Helping Families Through Difficult Times with Our Family Law Services

Family Law covers a broad range of situations … from adoption to divorce, to child custody.  Some are happy events, some are devastating events, but most of them are emotionally charged.  For many people, family means everything.  So, in any legal conflict regarding family, the stakes feel very high. 

At Gibbons Law Firm we assist clients with all types of family law cases with compassion and dedication because we know how important it is for families to receive the help they need in difficult times. Today’s blog shares with you the different types of legal situations families can go through and how a family law attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks can help.  

Separation and Divorce

When a marriage has become “irretrievably broken” and one or both spouses have decided that divorce is the best course of action, a family law attorney can assist with the details.  From division of assets and liabilities, spousal support, child custody, child support and more, a knowledgeable attorney with the ability to listen and counsel clients, to diffuse conflict and litigate when necessary, can make all the difference in the successful outcome of a family law case.

This is a large part of what practicing family law is about, and it is especially complex if there are children. During a divorce, spouses are making decisions that will have a big effect on the kids. An experienced mediator that helps navigate mutually agreeable terms with the least negative impact on the children can make the process go more smoothly and successfully. 

Adoption & Guardianship

There are a multitude of circumstances that can lead to the need for an adoption or guardianship, but one thing is always true.  The welfare of a child or family member is of utmost importance and must be protected.  With Gibbons Law Firm, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have an experienced family law attorney to handle every step of the process.

Annulments, Prenuptials, Post nuptials

Family law attorneys can also help with other relationship arrangements including annulments. An annulment is different than a divorce in that it declares that a legal marriage never existed.  Gibbons Law Firm can help you with building the case and evidence to establish an annulment.  For couples interested in pre- or post-nuptials, we can assist with that as well.

Paternity Cases

Establishing paternity is another area of family law that our clients sometimes require.  If you are in a position where you are trying to prove paternity, having a highly effective family law attorney on your side can make a difference.   

Termination of Parental Rights

This is yet another extremely sensitive aspect of family law where what is best for the children is the ultimate focus.  Unfortunately, sometimes that does means termination of parental rights.  At Gibbons Law Firm, our ability to investigate and negotiate cases becomes a significant asset to our clients dealing with this difficult situation.  

The legal aspects of family law at the Lake of the Ozarks can be highly complex and extremely sensitive and emotional because of the personal nature of the disputes. Gibbons Law Firm is committed to providing the legal advice and counseling that clients need in difficult times while making life-changing decisions.  If you are involved in a family dispute or need legal advice for your family, contact our firm and make an appointment today.  We are here for you, to answer your questions and see how we can help.

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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Buying a Home at the Lake of the Ozarks: When Choosing an Experienced Real Estate Attorney Really Matters

When buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, most people expect to hire a real estate agent, an inspector, and an appraiser.  But what about an experienced real estate attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks?  It is, after all, a legal transaction, and one of the biggest purchases you may make in your life.  At the closing table, there are many different parties and interests that come together.  Who is there for the sole purpose of looking out for what is best for YOU?  When you hire a real estate attorney to represent you through the process, it is their job to look out for your best interests alone.  They don’t get paid by making sure the transaction occurs.  They are not there on behalf of the lender.  They are there just for you.

It may not be as critical on a typical or simple real estate transaction to have an attorney to represent you.  But there are some circumstances when having a real estate attorney involved is more important. So, to help you decide for yourself, we thought we would talk about ways in which an attorney may be beneficial to have when buying real estate.  Keep reading to learn more!

Legal Questions.

In the course of the closing process, you may have some specific questions or legal issues that arise that your real estate agent just can’t fully answer.  A lawyer has the legal background and experience to answer unique legal questions with more depth and detail.  An attorney also has a better understanding of the things that could lead to a court battle and what it takes to prevail.  Just as your real estate agent is very skilled in negotiating things like pricing and inspection results, your attorney will bring a high level of negotiating skills when it comes to your legal rights and the specific language needed to ensure them.

Legal Contracts.

Lawyers don’t just understand the language of contracts, they are well versed in drafting them.  Most real estate agents will use template contracts, they don’t typically write custom contracts.  But sometimes simple modifications or customization of that contract can better represent what the buyer wants or needs.  A real estate attorney will recognize the need for such language changes and be able to provide the proper verbiage.

Complicated Sales.  

Some real estate transactions are more complicated or less regulated, like when there is owner financing or an all-cash sale, or a for sale by owner.  In that case, the terms of the agreement are determined by the negotiating parties.  This is when it is most critical to have a real estate attorney to represent you.  Other examples of more complicated transactions may include:

-Buying a home in another state

-Buying a house with serious issues like foundation or structural damage

-Buying a home through a special sale such as a short sale, an estate sale, or an auction/purchase from a bank.

Sometimes the same applies when selling a property if:

-The home is part of a divorce settlement.

-The home is being sold on behalf of a deceased relative and you are in charge of the estate.

-You have financial circumstances that cause you to sell a property with liens on it.  

These kinds of complicated issues are second nature to an experienced real estate attorney.  A lawyer has the background to fine tune your contracts and legal documents to make them optimal for YOUR needs and help with the negotiations to get all parties to come to agreement.  

If you are preparing to close on a house at the Lake of the Ozarks, we would be happy to sit down with you and talk about your transaction, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision on whether you would benefit from your own legal representation.  At Gibbons Law Firm, your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose!  Call us today, and feel free to follow us on social media using the links below for more tips and 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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Looking out for your Kids - Estate Planning for Single Parents

With all you do for your child each day, it is not uncommon for a single parent to not really think about estate planning.  It is the last thing you want to think about and perhaps painful when you do. As a single parent, it never escapes your mind that your child depends on you for everything he or she needs.  You will always want the best for your child no matter what.  But parents don’t know where to start when it comes to estate planning and can become overwhelmed before they even get started.  

At Gibbons Law Firm in Lake Ozark, we want you do know that it doesn’t have to be complicated.  We have helped many single parents through the process, and we are here for you too.  So, we thought we would share 3 things to consider in this blog that we hope will make it easier for you to get started.

Guardianship

Deciding who will raise your children if you were to die may be the most difficult part of estate planning for single parents.  It also is extremely important. If your child’s other parent is not able or willing to raise your child, who would make decisions for him or her regarding medical care, education, religion, extracurricular activities, where they live and everything else? Often, a close family member will be chosen, like a parent or sibling of the late parent. But it also may be a close friend or someone who you trust to love your child like their own. It is good to consider things like parenting styles and philosophies, and your vision for your child’s home environment, safety, and future.  If those are congruous with yours it may be easier on your child to adjust to a new home, especially when they are already feeling disruption and loss. Whoever you choose, it is important to speak with them before making your decision, so you know they are willing and able to take on the responsibility of raising your child. 

Life Insurance

You bear the expenses of raising a child every day and you know better than anyone that it is not cheap.  A life insurance policy can make all the difference in your child’s future security and financial stability if you were to pass away before they are of age.  However, it is also important that any money there to provide for your child serves its purpose in going towards your child’s needs.  Gibbons Law Firm would be happy to talk with you about trusts and ways to dictate how and when the money will be available to your child. That way you can allow him or her to reach an age you feel they will be financially mature and self-responsible before having unrestricted access to the money. 

Will

Having a will is probably the most important thing in your estate plan as it can designate everything else. Without a will, the state will determine everything from who your child lives with to what they inherit.  Our attorneys are experienced in estate planning at the Lake of the Ozarks and can help you keep the state from making these critical decisions instead of you.

We know it is an uncomfortable subject, but we also know it is an important conversation to have.  At Gibbons Law Firm, we strive to make the process easy for you and have done so for many of our clients.  Our estate planning attorneys in Lake Ozark are happy to answer your questions and guide you in the right direction to a solid estate plan. Don’t wait to schedule your consultation.  Your first one is FREE, and we look forward to helping you!  If you found this blog helpful, you can catch regular tips and information by following our social media links below. 

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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Your Helpful Legal Guide to Family Law

When it comes to family law, emotions can run high. It may be more difficult to think clearly when you're feeling this emotional so it's important to turn to an experienced family law attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you're experiencing a tough time like this, whether you're going through a brutal divorce, child custody case, adoption, or other family law matter, Gibbons Law Firm is here for you. We can be reached at (573) 348-2211 for your free consultation. Keep reading this week's blog for a few helpful points when it comes to family law.

Your Helpful Legal Guide to Family Law

CHILD CUSTODY: IT'S BEST IF YOU CAN REACH AN AGREEMENT ON YOUR OWN.

Know if you and your spouse can come to an agreeable compromise regarding the division of custody, the court may respect your decision. If you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement, the court will be required to make arrangements on your behalf. This will be done with the child's best interests in mind; your and your spouse's differing opinions may have little weight in the final decision.

CHILD SUPPORT: KNOW YOUR PLAN.

The individuals who are legally recognized to be a child's parent are generally both required to provide financial assistance if possible. If you were never married, you may be required to order a paternity test in order to legally identify the father. Once this has been achieved, you should be able to seek child support.

NO REASON HAS TO BE GIVEN FOR DIVORCE.

Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, which means that couples do not have to have a specific reason for filing for divorce. All that is required is for at least one spouse to testify that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" or that there are "irreconcilable differences" between spouses.

ASK YOUR ATTORNEY ABOUT CHILD SUPPORT IF YOUR SPOUSE REFUSES TO PAY IT.

If the court has ordered your spouse to pay child support, you can seek legal recourse through your attorney for missed payments. Do not retaliate directly by attempting to withhold visitation rights, as this type of action may be subject to legal consequences of its own.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A DIVORCE ATTORNEY, IT'S JUST STRONGLY ENCOURAGED.

When it comes to whether or not you will work with an attorney, you always have the right to make your own choice. However, we encourage you to consult with a family attorney in Camden County MO before moving forward with your divorce. Your attorney will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed in order to protect both your and your children's interests.

Our Family Law Attorneys Are Here For You!

Who's ready to get the legal help you deserve for your family law matters? That's where we come in. Gibbons Law Firm is here for you. We can answer all your questions in a consultation and we don't charge you ANYTHING for your first one. Give us a call today at the phone number listed below. You can also stay up to date on our latest announcements and legal tips by following us on our social media channels listed below.

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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What Does Divorce Demand Financially?

Divorce is such a hard time one everyone. Do you feel like your marriage is over? Are you putting off getting divorced because you're worried you can't afford it? We suggest knowing the facts before jumping into a hasty decision. Our divorce lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few different types of fees to think about when considering divorce, in this week's blog. If you have any questions, please call Gibbons Law Firm today at (573) 348-2211.

What Does Divorce Demand Financially?

Will there be litigation?

This factor will likely have the strongest influence on the overall cost of your divorce. If you and your spouse can agree on how you want to handle things, you will be able to sign agreements outside of the courtroom, which will likely save you thousands of dollars. If you cannot agree on things and instead decide to take various issues to court, you will be faced with expensive litigation fees.

Do you have children?

If you and your spouse share children, your divorce will almost inevitably become more challenging (and, consequently, more expensive) as you determine how to divide custody. Custody battles are often the most highly contested aspect of any divorce, and when spouses cannot agree on an issue, the overall cost inevitably goes up. 

Do you feel it will take a long time for you and your spouse to reach an agreement?

It probably goes without saying, but the attorney(s) you choose to represent you in the divorce process will significantly impact the overall cost. Some attorneys are much more expensive than others, and some are guided by significantly less integrity. When selecting which Lake of the Ozarks divorce attorney you would like to represent you, it is important to choose a trustworthy individual you can rely on to keep your best interests at heart. The longer your divorce takes, the more legal fees there will likely be.

Do you have many assets between the two of you?

The more property and assets you and your spouse accumulated during your marriage, the more work will be involved in dividing them between you. If you only shared the marital residence, dividing the property shouldn't be too challenging. However, if you own multiple properties, share lucrative investments, and have both your names on extensive retirement accounts, the process may become much more involved.

We're Here For You During This Tough Time!

Are you ready to move on with your life? If you're ready to start this transition, we urge you to seek the advice of an experienced divorce attorney. Divorce is not a decision that should be made lightly. To get a better idea of what you'd be getting into, call Gibbons Law Firm today at the phone number listed below. Be sure to follow us on our social media channels 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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