Items To Keep Out Of Your Will

As we all know, you can't predict the future. There is no debating that. With that in mind, if you don't already have an estate plan in place, our Lake of the Ozarks Law Firm strongly encourages you to do so as soon as possible. An estate plan allows you to have your wishes met at a time where you can't speak for yourself. For help getting your estate plan put together, call our attorneys in Lake Ozark today. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211. In the meantime, keep reading this week's blog for items to keep out of your will.

Items To Keep Out Of Your Will 

You can't leave money to your pets.
Many people consider their pets their family. That's completely understandable. While you can't legally leave money to your pets, you CAN name someone to care for your pets upon your passing and leave the money to them to use on your pets.

You can't leave retirement money in your will.
The funds you save in your retirement accounts, such as your IRA or 401K, must go to the designated beneficiary. Therefore, you can't try and split the funds between the beneficiary and someone else in your will.

You can't leave money for illegal reasons.
For example, if you're only leaving your cousin money with the condition that they must use it to buy drugs for themself, that can't be done.

Don't put funeral instructions in your will.
Upon your death, your family is likely going through all kinds of grief and thinking to look in your will for funeral instructions is probably the last thing on their minds. Make it known before you pass away, if possible, where you are leaving your funeral instructions and do so in a safe place, such as a home vault or a safe deposit box. Proper organization can help your loved ones in this time of great tragedy.

If you have a disabled loved one that you care for, don't arrange for someone to care for them in your will.
There are right ways of leaving care for a disabled person upon your passing and a will is not the correct place to do that. Ask your estate planning attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks about trusts or other options that may be more appropriate.

Estate Planning Lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks

All of us here at Gibbons Law Firm hope you are as safe as you can be during this insane time in history. Take the proper precautions and protect yourself and your family. We are available via phone calls if you have any questions related to legal matters. If you would like to get your estate plan put together or if you just have questions about your current estate plan, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211. Follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on all of our latest announcements. Stay safe everyone!


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...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Boating Safety Tips for Your Fishing Trip

Many of you may be getting your fishing boat ready for the spring around this time! With all of the stress stirring around this coronavirus pandemic, peace can be found while fishing on the great Lake of the Ozarks. Please keep in mind that accidents can still happen. Our boat accident lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few boating safety tips for your next fishing trip. If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident at the Lake of the Ozarks, please call Gibbons Law Firm today for your free consultation. We can be reached at (573) 348-2211.

Boating Safety Tips for Your Fishing Trip

Focus on boating and avoid distractions, like:

• Consuming alcohol
• Eating while boating
• Turning to talk to someone while navigating the boat

Keep updated on the weather forecast for the day.

Don't take your boat out if you know there's a storm coming. It's Missouri and you honestly never know what the weather is going to do. You're putting yourself and others who may be on the boat with you at risk by deliberately taking your boat out knowing bad weather is coming. It's not worth the risk.

Keep enough lifejackets on board for everyone.
Not only is this a safe habit to get into but it's required by law. They have to be easy to get to in case of emergency as well.

Be sure to watch for swimmers and other boat traffic.
Pay attention to the water. The Lake of the Ozarks is known as a recreational Lake, meaning many like to swim, obviously when it's warmer, and many like to fish.

Be Safe on Your Fishing Trips at the Lake!

All of us here at Gibbons Law Firm hope you found this blog enlightening and helpful. With many of today's sports being canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak, fishing is still around to be enjoyed. Again, fishing boat accidents do happen, unfortunately. Many can be prevented just by following a few simple boat safety rules.

You should know that 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 motor vehicle and boating accidents, business torts, defective products, premises liability, sexual harassment and discrimination, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death. If it is proven that another party’s wrongful conduct caused injury or damage, the injured person may be entitled to monetary compensation from the other party. Gibbons Law Firm generally represents such clients on a contingency fee basis and receives compensation only when the case is resolved.

If you find yourself needing a personal injury lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, please give us a call 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 as go through this time of uncertainty.


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...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

3 Future Ramifications a Criminal Conviction Can Cause

Our criminal defense lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are very aware of what the future can hold for those who have a criminal conviction on their record. We feel it's important that you know in what specific ways a criminal conviction can affect your future. Keep reading this week's blog for possible future ramifications a criminal conviction can cause. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is committed to providing clients with criminal defense services that will ensure their rights are protected and they are treated fairly. For a free consultation, call Gibbons Law Firm today at (573) 348-2211.

3 Future Ramifications a Criminal Conviction Can Cause

A Criminal Conviction On Your Record May...

1. Make renting or buying a home very difficult.
You should know that many landlords run background checks on their tenants and are less likely to accept a renter who has a criminal history. It can be hard to find a place to rent when you have a record. Buying a home can also be a struggle. A mortgage lender will need to see a reliable income in order to secure a home loan. This can be hard to prove, especially if you are having issues landing a job due to your criminal record.

2. Make finding the right job extremely challenging.
Realize that many applications will require you to disclose your criminal record. This may lead to difficulties in landing a job. Often times, someone with a criminal history does not get a job or even a call for an interview.

• Employers will typically run a background check on potential employees. 
• It's best to be honest about your history, even though it can be a tough subject to discuss with a future employer. 
• Trust is an important part of hiring someone and you can start to establish trust if you are upfront about your past.

3. Make getting a college degree almost impossible.
Know that if you are considering continuing your education, it may be difficult to get accepted to a college.

• Many educational facilities will run a background check on their potential students. 
• This may have a negative impact on your search for further education.
• Just like with an employer, it's best to let the admissions office know about your criminal history upfront. This can help you get ahead of the hurdles versus letting it come up as a surprise.

Gibbons Law Firm Is Here For All Your Criminal Defense Legal Needs.

All of us here at our law firm in Lake Ozark hope you found this blog enlightening and that it makes you really think about the number of ways a criminal conviction can really affect your future. It is so important that you get an experienced criminal defense attorney in Missouri on your side if you find yourself in this unfortunate type of situation. Gibbons Law Firm represents clients in all types of felony and misdemeanor cases. Roger Gibbons has successfully tried hundreds of criminal cases of all types. To learn more and to have your first consultation, which is free, give us a call today. 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

Follow us on...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

3 Estate Planning Tips for New Parents

Congratulations on your new baby! We wish you the best as you welcome your new little one into the family. Our estate planning lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks would like to give you a few tips for putting together a great estate plan that reflects your new little bundle of joy, in this week's blog. This is an important document you should have drawn up as soon as possible. Gibbons Law Firm can help you with this vital process. Call our Lake of the Ozarks law firm today at (573) 348-2211.

3 Estate Planning Tips for New Parents

Designating a Guardian

1. Designate a guardian you can trust.
Guardian is the term used to describe the person you designate in your will to care for your minor children in the unfortunate event you pass away before they are of age. This should be someone you trust more than anyone else as they will be the provider and legal guardian for your children.

2. Keep in mind that the guardian you name will likely be responsible for your child's money.
Until your child reaches the age of 18, whoever you name as their guardian will likely be in charge of the child's financial assets.

3. Keep your child from going into the foster system.
Designating a guardian means you HAVE THE SAY in who cares for your children at a time you are not physically able to. If you haven't named a guardian for your children and you don't really have a next of kin, there's a possibility they could end up in the foster system. If you have more than one child, there likely is no guarantee they would end up in the same home. Prevent this and name a guardian in your will.

Allow The Experts To Help You With Your Estate Plan!

Gibbons Law Firm can make sure there are no unknowns with your estate planning process. Get your legal questions answered by our experienced estate planning attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks. We offer free consultations and you should never go into this process being unsure of how something works. Gibbons Law Firm is committed to prompt communications with clients during engagements, consistently providing sound legal advice, answering questions, and guiding clients through difficult legal situations. As an experienced lawyer and litigator, Roger Gibbons’ clients benefit from legal advice that is well-balanced and based on comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the law in many areas. We invite you to contact our firm to set up an appointment to meet with us about any estate planning questions or issues that you may have. We will listen to your concerns and give you straightforward and honest advice. Call (573) 348-2211 today. You can also learn more about the legal services we provide by visiting our website at www.GibbonsLawFirm.com. Follow 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...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter