Monday, July 30, 2018

Things that Can Make a Divorce More Lengthy

A divorce is a tough time for anyone involved. Once you've decided to split ways with your spouse, you are likely ready to get the process rolling and over with as quickly as possible. That's what this week's blog is all about - things that can make a divorce drag out longer than necessary. As your experienced divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know what can slow down the divorce process. If you're looking to get through the process in a timely manner, avoid the below items, if possible.


Going Back & Forth A LOT

The back and forth of communication can tend to drag out a divorce. It takes time for lawyers to put the paperwork together and send to your spouse's attorney. If you have a lot of back and forth communications between you and your spouse's lawyers, it can make the divorce process take longer than needed.

Not Agreeing to Settlement Offers

Community property is a major debate when it comes to divorce. Deciding who gets the physical items accrued during your divorce can be tricky. This is a stage that can take a while to come to an agreement. If you're looking to speed things along, consider making a generous settlement offer of how your items should be dispersed.

Gathering Financial Documents

Getting financial statements together and organized can take some time. It can also take a load of time for you and your attorney to process through these documents. If you're looking to speed things along, request the minimum amount of financial documentation needed. This can help cut back on paperwork, therefore speeding the process along a bit.

Getting Pregnant

If you get pregnant while trying to get divorced, the process may take longer than anticipated. Even if you are pregnant with someone else's baby, this will put a damper on your divorce process. You can still work through the proceedings of a divorce while pregnant, but the finalization of your divorce will not be approved until the baby is born.

Now that you know what things can drag out a divorce, you know what to avoid as you get started with the divorce process. If you're thinking about filing for divorce, contact our Lake of the Ozarks divorce attorney. Our lawyer can help walk you through the filing process and let you know how to move forward. Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we know this can be a difficult time and we want to help you get through it as quickly as possible. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.

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...

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Estate Planning FAQ's

An estate plan is an important document that helps you decide how you would like your property distributed after you pass. This document can help relieve stress as your family handles your assets. This can also help ensure your property does not go to someone you don't intend to have it. Control your assets by setting up an estate plan. Our lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help you navigate this emotional process of establishing your estate plan. As you work to get your plan in place, you may have a few questions about the process. Take a look below to find the answers to frequently asked questions about estate planning.


FAQ #1: What do I need to prepare an estate plan?

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.

FAQ #2: What can I do for my minor children?

If you have beneficiaries who are minors or young adults, you can line out a distribution of the trust. This can help reduce the chance of a young heir getting carried away with a large amount of money or assets. You can dictate how you would like your money to be dispursed to your underage child.

FAQ #3: When should I make a change to an estate plan?

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.

FAQ #4: How much does it cost to establish an estate plan?

Each situation is unique and your estate plan requirement may differ from someone else. It's not a one-size fits all task. Contact our Lake of the Ozarks attorney to get an estimate for your estate planning process.

Now that you know the answers to common questions regarding estate plans, you're ready to move forward with finalizing your documentation. If you have further questions about the process, feel free to contact our Lake of the Ozarks lawyer today. Gibbons Law Firm can help you set up the right documentation for your estate plan. It's a great way to relieve a heavy burden on your children and make these decisions ahead of time! As your Lake of the Ozarks lawyer, we look forward to helping you set up your estate plan.

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...

Thursday, July 19, 2018

5 Ways to Make Divorce Easier On Your Kids

Divorce is a trying time for everyone involved, especially children. Kids are dealing with their own feelings as they watch their parents split up. It's important to take into account how your children are coping with the new changes in their life. As your experienced lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know how difficult this time can be for your kids. Gibbons Law Firm is here for you, through the entire divorce and custody process. As your child adjusts to the new normal, take into consideration these tips for ways to make divorce easier for your kids.


Have Open Conversations 

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.

Encourage Sharing of Feelings

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.

Offer Positive Support

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.

Don't Discuss Issues

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.

Establish a Routine

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.

This is a hard time for everyone involved, especially your children. As your divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, we want to make this difficult process as easy as possible. With the above tips, you can now feel confident as you offer support for your child who is also going through a hard time. If you are getting ready to file for divorce, contact Gibbons Law Firm. Your first 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...

Friday, July 13, 2018

5 Legal Tips for Starting a Small Business

Starting a business is a big decision. You will likely dedicate your own time and money into your new venture. If you are passionate about your line of work, owning a business can be beneficial. While it takes a lot of work, you can reap the benefits of having a business. It's important to have your legal requirements in order as you start your small business. As your experienced lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, our firm can help ensure you are legally set to begin your venture! Take a look below for the first steps you should take as you start your business at the Lake of the Ozarks.


1) Protect the Company

As you start up your small business, you will need to decide what kind of incorporation will be needed. An LLC or Inc. can help protect you (the business owner) from being involved if the business has an issue. This helps to distinguish between the business and the owner as two separate entities.

2) Establish an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is a document in which you outline the rights, responsibility, and contributions of the business owners. It also describes how the business will run. This important documentation can help save the business down the road from a number of potential issues.

3) Prepare all Contracts

From contracts with customers to employees to vendors, there are a number of agreements you will make with people who help you run your business. It's important to have a legal professional review all contracts and other agreements before you (or the other party) signs. This can help ensure both parties are protected as they should be in the agreement.

4) Register Your Business & Get License

A business license is required for a business to operate. Whether it's from the city, county, and/or state, it's important to have the right licenses in place as you start up your business. It can also be helpful to register your business name and get your logo trademarked. This can help ensure no other business can legally use your name and/or logo in the future.

5) Seek Legal Advice

To protect yourself as you start up your business, it's important to have a business lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks on your side. An experienced legal professional can be your source of advice when it comes to laws and other legal documents required for your business.

Now that you know what documents and decisions are needed, you can feel confident as you start your own business. If you're in need of legal advice through this important step, contact Gibbons Law Firm today!  We can help ensure you have the right documentation to protect your new business and get started on the right foot. As you get started, your initial consultation with our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is 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...

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Interesting Facts About 4th of July

Independence Day is the day we celebrate the United States of America gaining its independence from Great Britain. There are a number of ways to commemorate this special event in history. Parades, bbq's, and fireworks are among popular ways to celebrate the 4th of July. As you gear up for your celebrations, Gibbons Law Firm thought it might be fun to learn a little more about this holiday we enjoy celebrating each summer. Take a look below for some interesting facts about the 4th of July!


Interesting Facts About Independence Day:


Fun Fact #1: Only TWO of the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July.

Fun Fact #2: Independence Day became an official federal holiday in 1870. It became a paid holiday in 1938.

Fun Fact #3: This holiday celebrates not only the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it also commemorates the adoption of the Declaration!

Fun Fact #4: Many other countries have used the Declaration of Independence as an example in their own pursuit of freedom.

Fun Fact #5: The youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence was 27 (Thomas Lynch, JR) and the eldest was 70 (Benjamin Franklin).

Fun Fact #6: Harvard was the school seven of the Declaration signers attended.

Fun Fact #7: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were the only two signers who later become Presidents of the United States.

Fun Fact #8: Philadelphia was the home to the first 4th of July celebration in 1776.

Fun Fact #9: In 1801 the White House held its first Independence Day Parade.

Fun Fact #10: Three United States Presidents have passed away on the 4th of July - John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, & James Monroe.

Fun Fact #11: There were 2.5 million people living in the United States in 1776. Now there are about 325 million.

Fun Fact # 12: About 150 million hot dogs and 700 million pounds of chicken are consumed on the 4th of July.

Fun Fact #13: The Liberty Bell in Philadephia is tapped thirteen times every Independence Day, in honor of the original 13 colonies.

Fun Fact #14: 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence.

Fun Fact #15: During World War II, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were taken to Fort Knox to be kept out of harms way.

Now that you know some unique facts about Independence Day, you can share these new-found facts with your friends and family as you get together to celebrate.

While getting together with friends and family is a fun way to celebrate, it often involves drinking. If you do partake in an adult beverage, drink responsibly. If you happen to celebrate a little too much and get pulled over for drinking and driving, you may need a lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks on your side. Legal representation is helpful as you navigate your DWI case. Contact our Lake of the Ozarks lawyer - your first 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...