Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Keeping Your Legal Bases Covered for Your Business in 2018

Is your business legally prepared for the future? Take advantage of a fresh start as the new year rolls around and up your legal coverage for your business venture. Ensure your business has the proper paperwork in place, should a legal issue arise. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm can help make sure your bases are covered when it comes to legally protecting your business. Whether you are starting a new business in 2018 or want to improve your current business process, the time and effort put into protecting your venture will be well spent. Take a look below for some tips on what to look for when updating your business paperwork.


Choose Your Business Entity Wisely

If you plan to start a business in the new year, it’s the ideal time to get your legal needs squared away. To start, you will need to choose which type of business you plan to run. Different types of businesses offer more or less protection of your personal assets. A professional lawyer can help you determine which type of business would work best for you and your line of work. This is a major decision that needs to be made at the start of your business and a lawyer can help explain each option thoroughly.

Ensure Your Contracts are Updated

Have you been using the same set of contracts for a while now? It’s time for an update. As your business and the business world change, your contractual paperwork should follow suit. Minor updates can make a big difference in the protection of you and your business. Don’t get your business in a bind for lack of making updates. Simply contact your lawyer to review your current contracts and ask about any changes that should be made.

Review Procedures with Employees

No matter if you have two employees or two thousand, it’s important for everyone to be properly updated on company policies. Review policies with all of your employees on an annual basis to stay on a schedule. The first of the year is a good time to go over workplace harassment protocol and safety procedures. Any new procedures or new employee training should take place throughout the year, but the annual review of these policies is fitting for the first of the year.

The tasks listed above are very important for the legal protection of your business. If you have not yet solidified these tasks, now is the time to do it! For help with any of these protective barriers, Gibbons Law Firm is here for you. Our law firm near the Lake of the Ozarks can help with all of your legal business dealings. As your experienced business lawyer near Lake Ozark, MO, our law firm can help protect your business. Give us a call today to set up your free consultation. We look forward to helping protect your Lake of the Ozarks business in 2018!


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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Friday, December 15, 2017

Tips for Avoiding a Workers' Compensation Lawsuit

Workers' Compensation insurance can help protect your business' financial assets when a worker is injured on the job or due to a work-related task. While you may think this coverage can help protect you from all work injury claims, that is not always the case. There are extra precautions that can be taken to improve your protection from being involved in a lawsuit from a workers' compensation claim. As your Lake of the Ozarks attorney, I know how important it is to protect your business. Take a look below to find some extra ways you can help to prevent a work injury at your business.


Perform a Complete Training with New Employees

A complete and thorough new employee orientation should be performed with all new workers who join your team. Walk through your business and get all employees familiar with your property. Point out any dangerous areas in which the employee should avoid or any equipment that they are not authorized to use. After you've been on a tour of your property, clearly show each employee the ins and outs of their daily tasks. Will they be working in any dangerous areas or with equipment? Make sure to point those items out. Also, ensure your employees know how to use safety equipment and that these items are actually being used.

Remind Employees of Work Safety Annually

On a yearly basis, host a refresher course for workplace safety for your business. It's a good way to remind everyone of the potential dangers that are out there on a daily basis and helps to keep good safety tips top of mind. These training courses can help to remind your employees of safety precautions that should be followed on a daily basis.

Mark Dangerous Areas Clearly

If there are areas that are off-limits to certain employees, be sure these areas are clearly marked. In addition to marking off areas, verbally explain to all employees why this area is dangerous and off-limits. It's important for people to be aware of why they shouldn't be in a certain area, instead of just blocking it off.

Provide Safe Equipment for Employees

Ensure all equipment your employees use is safe. Whether it's a ladder, forklift, or other items, workers should be able to have equipment that works properly for them to help complete their job duties. Also, encourage an open relationship with all employees in which they feel comfortable letting you know about any hazards or dangers with the equipment that they use.

Don't Forget OSHA

The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers. The OSH Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards. It's important that you meet these standards in your workplace, not just for safety for your employees, but also to help you avoid a lawsuit. You will also need to have appropriate OSHA publications displayed in your workplace.

Are you ready to make these changes around your business? It's important to ensure your work environment is safe for all of your employees. These safety steps may not prevent a workers' compensation lawsuit, but it can help to reduce the chance that one will occur. If you do find your business in the middle of a workers' compensation lawsuit at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact Gibbons Law Firm right away. We can help evaluate your case and make legal recommendations for your business.

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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Tuesday, December 12, 2017

What You Legally Need to Start a Business

Starting a business is an exciting time filled with life changes and hard work. It's important to have your ducks in a row when it comes to the legality of your business. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is here for all of your small business needs. From starting a new venture to representing your business, there are a number of ways we can help you! If you are just getting started, take a look below to find some helpful tips on what you need to do as you open a new business near the Lake of the Ozarks.


Verify Your Business Name

Even if you think you have a unique business name, it is important to ensure no other business has rights to the name. You can also trademark your name to make sure no other business can use it if it is not already in use. This is likely the first step you will need to complete as you start up your new business.

Protect Your New Venture

Will your business be an LLC or corporation? If you are unsure which is the best option for your business, consult a legal professional for advice. Either way, it's important to know the pros and cons of each type of business protection that way you can help choose the right option for yourself. If you don't have this type of protection, you may open your personal assets up to being involved in your business.

Register for a Federal Tax ID Number

A Federal Tax Identification Number can help to identify your business as a separate entity. It's essentially a social security number for your business. This is another way to distinguish your business as a separate entity than yourself, adding another layer of protection to your individual assets.

Brush Up on Employee Law

Even if you don't plan on hiring many employees right away, it's important to know the ins and outs of employee law. From hiring paperwork to a wide range of documentation, you want to always protect yourself and your business by staying informed, when employees are involved. Do you have questions about this, contact your local business lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Obtain Business Permits

Business documents can vary depending on the location and type of business you are conducting. Ensure you have the proper permits for your area and field of work. Permits may need to be obtained on a federal, state, and local level, so don't forget to look into all of these requirements.

Keep Good Documentation

No matter what decisions are being made, ensure you have a good documenting and filing system for your business. It's important to be able to locate all important documents in a timely manner when needed. This can also help protect your business in a number of ways, should an issue arise.

Now that you've hopefully learned a little more about what is legally required to start a business, you're ready to get started! From the initial paperwork to employment documents, Gibbons Law Firm can assist your business in a number of ways, especially if you are just getting started. Contact us today to set up your first consultation, and remember - your first one is always free! We look forward to helping you grow your Lake of the Ozarks business!

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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Friday, December 8, 2017

Top Benefits of a Will

Some may argue that a will is one of the most important things you can do for your family. A will provides legal protection for your assets and your family. You can have a say in who receives what assets when you are gone by putting a will together now. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm knows how important it is to have your wishes lined out. Take a look below to find some of the top benefits of having a will in place.



1. Have Your Wishes Known

It's important that everyone involved knows exactly what your wishes for your estate are. This can help to avoid arguments amongst family members. It will offer comfort for your family to know exactly what your wishes are and to help carry them out. A will is an ideal place to document any of your wishes for when you pass.

2. Distribute Your Estate

When planning your will, you can designate who you want to take over specific assets. Whether it's your home, car, accounts, or family heirlooms, it's a great opportunity to distribute your belongings to your friends and family. A will can help ensure your wishes are being carried out and that your estate is going where you want and not just divied up.

3. Establish Care for Your Children

If you have children under the age of 18, you can designate guardianship to an individual or couple. This can help make sure your kids are being cared for by exactly who you wish to care for them. You can also leave specific instructions for any financial help you want to go along with the person who will care for your kids.

4. Appoint Executors of Your Will

While it may be a difficult choice, you can appoint someone to be in charge of distributing your assets. This is known as an executor or personal representative, and this individual will ensure that your will is known and that all items are distributed as you have wished. This person will also be in charge of paying off debt, bills, and other financial items that will need to take place.

5. Flexibility of Change

The beauty of a will is that it is a flexible document. Changes can be made over time as your wishes change. Whether you've had a major life change or you simply think someone else would be a better fit for a certain asset, you can make changes to your will, as you see fit.

Now that you know some of the benefits of a will, you are ready to take action. Give your family the gift of knowing what your wishes are when the time comes. It's a thoughtful way to take some of the burdens off of those closest to you. Contact Gibbons Law Firm today to establish a will so your wishes are known. We look forward to helping you put together your will at the 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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Friday, December 1, 2017

5 Mistakes To Avoid During a Custody Dispute

Divorce is an emotional and stressful season, especially if you have kids involved. You may be tempted to lash out in frustration, but it's important to stay calm and collected. Our divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you through the entire divorce process. From filing your paperwork to handling a custody dispute, our Lake Ozark law firm is here for all of your divorce needs. Gibbons Law Firm has provided some actions to avoid when going through a custody dispute below - take a look to find out more.



Mistake #1: Little Involvement in Your Child's Life

Especially if your family is going through a divorce, it's important to be there for your kids. No matter what they are involved in, show up and show support for your little one. They are going through this new transition, just like you are, and it's vital to be there for them. Whether it's little league or another school activity, make an effort to be involved in your child's life.

Mistake #2: Negative Comments Toward Your Spouse

During a divorce, you are likely not seeing eye to eye with your spouse. Don't let your children feel the negative effects of this. Keep your comments and feelings about your spouse to yourself or vent with another adult. It's inappropriate to force your feelings on your children - after all the other person you are talking about is their parent too!

Mistake #3: Turning to Drugs or Alcohol

It can be easy to turn to drugs or alcohol in order to cope with the new stress and changes in your life. If you would like your children to live with you, even partial custody, it's important to show that you can provide a stable place for them to live. Alcohol or drugs do not provide stability.

Mistake #4: Lacking Self Control 


Stay in control of your anger or aggression at all times. While the stress builds and the pressure of the looming divorce may be weighing down on you, you have to keep your composure. This can help show that you are a stable figure in your child's life and a good influence on them. Don't let a moment of weakness jeopardize your custody dispute.

Mistake #5: Failing to Provide a Stable Environment

A loving and stable environment can help your children grow and thrive. A divorce can throw a wrench in that, but it's important to work toward providing the best place possible for your children. A child needs consistent love and it's important to show that you are capable of providing that for your kids, especially during a child custody dispute.

Now that you've seen some behaviors to avoid during a custody battle, you're ready to continue on with the divorce process. A loving environment should be offered when referring to your children and it's important to show that you can provide that for your kids. If you find yourself in a custody dispute with your spouse, contact our Lake of the Ozarks divorce attorney today. Your initial consultation with us is always free!

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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