3 Tips To Keep In Mind When Starting Your Dream Business

Why spend time making someone else's dream come true when you could become a business owner and make your own dreams come true? Stop working the 9-5 job and take that BIG step and start your own business. Our business lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few tips to keep in mind when starting your dream business, in this week's blog. Call Gibbons Law Firm today at (573) 348-2211 for your free consultation.

3 Tips To Keep In Mind When Starting Your Dream Business

1. You can't keep enough records!

We can't say it enough - documentation is vital to the legal protection of your business. Whether it's a new employee being hired, contracts with customers, or outsourcing your marketing - keep good documentation of all agreements. This can help to protect you and your business, should a conflict arise. If you have everything documented well, you can easily prove your side via the paperwork you have on hand.

Many small business owners utilize friends and family, especially when getting started. While this can be of great benefit to the business owner, it's important to ensure you treat these employees just like everyone else. It's also vital to keep good documentation when letting an employee go. Document the reasoning and conversation that takes place, when firing an employee.

2. Make sure employees understand confidentiality!

Intellectual property is a BIG deal for any business but can have a devastating impact on a small business. Be sure you protect this property well. Consult legal assistance when it comes to safeguarding your intelligence. Trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and confidentiality are all examples of intellectual property. When hiring a new employee, be sure they are clear as to what information they are privileged to and what they are not allowed to disclose to others outside the business. This can help to keep your vital information safe and help you legally protect this property.

3. Update your contracts when necessary!

Once you have your legal contracts reviewed and ready to go, that's not the end of the road. On a regular basis try to have your business lawyer review these documents. With each year, you may need to make updates to your contracts in order to stay up with any loopholes that may come about. It's also important to update any dates or other information to ensure they are still relevant.

Ready To Start Your Dream Business?

Getting it started right and hiring an experienced business attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks can only benefit you! For more legal tips for business owners, call Gibbons Law Firm today. 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.

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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5 Items You NEED For Your Estate Plan

Estate Planning is rarely anyone's favorite topic of conversation. Who likes talking about what will happen when they die? It sounds morbid, but at the same time, it's truly important that you get these important matters taken care of now, while you still have a say. Ensure your assets go to who YOU want them to. Our estate planning lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to tell you about 5 items you should have ready when it comes to your estate plan. If you have any questions, please call Gibbons Law Firm today at (573) 348-2211.

5 Items You NEED For Your Estate Plan

1. BRING YOUR LIFE INSURANCE DOCUMENTS.

Any life insurance information is helpful as you are planning your estate. Bring your policies along with you so that we can accurately assign someone to take ownership.

2. BRING A LIST OF BENEFICIARIES YOU PLAN TO LEAVE YOUR ASSETS TO.

As you decide who to leave your estate with, gather their updated address and other contact information. This can make the transfer of your assets much easier after you pass. The exact name and address of the individuals or institutions that you plan to name in your will are necessary.

3. BRING A LIST OF GUARDIANS YOU ARE CONSIDERING.

If you have children who are under the age of 18, it is important to have specific individuals named to take over the guardianship of your children. You may also want to have an alternative guardian in mind as well. When children are involved, it’s best to have someone named as the guardian to avoid a child going into government care.

4. BRING BANK STATEMENTS.

Gather the financial statements from your investments and bank accounts to your meeting when planning your estate. These documents will help show where your financial assets are located. You can also start thinking about who you intend to take over ownership of these financial accounts in the time leading up to your meeting.

5. BRING A LIST OF THE VALUABLE ASSETS YOU PLAN TO PASS DOWN.

Similar to your financial statements, assets and liability information should be brought to the meeting as well. The list will be helpful when dividing up assets and liabilities to pass on to the person of your choosing.

Let's Get Your Estate Plan Taken Care of Together!

If you've been dreading the conversation about what happens to your assets when you pass away but know that it needs to be taken care of before it's too late, give us a call. Our attorneys at Gibbons Law Firm can make the process of creating your estate plan easy and stress-free for you. Give us a call today at the phone number listed below to set up your free consultation. Be sure to 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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3 Tips On How To Divide Marital Property

You don't expect to have to divide your assets eventually with the person you chose to marry. Divorce isn't something you see coming. It's tough and can catch you by surprise. That being said, you CAN get through it. Our divorce lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you 3 tips on how to divide marital property, in this week's blog. If you have questions regarding divorce, please call Gibbons Law Firm today for your free consultation. Call (573) 348-2211.

3 Tips On How To Divide Marital Property

1. DO YOUR BEST TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT ON YOUR OWN.

If you and your spouse are not able to come to an agreement, the only alternative is to allow the Court to decide. The Court will divide your marital assets in an equitable (but not necessarily equal) manner. When determining how to divide the assets, the Court will consider a variety of different factors including both spouses' current income, both spouses' earning potential, and how each spouse handled their finances during the marriage. Based on these (and other) factors, the Court will determine an arrangement that will meet each spouse's needs in a way that is fair and equitable.

2. BE MINDFUL AND TREAT THIS LIKE A BUSINESS MEETING.

Your emotions are clearly running high. So take your emotions out of the equation and treat this like a business meeting. Be professional and fair. Generally, couples who are facing divorce have two primary options for dividing their property. They can either reach an agreement on their own, or they can let the Court decide. If you can reach a decision on your own, then this process can become much easier and shorter.

3. CREATE A PLAN THAT MEETS BOTH YOUR NEEDS.

If you and your spouse are able to be amicable and cooperative, designating your own plan for dividing assets may be an ideal solution. This is generally the most desirable option since it allows both you and your spouse to have complete control over the division of your property. You can work together to devise an agreement that will accommodate both of your needs.

Need Expert Legal Guidance To Get Through Your Divorce?

Divorce is an emotional time. As human beings, we don't always think clearly when our emotions are running high. You can really benefit from some expert advice from someone who can be legal guide throughout this tough time. That's us. Gibbons Law Firm has the expertise to get you through this. Give us a call at the phone number listed below for your free consultation 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

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Divorce: What You Should Absolutely NOT Do

Is there really a RIGHT way to go about a divorce? No matter what divorce is emotionally painful, there's no doubting that. HOWEVER, there are a TON of wrong ways to go about the divorce process. Our divorce lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few pointers on how NOT to handle your divorce, in this week's blog. If you're struggling to get through your divorce and need the advice from an experienced divorce attorney in Lake Ozark, call Gibbons Law Firm today. We can be reached at 573-348-2211.

Divorce: What You Should Absolutely NOT Do

DO NOT:

GO INTO DEBT BY SPENDING MONEY WHEN YOU DON'T NEED TO BE.

Divorce can be an expensive time for the parties involved. You are typically going from two incomes down to supporting yourself (and your family) on your own. Any debt that is accrued while you are still married may be brought into the divorce process. Try to avoid racking up unnecessary debt while you are getting divorced.

LIE ABOUT ASSETS YOU HAVE.

Hiding assets is a bad idea. Once the lawyers/court/judge finds out about the asset, it is going to be involved in the division anyway. This can also make you look bad if you try to sneak away with unaccounted for assets. It's best to be upfront and honest during the entire divorce process.

BRING YOUR CHILDREN INTO THE DRAMA.

It's important to remember your divorce is between the two adults, not the kids. Try to limit talking about your split in front of the children, if you have any. This could end up driving a wedge between one parent and the kids. Try to stay as involved as possible in your kids' lives, as well. It can be a tough time for children as their parents split apart and they need as much love and support during this time as possible.

MAKE THINGS HARDER THAN THEY NEED TO BE BY FIGHTING.

While most divorces you hear about end up in a large dispute, it does not have to be that way. Matters can often be handled in a civil manner. This can actually help the process go much smoother and quicker. If both parties can decide on how to split property and time with kids (if there are children from the marriage), it does not have to be a drawn-out process.

You Can Get Through This!

Like we said, divorce is tough on anyone, we get that. That's why you deserve to have an experienced divorce attorney on your side throughout this difficult time. That's where we come in. Gibbons Law Firm can help you through this and make sure you are not being taken advantage of. Give us a call today at the number listed below.  You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements and legal 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

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Estate Planning: Do You Have Everything YOU Need?

Estate planning can be a difficult process. No one likes thinking about their death and leaving their loved ones. However, estate planning properly can save your loved ones a world of stress during a time where they are already mourning you. Our estate planning lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you some pointers on what to do in this process, in this week's blog. Call today for your free consultation. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at 573-348-2211.

Estate Planning: Do You Have Everything YOU Need?

MAKE YOUR MEDICAL WISHES KNOWN AHEAD OF TIME

A living will or healthcare directive allows you to dictate in advance what type of medical care you do (or do not) wish to receive if something happens to you. This is becoming an increasingly popular and important document for individuals.

MAKE SURE YOUR POWER OF ATTORNEY IS SET.

This is a document that will give the person that you choose the authority to represent you. They can use this in legal, financial, or personal matters.

AVOID DISPUTES AMONG HEIRS BY HAVING A WILL.

This is generally going to be at the top of the list, no matter your age, position, job, marital status, or how many kids you have. If you have real estate, other property, minor children, or assets, you will need a will. If you think this covers pretty much everyone, you are right.

HAVE YOUR FINANCIAL INFORMATION READY TO GO WHEN YOU MEET YOUR LAWYER.

Any financial statements from your investments and bank accounts should be gathered as you plan your estate. A complete list of your assets is also helpful. Have a good idea of who you'd like to leave each asset with ahead of time. This can help cut down on the time and help get some of the emotional details out of the way.

UPDATE YOUR WILL WHEN NEEDED.

Anytime a major life change takes place, you will likely need to make updates to your estate plan. If your marital status changes - whether getting married or divorced - you should update your plan. The birth of a child is another reason you should update your estate plan. If your assets or income change drastically, it may be time to make changes, as well. The passing of a beneficiary will require a change to your plan to ensure you have all beneficiary information up to date.

Our Estate Planning Lawyers Are At Your Service!

All of us at Gibbons Law Firm are here to help you in this important process. We hope that you found this blog helpful. You're never going to want to sit down and start thinking about what happens when you die, but that doesn't make this process any less important. Make your wishes known before it's too late. We're here to help. Give us a call at the number listed below to schedule your free consultation. 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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