How Are Child Custody Arrangements Determined?

If you're going through a tough divorce, hang in there. Know that this time is tough on everyone and you will get through it. Divorces with children can be particularly hard because you have such a fear of the unknown. Who will your children primarily be staying with after the divorce? Keep reading this week's blog to learn some of the points that can determine a child custody arrangement. Any time you're considering divorce, get your questions answered by an experienced divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at 573-348-2211. Call today to schedule your consultation, your first one is free.

How Are Child Custody Arrangements Determined?

STABILITY IN YOUR HOME

Children need stability and consistency in order to thrive. If you change residences frequently or regularly have new romantic partners, this may negatively impact your odds of being awarded custody. The Court will want to see that you can provide a stable home for your child.

WHAT YOUR CHILD WANTS

If your child is old enough to express her opinion, her wishes will likely factor heavily in the Court's ultimate decision. The child must be able to articulate the reason for her opinion, and if the reason is valid, the Court may be inclined to oblige.

THE ONGOING SUPPORT YOUR CHILD RECEIVES FROM YOU

No matter what your child's age is, he needs a parent who will be there to support him. Whether that support comes in the form of attending little league baseball games or helping him fill out college applications, the Court will want to see that you have been actively involved in your child's life in the past, that you continue to stay involved during the divorce proceedings, and that you can be trusted to remain involved in the future.

THE ALLOTED TIME YOU GIVE YOURSELF TO CARE FOR YOUR CHILD.

Some lifestyles easily lend themselves to caring for a child, and others do not. If you routinely work 60 hours a week and frequently travel for work, for example, the Court may decide that you will not be able to dedicate appropriate time to raise your child and award primary custody to the other parent.

Getting Divorced? Contact Our Experienced Divorce Attorneys in Lake Ozark Today.

No one ever sees a divorce coming. When you get married, you can't predict the future. Unfortunately, about 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney—with the ability to listen and counsel clients, investigate and negotiate cases, to defuse conflict, and, when necessary, to litigate a case—is important to a successful outcome of a divorce case. Give us a call at our phone number listed below. Get your questions answered and a clear plan of how to proceed. 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...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn

What Types of Personal Injury Cases Happen The Most In The Summer Time?

Summer 2021 will be here before you know it. So many people venture to this area for some fun in the sun that time of year. We hope that you have a fun, but also safe summer. Our personal injury lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks have seen way too many people get injured here in the summer time. Keep reading this week's blog for a few of the most common types of personal injury cases. If you find yourself injured due to an unfortunate accident, call Gibbons Law Firm today and get the compensation you deserve. We can be reached at 573-348-2211. Schedule your free consultation today.

What Types of Personal Injury Cases Happen The Most In The Summer Time?

Accidents Where Boating While Intoxicated Is Involved

At the Lake of the Ozarks, it’s no surprise to see hundreds and thousands of boats out on the water, especially during the peak summer months and busy holiday weekends. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much for a fun day on the water to turn dangerous - especially when drinks are involved. Alcohol use is one of the top factors in fatal boating accidents, so if you are operating the boat, you’ll want to skip the alcohol. Even if your passengers are good swimmers, you’ll want to make sure that they always wear life jackets while on board.

Accidents Where Driving While Intoxicated Is Involved

During the summer months, you don’t have to contend with the risky driving weather that snow and ice bring - but that doesn’t eliminate other risks. Nicer weather means that more people will be out and about, which can increase the risk of car accidents. Some of these accidents can include more teen drivers on the road since they aren’t in school, as well more people being out for summer parties, family reunions, and summer vacations. More summer parties can also mean that more people could be drinking and driving, as well.

Accidents Where Bikers Are Injured

The beautiful weather makes it nearly impossible for cyclists of all kinds to not get out on the road. From motorcycles to a standard bicycle, it is very easy for riders to become the victim of an accident. Because bicycles and motorcycles are less visible and other vehicles, drivers need to be on high alert for cyclists during the summer months. If you are a cyclist, one of the best things you can do is to wear proper safety gear and fits, use reflectors, and have a good helmet.

Don't Go Through a Tough Personal Injury Case Alone!

Call our Lake Ozark personal injury lawyers today! Get the compensation you need for injuries you sustained due to someone else's recklessness. Your consultation with an EXPERIENCED, local personal injury attorney in Lake Ozark is just a call away. Your first consultation is FREE. Call us today at the number listed below. Follow us on our social media channels also listed below to stay up to date on our latest tips.

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

Avoid A Personal Injury Lawsuit By Having A Safer Deck This Summer!

Summer 2021 will be here before you know it. Many people may enjoy a nice, deck party this summer with friends and loved ones. We wish a fun, but safe summer. That being said, when you invite other people over to your deck, you may become liable for any injuries that may accidentally occur. Our personal injury law firm and the Lake of the Ozarks is here to give you few tips to keep your deck safe in this week's blog. Try to avoid a personal injury lawsuit by having a safe deck! 

Deck Safety Tips

STAIN YOUR DECK.

To help prevent a stubbed toe or a splinter, it's best to have your deck surface resanded and painted/stained on an annual basis. It not only makes your deck look better, it makes it a safer place for everyone on your property.

INSPECT YOUR SUPPORT BEAMS FOR STABILITY.

Support beams are what holds your deck up off the ground. It's also a common place for a fault to go unnoticed since it is often out of sight. Take time to look over your deck supports to ensure they are in good condition.

SECURE YOUR RAILINGS AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE STURDY.

Railings are a place for leaning, but they can also become a dangerous area for guests if they aren't properly secured. Ensure your deck rails are sturdy and no spindles are missing. This railing system can help keep your guests in place.

CHECK YOUR FLOOR FOR POSSIBLE ROT.

The deck flooring is a common place for danger on your deck. A lose or rotting board can be a huge danger for anyone on your deck. If you notice a board that is broken or rotted, replace it as soon as possible.

CHECK YOUR STAIRS FOR POSSIBLE DANGERS.

Stairs can be a danger all in themselves. Ensure you have railings along your stairs to assist as your guests make their way up and down. Also, check that your stairs are in good condition. Over time, the stairs may come unattached from the deck itself, presenting a danger for all.

Now that you have all these deck safety tips, put them to good use! So your best to avoid a personal injury lawsuit this summer. That being said, if you ever find yourself on someone else's deck this summer and they failed to keep it safe and you get injured, give us a call. Our personal injury lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Schedule your consultation with us today. The first one is free. Gibbons Law Firm 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 tips we offer 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

Follow us on...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Estate Planning Tips for Single Parents

Being a single parent can come with MANY challenges. It takes a strong person to be a good single parent and we commend you if you are one. That being said, don't ever be afraid to ask for help as a single parent. There's no shame in it and there ARE resources out there for you. For example, when it comes to your estate planning, our attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here for you. Schedule your free consultation today. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211. In the meantime, keep reading this week's blog for a few estate planning tips for single parents. 

Estate Planning Tips for Single Parents

Choose A Guardian You Trust For Your Children.
The guardian is someone you name to care for your minor children in the event you pass away before they are of age. Many single parents may look to a close family member to be the guardian of their children, possibly their parent or sibling. However, the person you choose the guardian to be doesn't have to be family. It could be a close friend also. Whoever you choose should be someone you trust whole-heartedly. You should also think about where this person lives. If you'd prefer that your children stay in their school district if something happens to you, choose someone local to your area.

Consider Purchasing Life Insurance.
Not only can life insurance cover your funeral expenses, but it can also greatly help your loved ones financially. If you're a single parent, your children likely depend on you to cover their financial needs. If something happens to you, a proper life insurance policy can help them be taken care of financially upon your passing.

If You Don't Already Have A Will, Get One.
Everyone should have a will, especially single parents. A will allows you to make your wishes known when you are no longer able to speak for yourself upon your passing. If you have special assets that you want to leave to your children, you would list something like that in your will.

Need Assistance With Your Estate Planning?

Gibbons Law Firm hopes you found this blog helpful when it comes to estate planning as a single parent. We understand how overwhelming life can feel sometimes for you. Estate planning is NOT something you have to do on your own. We can help. Our estate planning attorneys in Lake Ozark can answer any questions you may have. We can also create your will for you and make sure you are heading down the right path when it comes to your estate planning. We've helped many clients in the past with this very issue and we can help you too. Simply give us a call at the phone number listed below. Let's get your consultation scheduled. The first one is FREE! While you're here at the bottom of this blog, please follow us on our social media links listed below to stay up to date on what we're doing. You may even get a few more free estate planning tips from doing so.

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

Tips For Keeping Your Divorce As Positive As Possible

Divorce can be tough on anyone. It's not something you see coming and you typically aren't prepared for it. That being said, there are ways to keep your divorce from getting even worse. Don't speak poorly about your ex in front of your children. Don't blast your social media with negative comments regarding your divorce. Keep reading this week's blog for a few more tips for keeping your divorce as positive as possible. If you're in need of an experienced divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, please call Gibbons Law Firm today. 

Tips For Keeping Your Divorce As Positive As Possible

BE SURE TO THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.

Don't do something drastic based on pure negative emotions. It's important to prioritize your life with these big changes going on. Your children, friends, and family are likely to top your list. Try to take into account the way your actions will affect those you care about. It can be hard to be rational during this highly emotional time but it's important that you think about your actions and how they will impact everyone around you.

BE FAIR AND PROFESSIONAL WITH YOUR COMMUNCATION.

As stated earlier, refrain from speaking poorly about your ex in front of your children. It may seem easier to shut off outside communication while you're going through a tough time. But ultimately this will just alienate yourself, and that's really not healthy, either. If you have children with your spouse, it's best to try to keep your communication professional. While you may not agree upon much, your kids should be your top priority and it's vital that you are able to communicate simple things regarding your children together.

IF YOU NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP, SEEK IT.

Be careful of what you share regarding your divorce to friends and family. While venting to friends and family can be helpful, you don't want to constantly be complaining about your situation. It can start to impact their lives, as well. Seek help from a professional therapist to help you process your feelings and emotions. This is a great source of positive feedback and will really help you dig down to the root of your issues, and help you work through it in a healthy capacity.

Are You Searching For Some Legal Advice Regarding Your Divorce?

If you're considering divorce, contact an experienced divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks today. Get the answers to your questions that you've been going over repeatedly in your head. This is the place to do that. Divorce can be emotional and mentally exhausted. It's best to have a guide through this time. Gibbons Law Firm can be that for you. Go into this with a clear head and allow us to keep you on track throughout this entire divorce process. Give us a call today at the phone number listed below to schedule your consultation. The first one is free. Get your consultation scheduled today.

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