Legal Guidance for Landlords

Investing in rental property at Lake of the Ozarks can be a great move for many people. For some, it is a major part of their retirement plan. There are a few legal issues involved with going into the property rental business at Lake of the Ozarks. There are also other legal issues that can come up between renters and landlords. That’s why it’s a very good idea to have a trusted attorney that you know and work with to guide you in the process and be there for you if a legal issue should arise unexpectedly. If you are interested in finding out more regarding what it entails to become a landlord Lake of the Ozarks, we have several helpful bits of information for you in today’s blog. These are common areas where having a knowledgeable landlord-tenant attorney at Lake of the Ozarks will make your job as a landlord easier and keep you more protected legally.

Rental Agreements

Having a proper rental agreement drawn up by an experienced attorney is a very important step. That contract entails the entire agreement between you and your tenants, and will determine what each party’s rights are, and exactly what you can enforce legally. When details are left out, it can be detrimental to you if there’s a violation, disagreement, or a challenge to the contract. Some of the things that must be clearly defined include exactly who the tenants are, payment amounts and due dates, the terms of the lease, deposits, fees, fines, etc. You can count on Gibbons Law Firm to include everything necessary in your contract, exactly as it should be to protect your legal rights.

Property Damage

Unfortunately, sometimes renters don’t take good care of the property they are renting and can caused significant damages. If that property damage exceeds their deposit, there are times when the landlord may need to take legal action to recover the damages. Having the help of an experienced attorney can help lead to a much more successful outcome. On the flipside, there are times when tenants may claim they have suffered property damage because of a landlord’s negligence. If a leaky roof damages electronics, or a tree that is not well-maintained falls on the tenant’s car, they may seek damages from the landlord. No matter the situation, having experience representation will empower you to handle the issues in the best way possible, and having and good legal advice from the beginning may help you avoid issues altogether.

Eviction

If you’re considering going into the rental business, it is possible that at some point you will deal with an eviction. It is an unfortunate situation to be in, and the steps you take should be done with knowledge of your rights, and your tenants’ rights. It is highly recommended that you seek guidance from a capable attorney before you start those actions. It is bad enough you’re having to evict someone, but if the situation draws on or you face further legal action because you didn’t understand the proper process, then it can make a bad situation even worse. That’s why we are here to help, and we offer free initial consultations.

Legal Guidance from Gibbons Law Firm

At Gibbons Law Firm, we are very familiar with the legal issues landlords face at Lake of the Ozarks. We are skilled at drawing up contracts that are clear to both landlord and the tenant and protect your rights as they should. We are fully capable of advocating for you through any legal challenge and can advise you ahead of time so you can avoid those issues when possible. If you have any questions at all about the legal issues you need to be aware of as a landlord, take advantage of our offer for a free initial consultation. We would be happy to meet with you and give you the information you need to be more informed as you embark on this new adventure. We also invite you stay in touch by following us on social media using the links below in our footer. We will share legal tips and helpful information there regularly. 

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 Common Reasons Clients Call Gibbons Law Firm

When people call the law office of Roger Gibbons, they may call for a variety of reasons. But they are choosing Gibbons Law Firm, because they know they need sound legal advice from an experienced attorney who cares and who can communicate clearly at a time when they need accurate information. Roger has provided legal guidance for individuals, employees, homeowners, small businesses, builders, contractors, lenders, municipalities, and his diverse legal background has been a huge asset for his clients over the years. If you are interested in knowing how, read on to see 3 common reasons people call our Lake Ozark law firm.

Business Law 

Being in business for yourself will inevitably bring up an array of legal issues or decisions, depending on your profession. One of the first things you will need to consider is how to structure your business. This will have legal liabilities and tax implications that you want to fully understand before you make a decision. Most businesses also require contracts with clients, with vendors, or even between business partners. If you have employees there will be legal guidelines affecting hiring, firing, workman’s comp and employment contracts as well. From time-to-time businesses also rely on use to help them deal with collections when they have a client that will not pay. Whatever your needs, our business attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks are fully capable of navigating you through your legal options regarding your business with confidence.

Family Law

This is another area of law that can have an array of topics or legal issues which apply. We have clients contact us to help them with adoptions, and guardianship for children and dependent adults. We have clients retain us to help them through divorce proceedings and all that comes with it such as custody, child support, visitation, division of assets, etc. Roger Gibbons has the experience and the demeanor to advocate in an effective way while diffusing hostility and emotions and focusing on his client’s end goal - which makes him the perfect advocate when it comes to choosing a family law attorney at Lake of the Ozarks.

Criminal Law.

Some of our clients reach out to us because they find themselves facing criminal charges. No matter what the charge, even if it seems fairly minor, it is highly recommended that you have legal advice before facing any kind of criminal defense in mid-Missouri. You will be up against the vast resources of the state and its attorneys. Having legal representation and knowing what your rights are and where you stand legally is essential. Roger Gibbons offers free initial consultations, so there’s no reason not to take advantage of the opportunity to be armed with knowledge necessary to help you make a decision on your legal defense.

Initial Consultations are Free at Gibbons Law Firm

Whenever you’re facing a difficult legal situation, remember Gibbons Law Firm. You deserve the peace of mind that coming comes from knowing the attorney you are working with is knowledgeable, experienced, and able to guide you in making an informed decision about your legal situation. Don’t forget that your initial consultation is free. Just call our law firm using the number below to schedule your appointment. We also invite you to follow us on our social media channels to hear more helpful information on interesting legal topics. We have links to our channels below for your convenience.

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 Examples When Prenuptials Make Sense

There are a lot of sacrifices you might be willing to make for your spouse, but you might feel very differently if you were not together. For example, if you get married and your spouse has a lot of debt, you may find yourself paying off their debt even if you are no longer together. That is just one example of a reason why people might be interested in prenuptial agreements before they get married. Unfortunately, about half of all marriages do end in divorce. A couple is more likely to arrive at a mutually agreeable plan, or a healthier perspective on what is fair when the two are still getting along with each other. To think that they will arrive at a better decision once their thoughts are clouded with anger, could be unrealistic. Of course, no one gets married with the idea of getting divorced, but there are times when it makes sense to have prenuptial in place before getting married. If you’d like to hear 3 specific examples of when that might make sense, just read on. 

1) Debt or Income Differences

If there is a huge difference in the amount of debt, or the average income that two people bring into the marriage, it may make sense to have prenuptials drawn up. Again, you may be willing to help your spouse pay off a huge amount of debt if you were married, but to think about paying that debt off for someone who’s no longer with you, that’s a different story. If you make considerably more money than your spouse-to-be, you might want to have a prenuptial to avoid having to share a large amount of that income with an ex, should the unthinkable happen to your relationship.

2) Owning Your Own Business

When you put your blood sweat and tears into building up your business, your clientele and your reputation, you may be very willing to share all the benefits from that business with your spouse. But if you were to split up, it would be devastating for everything you worked for to be taken or to have to sell it in order to buy out your ex. If you are a business owner, we would be happy to sit down with you to discuss how a prenuptial could protect your livelihood in the event of a divorce.

3) Kids from a Previous Relationship

One of the biggest reasons to have prenuptials is if you have kids from a previous relationship. Obviously, there are sentimental items and things your kids will inherit that will have no value to your new spouse’s family. Prenuptials can outline that those family heirlooms, photographs, etc. stay within the family they originated. Prenuptials can also be comforting for kids on both side of the family knowing that their interests are being looked at and protected as you make this decision to get married.

Get the Information You Need to Make an Informed Decision

While it may be uncomfortable to talk about prenuptials, the situation you could find yourself in if you don’t have them can be much more uncomfortable. At Gibbons Law Firm, we understand you may have questions, and we offer free initial consultations so you can know where you stand and have the details to decide whether or not a prenuptial is a good fit for you. Our family law attorneys in Lake Ozark have the experience and compassion to help you through the entire process. Just give our lawyers in Lake Ozark a call to schedule your free consultation about prenuptial agreements in mid-Missouri. If you’d like to hear more helpful legal information from time to time, we invite you to follower us on our social media channels. Just use the links below to select the platform of choice.

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 to Help Win Your Child Custody Case

At Gibbons Law Firm we represent clients in child custody cases quite regularly, and we are fully cognizant of how deeply important the outcome of each case is. Everyone involved knows that it is not just the spouses that will be affected, but the children as well. We also realize that because the stakes are so very important, emotions can be more easily triggered. For all these reasons and more, our divorce attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks are here to help parents through their child custody cases in Central Missouri and guide them every step of the way towards a successful outcome. We know how to communicate with our clients to understand what is most important to them, and we can negotiate skillfully with experience to voice our client’s wishes and work to incorporate them into the divorce agreement. But you can fight too, and help your chances of being awarded custody by focusing on 3 important things. To find out what they are, just keep reading.

1) Demonstrate Consistent Stability

The courts know that going through a divorce is very hard on the children. They don’t have any choice about what’s happening, but they will be directly impacted by it. If it is possible to avoid unnecessary disruption in their day-to-day lives, that is usually seen to be for their best interest. If one parent plans to move away and require the kids to move away from family and friends, or to change schools, or to otherwise creative disruption that isn’t necessary, that could have an impact on custody arrangements. Other factors will be considered as well such as income, and your level of participation with the kids. Are you available to go to teachers meetings, doctors appointments, extracurricular activities, and otherwise be there for your child in a consistent and nurturing way? The more you show the ability and heart to provide a consistent, stable home environment where your child can be safe and thrive, the better impression you will make when you are being considered for child custody.

2) Be Professional

Although what you’re going through is a deeply personal matter, you want to think very professionally when it comes to your behavior. Because you’ll be working with your ex in the raising of your child, it is important that you demonstrate the ability to be amicable, fair, and cooperative. This is especially important when it comes to sharing time with the kids if you are granted joint custody. This includes not letting your child be put in the middle of things or feeling forced to choose sides. No child wants to hear one parent criticize the other in front of them or hear negative things about a parent, even if it is true. In fact, the more justified you are in criticizing the other parent, the more important it is that you are successful in being granted custody so your child has a positive and healthy home environment. So keep your goal in mind, and be positive and professional throughout your child custody case at Lake of the Ozarks.

3) Say Calm and Controlled

It is not at all unreasonable to be angry and bitter when going through a divorce, but letting those emotions show will not help you and can very well work against you. Again, no matter how justified your emotions are it is extremely important that you demonstrate self control, especially regarding your ex. You don’t want to give the appearance of being a hothead, or aggressive. It is best to avoid discussing your divorce with friends and even family, don’t talk about it on social media and be aware that what you put on social media can be used against you if it shows negative character or questionable behavior.

Rely on Our Experience to Fight for Your Family

We’re not saying that any of these things are easy, especially with everything you’re going through right now. But we care about the outcome, and we know from experience that keeping these things top of mind during your child custody case in mid-Missouri can truly help your chances of being granted custody of your child. Your family’s future depends on this process, and we don’t want you to walk this path alone. We want you to know that you can have a free initial consultation with our law firm in Lake Ozark to find out your legal rights and get some guidance on how to proceed. We want the best for you and your family, and we are happy to help you. We also share legal tips and helpful information regularly on social media, so if you would like to stay in touch, be sure to follow us using the 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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