons Law Firm today. We can be reached at 573-348-2211.

Your Legal Guide Through A Tough Divorce

DON'T TALK ABOUT YOUR DIVORCE IN FRONT OF YOUR KIDS.

Avoid discussing emotionally charged situations about your spouse or the divorce process in front of your child. There is no reason to involve your child in the drama of your divorce. At this point, it's best to keep the view of both parents positive. Try to steer clear of talking negatively about your spouse in front of your children.

GET A ROUTINE GOING FOR YOUR CHILDREN POST-DIVORCE.

While you may have had a good routine before your divorce, things around your home may have changed. Establishing a new routine can help provide stability for your children. This time is already difficult for them and a routine may be the thing they can consistently count on. Try to get you and your spouse on the same page about the routine. If possible, the routine should be consistent no matter which parent the child is staying with.

BE HONEST WITH YOUR KIDS.

Honesty is the best policy. When talking to your children about you and your spouse getting a divorce, have an open conversation about what is happening. While not every detail should be shared, let your child know that changes will be taking place and what the new arrangements will look like.

ALLOW YOUR KIDS TO VENT TO YOU.

Let your child know that it's okay to feel hurt or scared or sad or confused about this process. It can be a relief for your child if they know you are working through similar feelings. Encourage your kids to share their feelings throughout this process. It can be helpful for an uninvolved adult or therapist to be around for your child, as well.

SHOW YOUR CHILDREN YOU'RE THERE FOR THEM.

While your child is learning to deal with the new normal and cope with the changes, it's important to be there for them. Let them know how much you care and your spouse cares about them. Both parents should be offering this positive support about the situation. Your child's comfort and feelings should be a top priority.

Divorce: We're Ready To Help You!

We understand that this is a very emotional time in your life. No one sees it coming when they agree to marriage and it's tough. Gibbons Law is here to help you. Give us a call today and schedule your consultation. Your first one is free. Be sure to follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements. 

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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How To Know If A Prenup Is Necessary

Prenups or prenuptial agreements are not for everyone but they DO help some couples reach peace of mind. A prenuptial agreement comes into play if a couple divorces. It's an agreement that states who gets the premarital assets. No one wants to think about their marriage ending before it even starts. Unfortunately, 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. Our law firm in Lake Ozark is here to give you a few factors to consider in order to know whether or not a prenup is necessary, in this week's blog. Call Gibbons Law Firm today for your free consultation if you're considering a prenup. We can be reached at  573-348-2211.

How To Know If A Prenup Is Necessary

DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN FROM AN EARLIER MARRIAGE?

If you or your fiancé has children from a previous marriage or relationship, building a prenuptial agreement may be able to help you arrange for the future support of your children. You cannot establish rules for child support within a prenuptial agreement, but it can be used to identify which of your preexisting assets should go straight to your children in the event of your passing (rather than going to your spouse, for example). 

DO YOU MAKE MORE THAN YOUR FIANCE?

In some engaged couples, one individual may earn a significantly higher income than the other. In these instances, it may be wise to consider setting up a prenuptial agreement to specify how this income should be divided in the event of a divorce. Without a prenup, the lower-earning spouse may be able to take a significant portion of the higher-earning spouses's income in the form of alimony.

DOES YOUR FIANCE HAVE A TON OF DEBT?

If either you or your soon-to-be spouse is entering the relationship with a significant amount of debt, you may be prime candidates for a premarital agreement. Unless otherwise specified in such an agreement, you may be required to share the responsibility of the debt during your marriage or after a divorce. (The flip side of this also applies: it may be advantageous to establish a prenup if one of you has significantly greater assets - such as retirement accounts - prior to entering the marriage.)

Want To Know More About Prenups?

If so, you've come to the right place. Our experienced lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks have helped many clients establish their prenuptial agreements. We can be your guide throughout this process. If you've never been married before, this is new to you and may seem somewhat intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. We can help you map out what your prenup should look like and what it should cover, down to every last detail. This can be somewhat emotional because we're talking about what happens if you divorce. Having a guide to help you through this emotional process can be very beneficial. The hope is that you never have to look at this agreement again and that you stay married happily ever after, but if your marriage ends in divorce, at least you'll know what will happen. For more information, give us a call at the phone number listed below. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest tips.

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 To Hire A Sexual Harassment Lawyer For Your Business

Sexual harassment in the workplace - this is a tragic reality. It DOES happen and way too often. Many victims don't even report it! On average 87 to 94 percent of people who experience sexual harassment in the workplace DON'T file a complaint. (Source: Training) Just think of how high the turnover rate must be in those types of work environments! As an employer, it's important that you establish a SAFE work environment. Our attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few reasons to hire a sexual harassment lawyer for your business, in this week's blog. If you have sexual harassment at your work, give us a call today. Your first consultation is free. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211.

Reasons To Hire A Sexual Harassment Lawyer For Your Business

YOUR TURNOVER RATE COULD INCREASE DRAMATICALLY

If an employee is harassed at work, they may start to dislike their job and/or work environment. Many times harassment goes unreported, therefore the behavior does not change. This can create a hostile work environment which is damaging for employees. An employee may be more apt to leave the company if they are being sexually harassed while working. You can easily lose a hard worker if they are uncomfortable when they come to work.

THE POSITIVE WORK CULTURE YOU'VE CREATED CHANGES.

If a sexual harassment incident occurs, it can put a damper on the morale around your office. Employees may feel like the work environment isn't a safe place. This can lead to distracted workers, therefore a loss of productivity. A person who experiences a sexual harassment advance may let others know about the occurrence and the unsafe feeling may spread throughout your company.

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS.

Prompt action is required on behalf of the business owner or supervisor if you learn of a sexual harassment situation. It's important to have a conversation with all involved parties to set the tone for action that will be taken if the harassment continues. Ensure you have an open-door policy for employees to report inappropriate behavior in the workplace. If you do have an employee experience sexual harassment in the workplace, legal advice can help you work through the situation to better protect your business. 

Consult With An Experienced Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today!

Sexual harassment is something that should never be allowed! Not only is it clearly bad for morale but the emotional damage can last a lifetime. This is a very serious matter and should not be taken lightly. Now that you've heard a few reasons why it's so important to hire a sexual harassment attorney, give us a call if you have any questions about the process. To hire an attorney, you have to know sexual harassment is happening in the first place. This means the victim has to come forward and that can be incredibly difficult for some people. Make sure you create a safe work environment when employees can feel comfortable coming to you with something as delicate as this. For more information on sexual harassment and how to deal with it legally, give us a call at the phone number listed below. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.

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 Reasons You May Need To Change Your Will

Do you have a will? If not, our estate planning attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks sincerely encourage you to get one. Having a will can relieve so much stress for your loved ones during a time where they are already mourning you. A proper will can help prevent disputes among heirs and make the entire process just easier. That being said, once you have a will, it's important that you keep it updated over time. Keep reading this week's blog for 3 reasons you may need to change your will over time. If you have any questions about updating your will or you would like a professional to help you create your will in the first place, please give us a call today. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211. Know that your first consultation with us is FREE.

3 Reasons You May Need To Change Your Will

 

1. YOU GET DIVORCED AND NEED TO REMOVE YOUR EX FROM YOUR WILL.

Your will should state specifically who you wish to receive your belongings. An update should be made if your marital status changes. Whether you get married or divorced, this life change can have a big impact on your will.

 

2. ONCE YOUR KIDS ARE GROWN, YOU MAY WANT TO LEAVE YOUR ASSETS TO GRANDKIDS.

Once your kids enter into adulthood, you may want to make changes to your will. Many times individuals will set a guardian until the child has reached the age of eighteen. After your child reaches this age, they will be able to take care of themselves and do not need a legal guardian. Your will can be changed to take off guardianship of your kids after they are adults. You may also have your assets set to disperse differently after they have reached adulthood.

 

3. THE BENEFICIARY YOU NAMED HAS PASSED AWAY.

When a loved one passes away, your will may be the last thing on your mind. It's important to make a change in your will if someone who you have named as a beneficiary has passed away. You can always have these funds passed on to the individual's beneficiary.

Get Your Will Updated To Reflect Your Life Changes Today.

 

Gibbons Law Firm can help you! Our estate planning attorneys in Lake Ozark can look over your will and work with you to make sure it is fully updated. Letting things like this go unchecked can really be tragic if you pass away unexpectedly and your will isn't correct. You don't want the wrong beneficiary inheriting your assets and so on. Give us a call at the phone number listed below for your free consultation. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.

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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Why You May Need A Lawyer As A LandLord?

Many people who own second homes at the Lake of the Ozarks may choose to rent out to people vacationing in the area for the weekend. They may also choose to rent out their second homes to tenants on a long-term basis. It can be a GREAT investment. That being said, if you choose to do this, you should go about it the right way. Legally speaking, you can run into so many issues if you're not careful. There are a few MAJOR things an experienced lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you with if you're a landlord. 

Why You May Need A Lawyer As A LandLord?

Your tenant causes SIGNIFICANT damage to your property.

Most lease agreements state who should be responsible for maintenance and damage to the property. Typically, the owner is responsible for normal wear and tear and the tenant is responsible for any significant damage they cause. If the tenant does not repair the damage they cause, they may be responsible for paying for the damage to be repaired.

Your tenant gets hurt on your property.

A renter may get injured on your property and claim you should be responsible for the accident. This is a tough situation to be in and you should consult legal assistance as soon as you are accused. Getting a lawyer involved can help guide you as to how you should proceed and if you have a case or not. A way to avoid this situation is to help ensure your rental property is safe for your tenants before an issue arises.

You have to evict a tenant because they failed to pay rent.

It can be tough to evict a tenant. Even with a good reason, getting a renter out can be tricky. You have to give a certain length of time for a tenant to get their belongings out of your rental. If they are reluctant, it can be a long process. It's important to consult a lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks if you plan to evict a tenant. An experienced lawyer can help walk you through the process and let you know what rights you have as a landlord.

Your tenant is late making payments and you need legal assistance to get them to do so.

If you are struggling to get payment from your tenant, you may have to take legal action. Give your renter a reasonable length of time to make the payment. Try to work with them as to when they can pay you. If you make an effort to get the payment from the tenant, it shows that you are willing to negotiate and work with them. If you are past the point of working it out, a lawyer may need to be involved.

Ready To Become A Landlord?

If so, congratulations! This can be such a great investment for you and your family and we hope it works out for you. If you'd like to sit down with an experienced attorney in Lake Ozark that has dealt with many of these matters before, call Gibbons Law Firm today. We can be reached at (573) 348-2211. Your first consultation is free. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.

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 the Aspiring Business Owner

If you've decided to start your own business, congratulations! That's a huge step in life. No longer having a boss because YOU'RE the boss is a big deal. That being said, you don't want to go into this new venture blindly. There are many legal aspects you should keep top of mind as a business owner. Our business attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give a few legal tips for the aspiring business owner, in this week's blog. If you own a business and would like some legal advice from the experts, please call Gibbons Law Firm today. We can be reached at (573) 348-2211. Give us a call today for your consultation, the first one is FREE.

Legal Tips for the Aspiring Business Owner

PROTECT WHAT IS YOURS.

Intellectual property is a BIG deal for any business but can have a devastating impact on a small business. Be sure you protect this property well. Consult legal assistance when it comes to safeguarding your intelligence. Trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and confidentiality are all examples of intellectual property. When hiring a new employee, be sure they are clear as to what information they are privileged to and what they are not allowed to disclose to others outside the business. This can help to keep your vital information safe and help you legally protect this property.

STAY ON TOP OF NECESSARY CONTRACT UPDATES.

Once you have your legal contracts reviewed and ready to go, that's not the end of the road. On a regular basis try to have your business lawyer review these documents. With each year, you may need to make updates to your contracts in order to stay up with any loopholes that may come about. It's also important to update any dates or other information to ensure they are still relevant.

KEEP A RECORD OF EVERYTHING.

We can't say it enough - documentation is vital to the legal protection of your business. Whether it's a new employee being hired, contracts with customers, or outsourcing your marketing - keep good documentation of all agreements. This can help to protect you and your business, should a conflict arise. If you have everything documented well, you can easily prove your side via the paperwork you have on hand.

DOCUMENT THOROUGHLY WHEN YOU HAVE TO FIRE SOMEONE.

Many small business owners utilize friends and family, especially when getting started. While this can be of great benefit to the business owner, it's important to ensure you treat these employees just like everyone else. It's also vital to keep good documentation when letting an employee go. Document the reasoning and conversation that takes place, when firing an employee.

Legal Business Advice From An Expert Can Help You Tremendously!

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Have you ever heard that saying? It doesn't hurt to be prepared for any legal situation that could happen when owning a business. We hope you found these legal tips helpful. If you have any questions or would like to sit down with a legal expert at the Lake of the Ozarks and discuss your business over a consultation, please give us a call. We can be reached at the phone number listed below. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.

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

Follow us on...

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