Estate Planning - 3 Important Things For Business Owners to Consider

If you are a small business owner, chances are you have put your all into getting where you are now. You have sacrificed time, money, heart, and more to build your business into a success, and you continue to work to maintain that success and a reputation of integrity. Have you ever thought about what would happen to the business you have built up if something were to happen to you? What about the livelihoods of your employees? Although many small business owners don’t think about it, estate planning for your business is something you should take care of in addition to your personal estate plan. If you haven’t thought about making an estate plan for your business at Lake of the Ozarks, this blog will talk about three things to think about to make it easier for you when putting your plan together.

Someone to Lead in Your Stead

Sometimes a business owner's spouse or other family member may be highly involved in the business, and in a position where they can step up and run the business. Sometimes there are partners that are more knowledgeable about the business and may be a better choice. If neither of these are a practical option, you want to think of another person who would be capable of running your business and talk to them about that possibility. Then you’ll want to make a plan for what that transition would look like. Your successor will need access to bank accounts, financial information, online accounts, technical information about the business, and more. Once that transition plan has been created, be sure to put it in a place that it will be accessible along with your estate plan.

Ownership

Sometimes, it makes more sense for the family to sell the business rather than own it, if they are not feasibly able to take over the leadership role. In that case, having information for valuation of the business, as well as important information to make it easier for the next business owner, and therefore a more appealing business for a buyer should be part of your estate plan. If you have partners who you believe would be interested in stepping into the leadership role, you can provide an option for them to buy your portion of the business out. It is not uncommon for business partners to take out life insurance policies on each other so in the event one passes away, there will be funds to allow for that type of buyout. If you believe your family would benefit more from a cash payout for your portion of the business, you could provide for that option if no one is able or interested in learning how to run your business and taking on that responsibility. 

Probate and Tax Timelines

It’s important to be aware that there are tax implications when the owner of a business dies, and that tax burden comes with a timeframe. Unfortunately, some businesses find themselves forced to liquidate in order to cover that tax burden within the required deadline. It is a sad way for business to end, and it does not have to be that way. If you prefer that your family or business partners have the opportunity to take over the business, let's talk about an estate plan for your business. 

Business Estate Plans - Protecting Your Legacy

As business law attorneys in mid-Missouri, we know that having an estate plan is not always intuitive for small business owners. So we wanted to let you know why it is important, give you a few things to think about, and offer you a free initial consultation at Gibbons Law Firm. Just call our office at (573)348–2211 to schedule an appointment with one of our estate planning attorneys in Lake Ozark. We are capable of helping you with all your business legal needs, and very familiar with the process necessary to get this important plan in place for your business and your peace of mind. We also have regular legal information and helpful tips on our social media channels if you’d like to hear more. We have links below for your convenience, feel free to follow us!

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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Common Accidents in the Summer Leading to Personal Injury - and How to Avoid Them!

Summer is in full swing here at Lake of the Ozarks and that means visitors and locals alike are all spending more time on the roads and on the lake. It’s a time to make memories and have fun with family and friends. But it is also a time when there are more accidents and personal injuries. At Gibbons Law Firm, we know that nobody wants to suffer a personal injury at Lake of the Ozarks, so wanted to share with you three common ways that people are injured every summer at Lake of the Ozarks. If you would like to know how to stay safer and improve your chance to avoid sustaining or causing an injury this summer, this blog explains.

Boating Accidents

We are certainly in the middle of peak boating season right now at Lake of the Ozarks. It is an interesting scene made up of a variety of types of boats, a variety of lake activity, and a variety of driving skills and focus. Between the fishermen and women, the wake borders, the families pulling kids on towables, the cruisers, and the speed boats, there’s a lot going on out there. Every year unfortunately people get hurt, and it can occur a lot more often when alcohol is involved. That means some injuries can easily be avoided by planning ahead and having a designated driver. There are even boat captain services where you can hire someone to pilot your boat for you. The last thing you want to have happen while you’re out having fun is to be injured or to injure someone else. So keep it safe, look out for yourself and others, and don’t forget to make sure you and everyone else has their life jackets on just in case. 

Motorcycle Accidents

The Lake of the Ozarks is a prime destination location for motorcycle enthusiasts, and for great reasons. It’s a beautiful area with fun roads that twist and curve around in the beautiful Ozarks landscape. But there are also a lot of drivers here in the summer that are not familiar with the area, and the same scenery that is so fun to drive can create blind curves and hills that can be very unforgiving. It is always important to look out for motorcycles, and also for motorcycles to drive defensively and wear their safety gear. The damage done when a car or truck collides with a motorcycle is unimaginable. Again, these accidents or more likely and can be more devastating when alcohol is involved. Alcohol slows reaction time and can also cloud our judgment and even our visual perception. So don’t drink and drive, and look out for our friends on motorcycles.

Car Accidents

As we mentioned, the roads in the Ozarks have the beautiful hills and curves we enjoy so much. But we also have areas where there are no shoulders on the road, and areas that are hard to see around the hill or corner. Not to be redundant, but whenever alcohol is involved, once again, it can contribute to a larger number of car accidents at Lake of the Ozarks. It may seem like we are repeating ourselves, but the fact is, being diligent about drinking responsibly can prevent so many summertime accidents at Lake of the Ozarks.

Have a Designated Driver, and Know Your Rights!

At Gibbons Law Firm, we have represented countless victims of personal injury accidents at Lake of the Ozarks. We are painfully aware of how devastating an accident can be for someone who is injured, and how many ways their life changes forever because of that injury. So, we wanted to share some tips with you and help remind you of how important it is to drink responsibly. We also want you to know that if you or someone you know has been injured by someone else’s negligence, you deserve to know your rights and have someone that is going to stand up for you as your advocate. We understand it can be confusing and overwhelming to know where to start. That is why we offer free initial consultations, and we are happy to sit down with you and explain what your options are. Just call our law office in Lake Ozark to make an appointment. If you would like to hear more tips and helpful information from our personal injury attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks, please use the link below to follow us on social media.

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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When Prenuptials May Be Right for You

Many people don’t think about the legal aspects of getting married. If you were going to have a business partnership, you wouldn’t think twice about having a contract that outlined what would happen if you dissolve the business partnership. But even though over half of all marriages end in divorce, some people are hesitant to think about why prenuptials could be a good idea. They can potentially take a lot of uncertainty and pressure off the couple getting married. They can also provide more security for kids you may have from a prior marriage. You are the only one that can make the decision on whether prenuptials are right for you. That is why it’s good have an understanding of when they might apply to your circumstances. If you’d like to hear five common reasons when prenuptials can be beneficial, keep reading his blog.

1) Kids

Prenuptials may make sense if you have children from a previous marriage. There may be things that have been passed down through generations in your family to which your children have sentimental attachment. But they will have no value to your fiancé‘s children. By having a prenuptial agreement you can look out for your children’s interests and make them feel more protected and comfortable with you remarrying. Our attorneys in mid-Missouri are able to provide the information you need to make the best decision for you and your kids.

2) Debt

If your fiancé has a large debt burden that you do not want to be responsible for if you are not married, prenuptials might be the answer. If you are not comfortable being responsible for debt that you did not create, especially if you and your fiancé are no longer together, talk to our family law attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks to learn more about getting a formal prenuptial agreement.

3) Business

If you own your own business you might have a good reason to consider a prenuptial. After all, you have put your all into it building a name for yourself, establishing a clientele, and creating a livelihood for yourself from the ground up. If you have business partners other than your spouse, they may want you to have a prenuptial as well, in order to protect their business interest with you.

4) Income

If your income is significantly higher than your fiancé’s, it might make sense to have a prenuptial agreement. You have every reason to share your assets fully with your spouse. But if you are not together anymore, would you be fine with paying alimony if required to? It might be worth taking the time for a free consultation with our lawyers in Lake Ozark to learn more about prenuptial agreements in mid-Missouri. 

5) Inheritance/Retirement

Do you have a retirement or a potentially significant inheritance? Then prenuptials could be a good idea for you. Obviously you would want your future spouse to benefit from your retirement or inheritance as a married couple, but would you want to share it with them if you were no longer together? Would the loved one leaving in the inheritance want part of it to go to them if they were no longer with you, or would they rather it go to you or your children? 

Making an Informed Decision

Whether or not to get prenuptials is a decision only you can make. But it’s good to have the facts when making such an important decision. It has a lot to do with your individual circumstances and your personal risk tolerance. If you would like to sit down for a free initial consultation, we would be happy to look into your circumstances and give you the information you need to make a more informed decision. Just call (573) 348-2211 to schedule your appointment. We also will be posting additional helpful information to our social media channels regularly. If you’d like to stay in touch with Gibbons Law Firm, be sure to follow us on your favorite platform 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 of the Most Common Reasons People Contact Gibbons Law Firm

There are many different reasons people seek the legal services of Gibbons Law Firm. Roger Gibbons is an experienced lawyer and litigator who is committed to clear communication and providing sound advice as he guides his clients through difficult legal issues.  Roger Gibbons has represented a variety of clients including individuals, employees, builders, contractors, homeowners, lenders, small businesses, subcontractors, municipalities, and other government entities. If you are curious what the top 5 reason are why people seek the legal services of our Lake Ozark law firm, we have them for you in this week’s blog.  

Business 

Setting up and running a business can involve a lot of legal questions. Many of those questions are specific to the type of business you are in and having the right legal guidance from the very beginning is critical. An experienced business law attorney at Lake of the Ozarks will know how you should structure your business with consideration for legal liability and tax implications, etc. They can also write contracts between business partners, the business and vendors or employees, and more. Your business attorney can provide legal guidance when it comes to having employees such as hiring, firing, and workman’s comp. Businesses even seek legal advice when it comes to collections when clients won’t pay. 

Estate Planning

Everyone knows they should put their affairs in order in case something unexpected were to happen to them. But many people don’t know where to start and can find the process overwhelming. Or worse, they take care of some parts of their estate planning but leave out other key parts. Our estate planning attorneys in mid-Missouri will look at things like guardianship for children, where your assets will go, if you need a trust, writing a will, establishing a durable power of attorney, etc. Gibbons Law Firm can make sure every piece of the puzzle is in place to document your wishes and make them legally binding.   

Personal Injury

When someone sustains a serious injury in an accident, they really should have the support of a skilled personal injury attorney who can look at the situation and assess whether they may have a case for seeking compensation. That is why many of our clients have contacted our personal injury lawyers at Lake of the Ozarks. When a victim is facing stacking medical bills and limitations in their ability to work, they need someone on their side to fight for them while they focus on healing and trying to adjust to a life-changing injury. 

Criminal Charges

Some people contact our law firm because they find themselves facing criminal charges. Sometimes they are minor charges, sometimes they are very serious charges. Either way, it is essential that the person being charged knows their rights and has legal guidance as soon as possible after being charged and throughout the entire process. 

Family Law

Many of the aspects of family law we handle are related to divorce. From the dissolution of marriage itself and division of assets; to establishment of or changes in things like custody, child support, visitation, etc. But in addition, our family law attorneys in central Missouri can assist you with adoption, and guardianship not related to divorce (e.g. adults, foster children, etc.).  

Gibbons Law Firm Can Help with YOUR Legal Questions, Too!

No matter the legal issue at hand, when a person contacts Gibbons Law Firm, they know they will be dealing with someone who cares about providing clear and accurate information. When you need legal guidance in order to make an informed decision when facing a difficult challenge, Roger Gibbons has the expertise you can rely one. Your initial consultation is free, all you have to do is call and make an appointment. To hear more tips and information about various legal topics, we invite you to follow 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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Knowing What to Do Right After A Car Accident

Being in a car accident can be a very traumatizing thing to experience. Even being in a little fender bender, can make it hard to focus at the time. A major accident can be completely rattling. If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a car accident, it’s important to have a good personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks. It is critical that you know your rights and have someone that will help you through the case so you can focus on getting well. Your initial consultation at our Lake Ozark law office is free. So give us a call at 573-348-2211 to learn more about your rights when it comes to your personal injury case.

In case you are ever in a car accident at Lake of the Ozarks, we wanted to share some tips on what to do because if you’re prepared ahead of time, you may be able to get through the situation more easily. With road conditions at Lake of the Ozarks, there may be a little recourse if someone is distracted or using bad judgment. We have blind curves and hills, and many roads with no shoulders, so even a fraction of a second of inattention can lead to a devastating car accident. If you want to be more prepared in case you ever are in a car accident so you know what to do, we wrote this blog for you.

Survey the Scene

Right after an accident, the most important thing to do is look around and survey the scene for safety. Make sure you’re OK, everyone else is OK, and look out for traffic. If it’s possible to move your car to the side of the road or out of the trafficway it is best to do so. If you have to leave your car in the roadway, call a tow truck immediately and do not stay in your car. Get as far away from traffic as possible and watch traffic carefully the whole time. The last thing you want to see happen is to cause or be in a secondary accident because of the first one.

Call First Responders

Obviously, you will need to call 911 so a police officer can evaluate the situation and make a police report. You will want to get a copy of that accident report once it is finished, for your own records and for your insurance company. It is also important to make sure everyone receives medical attention if they need it. Calling the ambulance will not only bring medical professionals to help, but it will also be a process that will document the injuries sustained.

Further Documentation

As soon as you can, start taking notes and writing down everything you can remember about what happened. Take pictures while you’re at the scene, write down what you saw or heard. Note any factors or conditions like other traffic, weather, or road hazards that could have played a part in the accident. The more details you can gather the better, and the sooner you get them the better. Your memory will likely  fade over time so record this information while it is fresh in your mind.

Call Your Insurance Representative

This is another thing you want to do as soon as possible because that is how you will get the claims process started. Your insurance company will guide you through the process from there.

Know your Rights

When you’ve been in a car accident it is important to have experienced legal representation to look out for you and your rights. No doubt, you will have questions about the whole situation and the course of action you should take. Our law firm in Lake Ozark is experienced in fighting personal injury cases and we are dedicated to helping you through the process to get the compensation you are due. Gibbons Law Firm has successfully represented many clients and we are available to help you, too. We can carry the load of dealing with your court case, while you focus on the task of healing and getting well. If you are suffering with a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, we encourage you to reach out to our mid-Missouri Law Firm for a free initial consultation. If you found this blog helpful, and would like to hear more tips and insights on legal issues at Lake of the Ozarks, be sure to use the links below to follow us on social media.

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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