3 Tips to Guide You When Dividing Marital Property

Going through a divorce is not easy. It is not just about the emotional situation you find yourself in, it is also about potentially selling a house, moving, deciding on things like child custody, and division of marital assets. A lot of factors are involved in dealing with each one of these things and any way that you can make the process easier for yourself is worth considering. At Gibbons Law Firm, we understand it is a stressful time for you. We also have been down this road helping clients achieve their goals and start new chapters in life. When it comes to dividing assets, we do have a few tips that can help you get through the process easier and with less cost. So, just keep reading for three ideas that will help you when dividing marital assets.

1) Decide for Yourself

In the process of a divorce, there are a lot of factors that the Court will factor in when it comes to dividing marital property. The Court will look at each spouse’s current income, their earning potential, and even how they handled their finances during the marriage. This can lead to requiring a lot of documentation and time, and in the end, it still may not be what either of you want. 

2) Focus on Something You Both Can Live With

While there may not be a perfect way to divide assets so that both parties gets 100% of what they want, it is more likely that the two of you would be able to sit down and come up with what you both can live with. This was not something you planned having to do. It’s not going to be perfect, but you can reach an equitable (which doesn’t always mean equal) agreement where you can move forward with your life.

3) Be Business-Minded

It is easy to let yourself start thinking about how unfair it is to have to decide who gets what. Emotions are naturally high during a divorce, but they are usually not helpful when it comes to negotiations. The more you can think about this process as a business decision, the easier it will be to come to a mutual agreement. That is why having a compassionate and experienced divorce attorney at Lake of the Ozarks to diffuse emotions and negotiate on your behalf can make the whole process much less stressful and potentially bring about a better outcome.

Let Roger Gibbons Guide You Through Your Divorce 

Roger Gibbons is well versed in handling these types of negotiations compassionately and intelligently. He listens to his clients to understand their most important desired outcomes and helps guide them to a path that is most likely to bring that outcome for them. Then he negotiates on their behalf to come to a legal agreement that everyone is willing to sign. If you have any questions about dividing marital property, or any aspect of the divorce process, please call Gibbons Law Firm and schedule a free initial consultation. It will feel better knowing what your rights are and what the process looks like so you can make an informed decision from there. If you’d like to hear more helpful information and legal tips from our law firm in Lake Ozark, we have links below for you to use to follow us on your favorite social media platform.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

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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.

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Tips to Reduce Costs and Drama During Your Divorce

At Gibbons Law Firm, we know that divorce can be hard. As family law attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks, we have seen it first hand, and we empathize with the families that go through it. Fear of the unknown can be very heavy, and the ways the divorce could affect finances, family relationships and much more can be daunting to think about. But, in our decades of experience, we have learned a few things about what can make a divorce go more smoothly, with less drama. When divorces are more streamlined, they can go quicker and be much more affordable. If you would like to hear a few tips on how you can reduce the cost and complexity of your divorce, we wrote this blog for you.

Set Your Mind on the End Goal

Because of the emotional nature of a divorce, it can be very easy to get sidetracked or focused on who is right and wrong. But ultimately, your purpose at the end of the process is that you are able to move forward to the next chapter of your life. You are trying to get out of the situation you’re in so you can move on to something better. When you realize that you know this is not the time to prove who is at fault or a process designed to resolve the issues in your relationship. The more you can focus on what position you need to be in to move forward and doing what you can do to help make that happen, the better. If you get focused on all the reasons you and your soon-to-be ex don’t get along, it can be a major distraction from your goal. So, try to stay away from bringing up all the wrongs of the past, and set yourself up for success in the future by focusing on your end goals throughout the divorce process.

Communicate Your Purpose Clearly

Once your mindset is on the end goal, try to keep all of your communications about that goal. Everything should lead back to the goal of moving forward with a fair settlement. Obviously, some couples are past the point of being able to communicate well because of all they’ve been through. But if you have an amicable relationship in any way and are able to communicate with your spouse what your position is and what you are seeking, it can help diffuse the emotions and avoid the time and energy wasted in rehashing the past. That can make your divorce go much more quickly and be less costly. If you are unable to communicate with your spouse in a productive way, that is what your attorney is for. A skilled divorce attorney will listen to your goals and be able to communicate them effectively and negotiate with your spouse or their attorney to help advocate for you and represent your wishes as he works to negotiate your divorce settlement.

Find the Common Ground

Even if you have to be the better person, it is going to be much easier if you are able to come to an agreement with your spouse. If the courts have to decide for the two of you, they will look into numerous factors. These can include income, earning potential, spending habits, and more. As you might imagine, this makes things more complicated and drawn out. That is usually not conducive to a less expensive process. If you let yourself get stuck on getting everything that you want, you may be paying more for it than is actually worth to you. Now is the best time to set emotions aside and look for an agreement that you believe your spouse would be willing to accept, that you know you can live with. The more you have a business mindset when you are approaching your divorce proceedings, The more effective you may be in achieving your end goals and avoiding the drama (and cost).

Make it Easier on Yourself with Help from Gibbons Law Firm

Our divorce attorneys in mid-Missouri want this difficult process to be as easy as possible for you and your family. We know that the outcome of this proceeding will have a direct effect on many aspects of your life. We are here to be your advocate and help you through the process, and we have the experience and empathy to do that effectively. If you are in the planning stages of a divorce in Central Missouri and would like to learn more about where you stand, and what your rights are, we offer free initial consultations at our Lake Ozark law firm. Just give us a call to get on the schedule. We look forward to meeting you and learning more about your situation and how we can help. If you are interested in hearing more helpful legal information from Gibbons Law Firm, we invite you to follow us on our social media channels. We have links below to make it easy.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Family Law Services … with Compassion

Family law can encompass a lot of different areas or situations. But no matter the situation, it is usually pretty emotional and can be high stakes because it involves your family. At Gibbons Law Firm, we understand how important it is to you to achieve the best possible outcome, and Roger Gibbons has helped countless families through similar situations successfully. His skills for clear, accurate communication and diffusing high emotions are a tremendous asset when it comes to family law. If you would like to learn more specifically about how our law firm at Lake of the Ozarks can help you in the diverse area of family law, just read on.  

Parental Rights

There are sometimes situations that require a family to establish or terminate a parents legal rights. For instance, if a mother and father are unmarried, the father will have to establish paternity in order to have any parental rights. That is a situation in which you will want the help of a skilled family law attorney in mid-Missouri to help you through the process step-by-step. Similarly, if a parent has become abusive, or the family environment has become so dangerous or neglectful it may be necessary for the other parent to petition for that parent’s rights to be terminated for the safety of the child. In order for that to be successful, certain specific criteria must be met. A knowledgeable and skilled attorney is able to investigate and negotiate that case and be a solid asset to you as you are going through a very sad and stressful situation. 

Adoptions

Family law is not always sad, in fact sometimes it can be quite joyous. But it is still usually emotional and high stakes, like in the case of adoption. Fear of the unknown can play a big part when it comes to adoptions, unless you have an experienced attorney to help you understand what to expect and what to do. You already love this child and consider him/her a part of your family. You want them to be safe and well cared for and you can’t imagine your life without them and vice versa. When you hire Roger Gibbons you can have the confidence of knowing he is very familiar with the legal process regarding adopting a child in Missouri and he will be there to look out for you and the child you are adopting and effectively negotiating and advocating on your behalf. 

Divorce

Unfortunately, over half of all marriages end in divorce. That means a lot of families are impacted by divorce and how things are handled legally during the process. A divorce can initiate a need for numerous legal decisions such as child custody, child support, division of assets and property (which can affect where the kids will live and more), and even spousal support (which can affect a child’s standard of living with that parent). Having a compassionate divorce attorney at Lake of the Ozarks who is able to listen and negotiate is key. Having one that is willing to litigate if necessary for a successful outcome is also very important in a divorce case.

Prenuptials

Prenuptials are not always needed, but in some cases they can bring peace of mind and prevent some unknowns. With blended families, prenuptials can make a lot of sense and are becoming more standard these days. If a couple already have teenagers or adult children from previous relationships, prenuptials can be about making sure sentimental items and heirlooms go to people who are related and care about them rather than to people who have no attachment to them whatsoever. If you are wondering if prenuptials might be helpful or warranted in your situation, we would be happy to sit down with you for a free initial consultation to talk with you about your options. 

Compassion, Communication, and Advocacy! 

When a family is going through any of the above circumstances, they should not have to do it alone. Nor should they. When the outcome is so important, you deserve to have the knowledge and tenacity of a skilled attorney who cares. Roger Gibbons is that attorney and that is why he offers free initial consultations. Please don't hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about your rights and best course of action regarding your family law case in central Missouri. If you found this blog helpful and would like to hear more from our law firm in Lake Ozark, we invite you to use the links below to follow us on social media! 

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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3 Tips to Help Your Child Custody Case - Dos and Don’ts From Gibbons Law Firm

Child custody can be one of the most important factors in a divorce for many parents. The idea of not being able to see your children or your children not being able to see both parents when they want and need to is unthinkable. Having a child custody attorney that can walk you through the process for the best possible outcome is of utmost importance. At Gibbons Law Firm, we work with people in their child custody cases at Lake of the Ozarks all the time. We know there are certain things that will help their chances of being awarded custody, and other things that will be detrimental. So, if you are trying to get custody of your child, we have three things in today’s blog that can help you improve your chances.

1) Fairness & Cooperation

Going through a divorce can be a time when you get reminded of all the reasons that you and your spouse are splitting up. But thinking of all those reasons will not help you through your child custody case. The more amicable and professional you can be when it comes to interacting with your soon-to-be ex, the better it will look to the courts. For example, you want to demonstrate that you’re going to be fair when it comes to sharing time with the kids, and that you will be able to work with your future ex in raising the children in separate homes. This also means keeping it positive around the kids and not putting them in the middle. It is very unfair to a child to hear one of their parents criticize the other or try to get them to take sides. So keep it professional, keep it as positive as possible, and keep the end goal in mind.

2) Keeping Your Cool

Divorces can bring out a lot of emotions, especially when it comes to the children. Your job is to control that emotion and not let it spill over and be witnessed by others who can use it against you. Don’t talk about your divorce on social media, don’t criticize your ex in front of family and friends, be courteous and avoid demonstrating anger or aggression. If the courts discover a pattern of behavior that shows abuse or aggression or addiction in either parent, that will definitely be a factor when child custody is determined.

3) Having a Stable Home Life

Children of divorcing parents face a lot of transition and understandable feelings of loss. The more stable their home life can be with the custodial parent, the easier it will be for them to work through this time in a healthy manner. Most often, kids will want to remain in the same area, so they can maintain relationships with family members and friends. They may not want to have to move to a new school. The courts will want to avoid unnecessary disruption in their lives considering they’re already going through so much. The courts will also want to see that you have a suitable income, that you are nurturing and active in your child’s life, and that you will be involved in things like parent teacher meetings, sports, helping with homework, and just being there for your child in general. So, as you are planning on where you will move and what your next step will be, consider your home environment and what it needs to be for your children so you can help your chances of getting custody of your child.

Gibbons Law Firm Cares About Your Family

We know how important child custody cases are, and we care about the outcome for you and your family. If you are going through a divorce and need advice from our mid-Missouri divorce attorneys on how to improve your chances of being awarded child custody at Lake of the Ozarks, reach out to our law firm in Lake Ozark. Your initial consultation is free, and we are happy to sit down with you to inform you of your legal rights and help guide you as you make these important decisions. We want the best possible outcome for you and your kids, and we are here to walk with you every step of the way. Give us a call today, and be sure to follow us on social media if you’d like to hear more tips and helpful information. We have links below you can use to follow us on your favorite platform.

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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Low-Cost No-Drama Divorces ARE Possible: Here is How

If you are in the planning stages of going through a divorce, we know there’s a lot to consider. It can be overwhelming at times, especially when you start thinking about the uncertainty of the future. There are a lot of variables on how the divorce may go, and those variables can affect your daily life. On top of that there’s the emotion of the broken relationship and how that could potentially affect family relationships as well. At Gibbons Law Firm, we are very sensitive to how difficult it is to go through a divorce. We also are experienced enough to know there are some ways that you can make it easier on yourself, and achieve a more successful outcome. In this week's blog, we want to share with you a few tips to keep in mind that could potentially make your divorce go more smoothly, and therefore be quicker and more affordable in the long run. To hear what they are, just keep reading. 

Decide for yourself

It is usually best for the couple to be able to work out the outcome of the divorce together, rather than letting the courts do it. If the court gets involved, it will look at a number of different things to decide how your assets are divided as well as custody issues. The court will look at things such as your income, each spouse's earning potential, and how both of you handle your finances during the marriage. This can lead to a complicated, drawn out, and potentially expensive process. Although it may not be 100% to your liking, if you have a mindset to look for common ground and to look for a mutually agreeable conclusion, it may be better for you in the end. Obviously, if you are getting a divorce, there may be some difficulty in working out disagreements, but in the long-run it can save both you and your estranged spouse the time and cost of letting the court make that decision. So there is incentive for both parties to make the effort to work together. 

Consider Your Goals

At the end of the process, your goal is to be divorced, to walk away with a fair settlement, and to be able to move forward in life in a positive way. Sometimes, people are so hurt that they react to the divorce process as though it is an opportunity to prove who is right and wrong, or seek vindication. But the divorce process is not about that. No matter how valid they may be, if you focus on all the reasons you’re getting divorced, and the things that were unfair and hurtful to you, it can actually be a major hindrance to your goal of walking away with a fair settlement. The key is to approach your divorce proceedings with more of a business mindset, and a focus on what you want the end outcome to be. It’s not about digging up past wrongs, it is about setting the stage for your future.

Communicate Clearly and Purposefully

This one can be a challenge, but can be so important when it comes to a successful outcome. Again, this is not a time to think about all the reasons you’re getting divorced. It is about finding a path forward. So, if you can keep your communication clear and focus on the purpose of your end goal, it is more likely to go peacefully and smoothly. Obviously, in some divorces, the relationship is so strained, it can make that kind of communication almost impossible. But that is what your divorce attorney at Lake of the Ozarks is for. Instead, communicate clearly with your attorney, let your attorney know your purpose and what you would like to achieve as an end goal. A skilled attorney can then negotiate with your spouse or their attorneys to help you achieve that purpose. When you’re able to clearly state your position and avoid rehashing the same painful issues, your attorney can take that and fight on your behalf. So stay focused on the path forward, and let your attorney structure your divorce settlement with those purposes in mind.

Gibbons Law Firm is Here to Help You Through

Our divorce attorneys in mid-Missouri know that this is a difficult time for you, and we want to help make it as easy as possible. We also want to help you set yourself up for success in your future endeavors. We have learned from experience that having the right mindset and communication style can make or break the outcome of your divorce. If you are facing a divorce in the near future, we want you to know that we offer free initial consultations at our law office in Lake Ozark. We will be more than willing to sit down with you, talk about your goals, your rights, and what you want to achieve in your divorce agreement. Just give us a call at (573) 348-2211 to schedule a free consultation. Don't forget to follow us on our social media channels using the links below to stay in touch and hear more information and helpful legal tips from Gibbons Law Firm.

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 for a Quicker and More Streamline Divorce

Going through a divorce is usually a very stressful and emotional time for most people. Not only is it the end of a relationship, but there are a ton of unknowns regarding the future and how things will actually go in the divorce proceeding itself. Not knowing if it will go smoothly or be a long and drawn-out battle is a terrible feeling. But there are things you can do to help reduce the unknowns and come to an agreement that you know you can live with. Our divorce attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks have a few tips to help you through your divorce process in a way that can help it go more quickly and peacefully. In so many ways it is about mindset. If you are trying to reduce the stress, expense, and conflict while going through your divorce proceedings, keep reading this blog for three tips from Gibbons Law Firm.

1) Be Proactive

When you leave it up to the Court to decide the outcome of your divorce, it will look at multiple factors to decide how things should be handled and divided. That could include things such as your income, how each of you handled your finances while you were married, each spouse’s earning potential, and more. That might result in a more drawn-out and expensive process for you. It is usually best when a couple can agree on how things will be split rather than let the court get involved. That means the more of a mindset you have to look for common ground or mutually agreeable conditions, the more likely it will be that you can arrive at a consensus between you and your estranged spouse and save yourself the time and cost of the court having to decide for you.

2) Focus On the End Results

It can be very hard not to think about all the emotional reasons you are getting divorced and aspects that you think are unfair and hurtful. But none of that helps when it comes to creating a divorce agreement that you can live with. If you are able to approach divorce negotiations with more of a business mindset, and a focus on the end outcome and not past wrongs, you may increase your chances for achieving that outcome. Do your best to be professional and fair. Don’t look at the process as a way of deciding who is right and wrong but a path to the future you are ready to start. 

3) Set a Positive Tone with Communication

Clear and purposeful communication makes all the difference in the world when it comes to your divorce proceeding. Again, this is not about why you’re getting divorced, but how you and your spouse can move forward in the most positive way. If you are able to visualize a feasible and fair path forward, and not be focused on your grievances, it is likely to go more peacefully. Sometimes the energy between a couple can make clear and purposeful communication impossible. If that’s the case, you want to communicate clearly with your attorney with that same mindset, and let your attorney take care of negotiations with your spouse and his or her attorney. Communicate your position clearly and avoid dragging out the process by rehashing the same issue over and over. Stay focused on your end goal and let your attorney structure the settlement with those purposes in mind.

Although none of this is easy, as divorce attorneys in mid-Missouri, we know from experience that the more you can decide things between yourselves, the smoother and more peaceful your divorce will be, and less expensive. Even in high-stakes divorces, our Lake Ozark law firm has seen couples work out agreements between themselves, but it could take more time if the situation is complicated. At our law office in Lake Ozark, we know that going through a divorce is difficult, and you may have a lot of questions. We do offer free initial consultations and would be happy to sit down with you and talk with you about what your rights are and how to go about achieving what you want in your divorce agreement. Give us a call at (573) 348-2211 to schedule your appointment. For more information and helpful hints regarding legal topics and seeking legal advice at Lake of the Ozarks, be sure to follow us on our social media channels using the links below.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Family Law Services – Ways Gibbons Law Firm Can Help

As a family law attorney at Lake of the Ozarks, Roger Gibbons has helped families through a number of difficult legal situations. Some happy, some sad, but most of them emotional. He understands how important the situation is to his clients and the children involved. He works hard to communicate and diffuse emotions and help his clients arrive at the best possible outcome for the given situation at hand. Today’s blog is written to share with you some of the different ways Gibbons Law Firm can help when you are in need of family legal services.

Adoption.

When most people think about adoption, they tend to think about how heartwarming it is to see a child be part of a loving home. But the process for the adopting parents can be one of angst and suspense. When you have an experienced family law attorney to help you through every step of the process, fear of the unknown can be reduced. When you hire Gibbons Law Firm you are able to walk confidently knowing your adoption attorney at Lake of the Ozarks is not new to this process and is there to look out for you and the child you are adopting.

Prenuptials and Post Nuptials

Prenuptials and post-nuptials are becoming much more common in today’s marriages. This is especially true with blended families when the couple already has teenage or adult children from a previous marriage. Although it might feel like an awkward topic, Gibbons Law Firm makes it an easy process and is familiar with the things you might want to consider when it comes to prenuptials or post-nuptials at Lake of the Ozarks.

Parental Rights

Sometimes there may be a need to establish or terminate parental rights in a family, and that is also something that our family law attorneys in central Missouri can help with. If a father is not married to the mother of his child, she will have full custody until he establishes paternity. It is highly recommended that you have an effective family law attorney to help you through that process. On the other hand, termination of parental rights is something a family must sometimes pursue. This is a very sensitive situation and has a huge impact on the children in the family. If a parent has become abusive, or the home situation is so neglectful or dangerous, the other parent may hire a skilled attorney to help. Termination of parental rights requires very specific criteria, and our ability to investigate and negotiate cases at Gibbons Law Firm can be a significant asset to our clients dealing with this heartbreaking situation.

Divorce

A large part of the work we do in family law is triggered by divorce. If one or both spouses believes the marriage is beyond repair and decide that divorce is the best way to move forward, it is highly recommended to have a family law attorney help with the details. Decisions will have to be made regarding child custody, child support, division of assets and liabilities, and potentially spousal support. A knowledgeable attorney that is adept at listening, negotiating, and diffusing, can make the process much more productive.  Having an attorney that is willing to litigate when necessary, can also make the outcome more successful.

Communication - Caring - Dedication

That is what Gibbons Law Firm is all about. When it comes to family law in central Missouri, we respect the fact that the outcome is important, not just to our client, but to the children involved especially. We believe that a family deserves the legal advice and counseling they need in these difficult times in order to make such life-changing decisions. We are here for you to answer your questions, and see how we can help. Feel free to call us and schedule an appointment. Your initial consultation is free. To hear more legal tips and information from Gibbons Law Firm, you can follow us on social media 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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5 Myths and Misunderstandings Regarding Divorce in Missouri

When two people get married they are thinking about living “happily ever after.” They are certainly not focusing on the fact that half of all marriages end in divorce. So, if a couple finds themselves at the point where divorce is the only option, it can be very confusing and depressing. At Gibbons Law Firm, we have noticed a few myths or misconceptions people have about divorce. Because our family law attorneys in Lake Ozark are more familiar with the process than most people, we have answers to some common questions or myths.  If you are considering divorcing your spouse, and need more information about what it entails, we have some interesting information in today’s blog for you.

Myth #1
You can only divorce your spouse if they commit adultery.

Most states, including Missouri, are no-fault divorce states. That means that no marital misconduct has to be proven before you can file for divorce. In Missouri, the only requirement is that there is “no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved, and that the marriage is irretrievably broken.“ If you have irreconcilable differences and see no possibility for repairing the relationship, you are able to file for divorce in Missouri.

Myth #2
Getting divorced will involve an expensive court battle.

If the spouses are in agreement on division of property, custody, etc., the process doesn’t have to be adversarial. Having an experienced family law attorney working with you can help you determine how their assets and responsibilities should be divided, as well as child custody, and any other unique matters in a way that you believe can be mutually agreed upon by both spouses.  If your spouse is agreement on what the final outcome should be, it can be relatively straightforward to get that finalized legally with the help of a good attorney. 

Myth #3
You cannot get divorced unless both spouses agree.

This isn’t true. In Missouri, if a person no longer wants to be married, they do not have to be bound to their marriage. If the other spouse does not want to divorce, they may try to hinder the proceedings, and may very well make things more difficult. But they don’t actually have to agree in order for the divorce to take place.

Myth #4
The mother will automatically be given custody of the child.

When the court decides who to award custody to it will base the decision on eight statutory factors. It will not necessarily go to the children’s primary caregiver in the past or the parent with the highest income. You and your attorney will have the opportunity to prove to the court that you are the best choice based on those eight factors.  You will want to have an experienced divorce attorney in central Missouri who can guide you in proving that to the court.

Myth #5
If a spouse refuses to pay child support, he or she loses visitation rights.

You may not withhold visitation with your child from your ex because he or she is refusing to pay child support. Even if it seems like that’s the only way you are going to get your spouse to help pay for the expenses of raising your child, it is very unadvised to do so. If the court finds out you are withholding visitation rights from your spouse until you receive child support, there could be legal consequences. It can also cause unnecessary resentment between you and your child. If your spouse has been ordered to pay child support and bear their fair share of the financial responsibility of raising your child, and he or she refuses to honor that order, you should contact an attorney to decide the appropriate and most effective action to take.

Gibbons Law Firm is here for you!

We know this is tough, and not something you wanted. But if your marriage cannot be repaired, and your only option is divorce, we can help you get through it and look out for your best interests. At Gibbons Law Firm, we offer free initial consultations with our divorce lawyers in mid-Missouri. We are here to answer your questions and provide guidance through this difficult time. Our contact information is below for your convenience. If you are interested in more legal tips and information from our law firm, we invite you to follow us on our social media platforms 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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How to Make Your Divorce as Quick and Peaceful as Possible

At Gibbons Law Firm we know that going through a divorce is a trying time full of emotions.  Not knowing how things are going to go – whether things will go relatively smoothly or turn into a long and expensive battle – certainly adds to the stress.  As divorce attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks, we have learned a few things that can go a long way towards helping you get through your divorce more quickly and with less conflict. If you are interested in knowing how to make the divorce process quicker and hopefully less painful, today’s blog is for you.  If you are looking to file for divorce and need an experienced divorce attorney in Mid-Missouri to guide you, call us at 573-348-2211.  We know how to help you through this tough time.

Try to Come to a Solution on Your Own 

The more a couple is able to work out a solution on their own the better the outcome usually is for everyone.  If you and your spouse are not able to come to an agreement, then it will be left up to the Court to decide.  That will involve the Court looking at a number of different factors such as each person’s earning potential, current income, how each spouse handled their finances during the marriage, etc. That can obviously become more labor-intensive and lead to decisions that perhaps neither spouse actually agrees with.  By far the best scenario is for you and your spouse to come to a fair and agreeable decision to you both without getting the Court involved.  

Be Business-Minded

The entire discussion of how to end the marriage and divide assets fairly can trigger a lot of feelings, especially if you feel you have been put at a disadvantage because of how you were treated in the marriage.  Make it your goal to be professional and fair.  This is no time to let your emotions take over.  Keep in mind your alternative is to let the Court determine the outcome and that can create a lot more variables and unknowns.  If you can approach the negotiations more like a business meeting than a battle for justice, your chances for a successful outcome increase significantly.

Communicate with Purpose

Clear and purposeful communication can totally set the tone for the entire process during your divorce. This is not about all the reasons you are done with the relationship or all the ways you have been wronged.  At this point, you and your spouse should be focused on HOW to move forward in the most positive way possible. Considering that you did not get married expecting for it not to work, remembering at one point this person is someone you loved, the more you can visualize and communicate a fair and reasonable path forward and avoid re-hashing grievances the more quickly and peacefully it will go.  

If the energy between you and your spouse makes that impossible, communicate with your attorney with the same mindset and let your attorney work through the negotiation.  Once you have stated your position, try to avoid going back and readdressing the same issue as that can drag out the entire process and potentially force negotiations back to square one.  So stay focused on the future and let your attorney help you structure and negotiate for that end.

We hope you find this information helpful.  We don’t wish divorce on any couple.  But if you find yourself facing a divorce, we want to make it as quick and painless as possible.  Unfortunately, some divorces may be more complicated if they involve children, businesses, or a lot of joint assets.  It may take more time to work out the agreements in such cases.  But at Gibbons Law Firm, we have learned that even in a high stakes divorce, being able to bring your own solutions and having a mindset to be fair, responsive and clear in your communication can be very helpful in making your divorce more timely even (or especially) in a high stakes divorce.  For more information on how to get the process started and how to achieve the most positive results, our law office in Lake Ozark offers free consultations.  Contact us at (573) 348-2211 to schedule your appointment.  Follow our social media channels for more helpful hints and information regarding the law and seeking legal advice at the Lake of the Ozarks.  

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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