The Dos and Don'ts of Estate Planning for Parents

Estate planning is essential in life, it's as simple as that. No one ever knows what's going to happen in life and there is no way of predicting the future. That being said, many don't have estate plans or wills for that matter. Our attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give parents the dos and don'ts of estate planning in this week's blog. If you're a parent, it is so important that you have an estate plan put together for the sake of your children. If you have questions on how to put an effective estate plan together, please call our estate planning attorneys in Lake Ozark today. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211.

The Dos and Don'ts of Estate Planning for Parents

DO...

Name a guardian you trust completely to care for your minor children in the unexpected event you pass away before they are of age.
The guardian you pick should be someone you feel the children are comfortable with and that is incredibly responsible. Understand that the guardian you name is the person who will care for your children and provide for them in the event you aren't physically able to anymore. This is an extremely important role and should not be taken lightly.

Consider purchasing a life insurance policy.
Many people may not consider life insurance because they don't understand it's true purpose. Keep in mind that life insurance can give you peace of mind, knowing your loved ones will be provided for financially in the event that you pass away. When searching for a life insurance policy be sure that it is for the proper amount your family would need. It needs to be a policy that works for YOUR needs and not the other way around.

DON'T...

Forget to update your beneficiaries as you experience life changes.
A good example of a life change that may give you a reason to change your beneficiary is you got remarried and still have your ex listed as a beneficiary. You may want to change that from your ex to your children or your current spouse, depending on what you feel. The point here is to just pay attention to what you put in your estate plan as times change because you never know what can happen.

Forget to store your important documents in a safe place.
If you pass away in an untimely fashion, your loved ones will likely be consumed with grief. Keeping that in mind, you could make things easier on them by storing your important documents, such as your will, funeral instructions, special requests, etc. - in a safe place that they can access if they need to.

Gibbons Law Firm is Here For Your Estate Planning Needs!

We hope you found these tips enlightening. Having an estate plan in place is so vital. It gives you the opportunity to make your wishes known at a time where you physically aren't able to. If you don't have an estate plan in place, we strongly urge you to call an experienced estate planning attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks today. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211 and your first consultation is free. We are committed to prompt communications with clients during engagements, consistently providing sound legal advice, answering questions, and guiding clients through difficult legal situations. Call today for more information.



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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Divorces, Annulments, & Legal Separations - What's The Difference?

Divorces, annulments, and legal separations - you have likely heard each of these terms before, but do you fully understand the differences between them? If you are experiencing problems in your marriage, it's important to know your legal options. Our divorce lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to explain the differences between divorces, annulments, and legal separations in this week's blog. If you have any questions about your legal options when it comes to ending your marriage, please do not hesitate to call our Missouri divorce lawyers today. Gibbons Law Firm is here for you. We can be reached at 573-348-2211.

Divorces, Annulments, & Legal Separations - What's The Difference?

Divorces
Divorce is technically defined as the legal dissolving of one's marriage. When a divorce takes place, many important tasks need to be taken care of. For example, if you have children, you will need to come up with a parenting plan and establish proper custody of your minor children. You might also have to handles matters pertaining to:

• Alimony - Court-ordered payments made to a spouse after divorce, otherwise known as spousal support.
• Property division
• Debt payment plans

Annulments
When an annulment occurs, the marriage is considered void, like it never happened. In order to get a marriage annulled, certain conditions must be met. Different states have different laws regarding this, but typically you must prove that it wasn't a valid marriage in the first place. For example, anyone of the following reasons may constitute grounds for an annulment:

• Someone forced you into getting married.
• You were mentally impaired by drugs or alcohol when you got married.
• The person you married was already married when you married them.
• The person you married was underage.

There are many reasons some people have sought to get annulments. If you have questions about annulments, the best thing to do is to ask an experienced attorney in your area.

Legal Separations
A couple may choose to separate when they're not ready to end the marriage in divorce yet. Separations don't always end in divorce, the couple may choose to reconcile.

The main point here is to recognize the different options before you if you are experiencing issues with your marriage. If you have legal questions, it's best to ask an experienced attorney you can count on. That's where Gibbons Law Firm comes in.

Our Lake of the Ozarks Family Lawyers Are Here For You!

Please realize that family law deals with issues arising from marriage and other domestic relationships. The cases give rise to matters that include divorce, legal separation, division of assets and liabilities, spousal support, child custody, child support, and other matters. Gibbons Law Firm assists clients with all types of family law cases. We are committed to providing the legal counseling and advice that clients need in such disputes. 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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Important Points To Consider When It Comes To Criminal Defense

Has someone close to you ever been accused of a crime?

Have you ever faced criminal charges yourself?

Have you ever been confused about how the legal system from criminal defense really works?

If you answered yes to any one of these questions, this is the blog for you. Our attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few important points to consider when it comes to criminal defense in this week's blog. If you are in need of legal advice, please do not hesitate to call our criminal defense attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks today. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211.

Important Points To Consider When It Comes To Criminal Defense

KNOW WHAT THE SEVERITY OF A FELONY CAN BE.
According to The Missouri criminal code, “A felony is an offense for which a person convicted may be sentenced to death or to imprisonment for a term which is in excess of one year.”

KNOW WHEN BAIL IS AN OPTION.
Bail money or other property that is deposited with the court is used to ensure that the person accused will return to court when they are required to do so. If the defendant returns to court as required, the bail will be returned at the end of the case, even if the defendant is convicted.

CALL YOUR LAWYER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
As soon as you become aware that the police are looking for or investigating you would be a good time to give your criminal defense lawyer a call. Also, if you believe that you may have committed a crime, that would be an opportune time as well. A lawyer can intervene with the police to either prevent an arrest or if you are going to be arrested, arrange for your surrender at a time and in a manner that can minimize embarrassment to you or your family.

GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST LEGAL REPRESENTATION YOU CAN, EVEN IF YOU'RE INNOCENT.
Innocent people can get accused of committing crimes as well as guilty ones. Also, in some cases, people who may have committed one crime can occasionally get accused (wrongfully) of committing additional and more serious crimes. Having a lawyer can help you develop a strategy for responding to the charge.

Get Your Legal Questions Answered!

All of us here at Gibbons Law Firm hope that you found this blog enlightening and helpful when it comes to understanding the world of criminal defense. Again if you have any legal questions regarding criminal defense, please do not hesitate to give our attorneys 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

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Safe Driving Tips for Motorcyclists

This is an uncertain time. The COVID-19 crisis has affected us all in some way, whether it has prevented you from seeing some of your loved ones and friends for an extended period of time, caused you to lose your job, or even worse, infected you with the illness. All of that being said, this "new normal" can be very overwhelming at times and we think it's important to think forward. We will all get through this together. Speaking of thinking forward, next month (May) is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Our personal injury attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give a few driving safety tips to motorcyclists. If you are a motorcyclist that has been injured in an auto accident, please call our Lake Ozark attorneys today. We can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211.

Safe Driving Tips for Motorcyclists 

BE ALERT AND ALWAYS DRIVE DEFENSIVELY WHILE ON A MOTORCYCLE.
When on a motorcycle you may be harder to see than a full-sized vehicle. Don't ever assume another driver can see you. Stay on the defense when riding your bike. Think about the blind spot on vehicles as you are passing or pulling out.

NEVER DRIVE A MOTORCYCLE WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE.
Like any motor vehicle, it's important to stay awake and drive sober. You want to ensure your reaction time is as short as possible when riding your bike. Alcohol or being tired can damper your ability to react to a situation on the road. Ensure you are in a safe condition to properly operate your bike.

ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET.
Protective clothing is important for all rides. It's a state law to wear a helmet in the state of Missouri. Sunglasses or other eyewear can help you see better, as well. Leather clothing can protect your skin from the harsh wind and other factors. Consider buying clothing with extra reflective features to help increase visibility to other drivers.

KNOW EVERYTHING YOU CAN ABOUT OPERATING A MOTORCYCLE BEFORE YOU DRIVE IT.
An educational course is readily available for motorcycle riders. It's important to be comfortable on your bike and know how to properly operate the vehicle. Sharpen your techniques and practice driving your motorcycle.

OBEY ALL OF THE TRAFFIC LAWS.
Pay attention to traffic laws that apply to all vehicles - motorcycles included. Stay within the speed limit and come to a complete stop at all intersections. Also, research local traffic laws before traveling out of the state.

Motorcyclists - Stay Safe Out On The Roads!

All of us here at Gibbons Law Firm hope that this blog finds you safe and healthy. In the spirit of the upcoming Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we hope that you found these safety tips helpful. Again, if you are injured in an accident, please give us a call for your free consultation. We can be reached at (573) 348-2211. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements. Be 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

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Tips for a CORDIAL Divorce

Divorce is always hard, but to divorce during this COVID-19 pandemic has got to be truly challenging for your emotions. No one ever plans to get divorced when they get married, it just happens. That being said, you shouldn't do anything to make matters worse for yourself during a divorce. Keep reading this week's blog for tips for a cordial divorce. Need an experienced divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks? Call our Lake Ozark Law Firm today. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211.

Tips for a CORDIAL Divorce

Vent in healthy ways.
There are many ways to vent without provoking your ex or involving the children. Try writing your feelings down in a private journal, calling a trusted friend that isn't involved, or just relieving your stress in healthy ways, such as:

• Jogging
• Going for a walk
• Yoga
• Exercise
• Gardening

...whatever your stress relief activity may be, do it, if you feel it will calm you down during this tough time.

Go into it with the shared goal: to get through this in the best way for your family.
No matter how this ends, if you have children, you and your ex will have to find a way to work together to do what's best for your family. Whether you are together or not, your children did not plan this, so do what's best for them and remain cordial and treat your co-parent with respect.

Don't speak inappropriately about your ex in front of the children.
This is the last thing you want to do. Your ex is also your child's parent. You should NEVER speak disrespectfully about their parent in front of them. Despite how you may feel about this person, you still have a child with them, so don't make matters worse for yourself and for your family by being rude and saying things that are uncalled for in front of your children.

Make time for yourself.
Again, divorce is tough and you can't let it consume you emotionally, so take some time to make sure you're ok. This is healthy. Whether you need to just read a book or exercise, do something to take your mind off of it on a regular basis for the sake of relieving some stress.

Our Divorce Lawyers Are Here For You!

Divorce should be taken seriously. However a divorce ends, can affect your family greatly. If you have questions about your divorce or just anxiety because you're not sure how everything is supposed to work, call one of our experienced divorce attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks today. You shouldn't go through this without all of the proper knowledge and we can help you with that. We can help you make sure you are prepared every step of the way. Call today for your free consultation. 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 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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