Child Custody Tips for The Holiday Season

The holiday season is approaching quickly. As a parent, this holiday can be hard no matter what, but when you're divorced, unneeded drama can make this holiday incredibly stressful in a way that it doesn't need to be. Our experienced lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few child custody tips for the holiday season. If you are in the middle of a tough custody battle, please do not hesitate to give our experienced child custody lawyers in Lake Ozark a call today for your free consultation. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211.

Child Custody Tips for The Holiday Season

Share the holiday with your ex.
Do yourself a favor and make planning these holiday parties about your kids. If your kids want to see both of their parents this holiday season and your ex wants to see them too, then just plan two for Christmas, one with you and one with your ex. You can do a Christmas brunch with your kids and allow your ex to have Christmas dinner with them or vice versa.

Get your holiday event priorities in order.
Know ahead of time before you talk to your ex, what events are a MUST-ATTEND with your children. For example, if you have an event such as an annual party your kids attend in the neighborhood you currently live in, mention that before you start to schedule out a holiday week with your ex.

Know yourself and how to control emotional reactions properly.
If you know your ex will likely text you about the holiday plans in a negative way and that it's going to trigger you to react dramatically - make a rule for yourself, something like, no responding right away and that you must take at least three hours to calm yourself before you communicate back in a respectful way. Just because your ex is being disrespectful, doesn't mean you have to be. Set a good example for your kids and take the high road.

Talk to your children.
If your children are old enough to think for themselves and have an opinion on what Christmas should like for them, get their take on it. They may even have valuable insight that can help make your planning process easier.

Get an experienced child custody attorney in Mid-MO involved if needed.
If all else fails after trying to communicate with your ex fairly and settle all issues yourself, call an experienced attorney for advice and the legal help you deserve.

Happy Holidays From Gibbons Law Firm!

No one wants to have trouble with their child custody agreement around the holidays. The legal aspects of child custody can be highly complex and highly sensitive and emotional because of the personal nature of the disputes. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney has the ability to:

• Listen and counsel clients
• Investigate and negotiate cases
• Defuse conflict

..and when needed can litigate a case. It is important to the successful outcome of a family law case, to have an experienced attorney on your side you can trust. Give us a call today for your free 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

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Helpful Tips for PARENTS Getting Divorced

Your little ones may not understand fully what's going on when it comes to your divorce. As a parent, you may feel guilty, but keep in mind that many have been through this and have found a way to still stay a family. Our divorce lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give a few helpful tips for parents getting divorced in this week's blog. If you are in need of an experienced divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact Gibbons Law Firm for a free consultation. We can be reached at 573-348-2211.

Helpful Tips for PARENTS Getting Divorced

Control your anger in a healthy way.
It's important that you keep your temper about the divorce in check, especially around your children. You can use healthy ways of channeling your anger that still allow you to express yourself without alarming your children, such as journaling. Writing your feelings down can really help.

Assure your children they are in no way the blame for this divorce.
Children may not understand the whole situation fully. It can be common for children to blame themselves for their parents getting divorced. In their eyes, they have to be the cause and they feel responsible. As their parents, assure them that this is not their fault and that you and your co-parent still love them very much. Make them feel supported and that everything will be ok.

Refrain speaking badly about your ex in front of your children.
Speaking poorly about your ex in front of your child is one of the worst things you can do. You've got to show your kids that while you are getting divorced you can still work together to be the best parents you can be and the parents they deserve.

Communicate with your ex directly.
Don't ask your kids to carry messages back and forth between your ex, that can't be healthy for them and things can get lost in translation. Communicate with your ex fairly and effectively. If you have children with your ex, that's a commitment that should last for your kids whether you get divorced or not.

Allow your child to be heard.
As a child, when your parents get divorced it can feel like your whole world is changing. As a parent, be understanding of that and if your child has questions, hear them out and answer them. Let your child express their feelings and just be supportive.

Seek an Experienced Divorce Lawyer in Your Area for Expert Legal Advice!

Gibbons Law Firm assists clients with all matters related to divorce, from simple legal advice to more. We are committed to providing legal counseling and advice that clients need in such cases. Find out more about how we can assist you by contacting our Firm and making an appointment today for your free consultation. You should know, we serve the entire Lake of the Ozarks area, including: Osage Beach, Lake Ozark, Camdenton, Macks Creek, Richland, Linn Creek, Greenview, Sunrise Beach, Climax Springs, Edwards, Montreal, Eldon, Brumley, Tuscumbia, Laurie, Ivy Bend, Gravois Mills, Stover, Versailles, Syracuse, and St. Elizabeth. Remember, we can be reached at (573) 348-2211.


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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Safe Driving During the Holiday Season

We are just at the beginning of the winter season and knee-deep in the holiday season. Personal injury law applies to claims that arise when a person has sustained injury or damage caused by another party. The cases range from those involving a motor vehicle and boating accidents, business torts, defective products, premises liability, sexual harassment and discrimination, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death.

At Gibbons Law Firm, we know that safe driving can make a huge difference in avoiding unnecessary accidents. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you spend time out on the open road during the holidays and winter months.

Make Room
There will be more drivers on the road during this time of year, so it’s especially important to give them plenty of space on the road. The faster your car is traveling, the longer it will take for you to slow down, stop, or turn. Avoid tailgating the cars in front of you, and stay alert for nearby drivers who may be turning or merging.

Don’t Drive Intoxicated
Drinking and driving is an obvious hazard. There are warning signs posted all around, organizations make it their primary goal to educate as many people as possible to the dangers, and police officers work many hours to keep intoxicated drivers off of our roads. Alcohol impairment still accounts for about one-third of the traffic deaths in the United States, and 1.8% of adults in Missouri report driving after drinking too much (source: CDC). Don’t be a part of the statistic, find a designated driver and do not drink and drive.

Put Your Phone Down
Texting and driving has been established as a dangerous practice, but that doesn’t keep drivers from continuing to do it. There is an alarming number of drivers who cannot resist the temptation to check their phones, send a quick message, and endanger themselves and the other drivers around them. Ask a passenger to send the message for you, or wait until you have arrived at your destination.

Get Rest
Tired drivers will put themselves and those around them at great risk. Sleep-deprived drivers can be just as likely, if not more likely, than drunk drivers to be in an accident. In fact, some argue that drowsy driving can bee even more risky than distracted driving. If you know a road trip is coming up, be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before.

Before You Hit the Road
Sometimes freak accidents can be avoided by a little preparation ahead of time. Here are a few things you can do before you hit the road to make sure your car is ready for the adventure.

• Check your tire pressure
• Check your fluid levels
• Have your car looked at by a professional

Count on Gibbons Law Firm for Personal Injury Cases at the Lake of the Ozarks

Our entire team wishes you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday season. If you will be out on the road visiting family or friends, we hope that you enjoy your celebrations and arrive safely. If, however, you suffer an injury at the hands of another driver, our personal injury lawyer in Lake Ozark, MO is ready to defend your rights and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.


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 Part in a Personal Injury Suit

A personal injury case is when you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. In many of these cases, you may be able to seek financial compensation for the injuries that you received, expenses, and associated pain and suffering from the assistance of a Lake of the Ozarks personal injury lawyer. Gibbons Law Firm would be honored to be your legal team, and it will be our job to defend your rights and fight for you to receive the maximum compensation that you deserve. Of course, as the client, there are several actions you must take as well. Here are a few things that will be important as you navigate a personal injury case.

Keep Communication Open
One of the most important things you can do while working through your personal injury case is to communicate with your attorney. You will want to communicate frequently and promptly, as many aspects of your case will be time-sensitive. This may not seem like a big deal, but when you return the calls from your attorney, even several days later, it could negatively impact your case and chances of compensation. Position yourself for success in your case by returning communication quickly.

Be Honest
This may seem like standard procedure, but being completely honest about your case is imperative. If you want to have the highest chance of winning your case, we must know everything about it. Avoid angling your story to improve your chances of victory. After you have explained the entire situation, we can work together to formulate a strategy for going forward.

Visit A Medical Practitioner
Did you sustain serious injuries in regards to your personal injury case? You must take the time to get the care that you need. Your health and physical well-being are of the most importance. Getting the medical attention you need will not only provide proof of your injuries, but it will also position you to getting better, and then dedicating important time and attention to your case.

Follow Up On Medical Expenses
The goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to make provide a way to get financial compensation to help cover your medical bills. However, being in the middle of a personal injury suit does not free you from the responsibility of paying your medical bills in the meantime. If your case is won, you will be compensated, but you still need to stay on top of them yourself.

Contact Gibbons Law Firm For Personal Injury Representation

If you have been injured through no fault of your own and are looking for financial representation, schedule your free initial consultation with our personal injury attorney in Osage Beach MO. We have experience representing a wide variety of personal injury cases, including car accidents, boating accidents, work-related injuries, premises liability cases, wrongful death, defective products, and more.

For more information about our personal injury services at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website or call our firm at (573) 348-2211. We look forward to serving you.


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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