Thursday, February 25, 2021

Why Don't You Have A Will Yet?

Why don't you have a will yet? Have you ever been asked that question before? If so, keep in mind that this is a very valid question because a will is definitely something every adult should have. A will is a document that states your wishes regarding who your assets should be passed down to upon your death. You likely have items that mean something to you, whether they are sentimental in value or just very expensive items. Either way, having a will is important and our estate planning attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to tell you why.




Important Reasons To Have A Will


A WILL CAN BE CHANGED OVER TIME, JUST LIKE YOUR LIFE.

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.


THIS DOCUMENT SPEAKS FOR YOU WHEN YOU NO LONGER CAN.

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.


MAKE SURE THE RIGHT PEOPLE ARE BEING GIFTED 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 divvied up.


MAKE SURE YOUR CHILDREN ARE PROPERLY CARED FOR.

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.



Make The Right Decision and Get a Will Today!

Gibbons Law Firm can help you with this. Clearly, you don't have to have a lawyer to have a will BUT it is strongly encouraged. Why? An experienced estate planning attorney in Lake Ozark can make sure every important piece that should be covered IS covered. That is the whole point of having a will, to make sure ALL your wishes are known when you can no longer physically speak for yourself. Give us a call today for your free consultation. We can be reached at the phone number listed below. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest legal tips and 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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Friday, February 19, 2021

What Are You Doing To Keep Your Business Legally Safe?

If you finally own your own business, first of all, congratulations! Our business lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks understand how hard that is to accomplish. Now that you've made that enormous leap, what are you doing to keep your business legally safe? That's where our Lake Ozark business attorneys come in. Keep reading this week's blog for a few tips to do just that. If you have any questions on this matter, please give us a call. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at 573-348-2211


What Are You Doing To Keep Your Business Legally Safe?


ORGANIZE YOUR MONEY.

As a business, there are a number of occasions in which your books may be audited. It's best to keep your business and personal accounts separate from one another. You may open your personal accounts up to being considered part of your business funding if the accounts have been co-mingled at some point.

GET SOMEONE OUTSIDE THE COMPANY TO REVIEW YOUR ACCOUNTING NEEDS.

Many small businesses have one internal employee help with accounting. While this is a great solution to have someone on staff, it's also best to have an external person or company review your books on a regular basis. Embezzlement is a common crime and can have a detrimental impact on a small business.

BE STRATEGIC WHEN CHOOSING YOUR BUSINESS TYPE.

Deciding which type of business is right for your unique situation is important. Whether it's a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, or LLC, you can decide on a level of protection with your business type. A legal professional will be able to advise you on which business type is the best option for your venture.

WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN.

You can't over-document when it comes to your business. The more you have in writing, the better. If an external person would need to go through your paperwork for any legal reason, it's best to have more than needed. Documenting any and all business activity can help protect your business!

HAVE A STRONG ESTATE PLAN.

As you start a business, you likely aren't thinking about the end of your business. You should be. Whether you are a sole proprietor or have partners in your business, make an exit plan from the start. This can help you make decisions ahead of time and prepare for the exit of yourself or your partner. A plan can be especially helpful if there is a sudden need to end the business or partnership.


Let's Get Your Business Started In The Right Direction Together!

We understand that your business means everything to you! So, with that in mind, why wouldn't you hire and EXPERIENCED business attorney in Mid-Missouri to make sure you are legally protected in every way possible? Call Gibbons Law Firm today. We can be reached at the phone number listed below. Your first consultation is free. You can also 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

Follow us on...

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Boat Safely at the 2021 Spring Big Bass Bash at the Lake of the Ozarks

Are you dreaming of fishing? Tired of being trapped in the house with this cold weather? Perhaps, you are thinking of fishing in the 2021 Spring Big Bass Bash at the Lake of the Ozarks? If so, our personal injury attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few boating safety tips for the fishing tournament in this week's blog. Boat safely while you're out on the Lake of the Ozarks because you never know when an accident may happen. Believe it or not, a boating accident can still happen even while boats travel at slower speeds. If you or someone you know and care about has been injured by a negligent boater, please give us a call today. Our personal injury lawyers in Lake Ozark are here for you! Call 573-348-2211 for your free consultation and get your questions answered by a legal expert you can count on. Gibbons Law Firm, put our 20+ years of legal experience to work for you!

Photo Credit: Fun Lake MO


Boat Safely at the 2021 Spring Big Bass Bash at the Lake of the Ozarks 


Here is the specific information regarding the event:

Source: https://www.funlake.com/big-bass-bash

Spring Big Bass Bash

Apr 17, 2021 - Apr 18, 2021

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

5400 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach MO 65065

Phone: 314-591-4578

GET DIRECTIONS 

Email: info@midwestfishtournaments.com

Website: https://midwestfishtournaments.com/event-info-bbb/event-info-bbb-loz-spring/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anglersinaction/

Hours of Operation: 6:30 am to 3:00 pm Each Day

Event Description: 

  • The Big Bass Bash is a bass tournament designed for amateurs only. Its unique format allows the weekend angler a chance to win big money like the professionals.
  • Unlike most fishing tournaments which have a team arrangement where prizes are based on total weight, the Big Bass Bash format is distinctive in that it only takes one fisherman just one big bass to win.
  • The prize money for the Spring Big Bass Bash will total over $250,000 payouts with $100,000 to the winner.
  • This could be your chance to win big money!!
  • Anglers can launch from anywhere on Lake of the Ozarks. The Big Bass Bash will have four weigh-in stations to accommodate the anglers: PB2 (Grand Glaize State Park), Red Oak Resort, Alhonna Resort, & Point Randall Resort.


Boating Safety Tips 

1. Keep life jackets on board.

2. Have a first aid kit on board, you never know when you may need it.

3. Make sure you check the weather before you head out. 

4. Make sure you check your boat for fumes.

5. Doesn't hurt to get your boat checked by the U.S. Coast Guard for safety reasons.


Photo Credit: Fun Lake MO


Need a Personal Injury Attorney Who Has Helped Several Clients In The Past Get The Compensation They Deserve For Their Injuries?


Gibbons Law Firm is here for you. We understand if you or someone you know has been involved in a boating accident, you probably are thinking, where do I go from here? If so, that is very understandable. We are here to answer any questions you may have about the legal process and getting the compensation you need to cover your injuries and other bills that came about after the accident. Give us a call at the phone number listed below. Be sure to follow us on our social media platforms listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements, legal tips, and more. 


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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Monday, February 8, 2021

The Pros and Cons of Prenuptial Agreements

Have you ever considered a prenuptial agreement or heard the term when you were engaged to someone? If so, this is the blog for you. Our family law attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few tips on the pros and cons of prenuptial agreements in this week's blog. If you are ever unsure on whether or not this is the right route for you to take, please give us a call today. Get all the facts upfront so you can be clear on your decision and not jump into something irrational. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at 573-348-2211. If you'd like to schedule a consultation, please know that your first one is free.


The Pros and Cons of Prenuptial Agreements

THE PROS

SAVES YOU THE TROUBLE.

Clearly, no one ever plans to get divorced, but unfortunately, it does happen. If it does, having a prenuptial agreement set in place can make things run MUCH more smoothly. 

KEEPS YOU FROM BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF.

If you clearly have more assets than your soon-to-be spouse, you may have a slight sense of worry. You never know how a marriage can end and in situations like this, sometimes it may feel best to plan the for worst and hope for the best! Having a prenuptial agreement in place can protect your assets in the event of a divorce.

KEEP FROM BURDENING YOUR SECOND SPOUSE.

Children support obligations and a home with a previous spouse can all affect your second marriage. It's important to protect your assets and help to make sure your financial burdens stay your own if your next marriage does not work out.

DEBT PROTECTION.

When you marry someone, you can be partially responsible for their financial debt. If your marriage ends, you may be stuck with part of this debt load, even if you did not help accrue it. A prenup can help to make sure you are not burdened with debt that is not yours.


THE CONS

AWKWARD TO BRING UP.

Clearly, the subject of "prenups" is not a comfortable topic to discuss, especially with someone you're in love with. You may cause a disconnect with your partner just by bringing it up in the first place. 

YOU MAY DISAGREE ON THE SUBJECT.

If a prenuptial agreement is something you're considering, you need to make sure that both you and your future spouse are both on board. If you come off like you are forcing your fiance into this, that could cause major problems for you in the future and may even put a damper on your marriage. Bottom line, if you're both not comfortable with a prenuptial agreement, then you probably shouldn't do it.


Are You Considering A Prenuptial Agreement?

If so, please give us a call today. Gibbons Law Firm can make sure you know what you're getting into and answer any questions you may have. We can be reached at the phone number listed below. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our legal tips, announcements, and current events we may be involved in.


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...