Safe Driving Tips for the Upcoming Holiday Season

It is hard to believe it, but the holiday season is right around the corner. With Thanksgiving coming up it’s the kick-off to the season, and that means more people out and about on the roads. Whether driving for holiday shopping, visiting family and friends, or attending dinners and parties, there are usually a lot more people out on the roads during this time of year. So it’s a great time to remember a few safe driving tips to help you and others while out on the road. If you’d like to to make your holiday season a little safer, here are 5 tips for you to consider. 

1) Mind the Weather

If you find yourself driving in rain or snow, it’s important for you to make adjustments to the weather conditions. It may take longer for you to get stopped, it may be easier to hydroplane or lose traction, and you will need to adjust your stopping distance appropriately as well. How your car handles the specific weather conditions you’re in can vary depending on things like the weight of your vehicle, your tires, etc. So, you can’t just adjust to the speed of traffic, you must adjust to your specific vehicle. You also want to take into account that other drivers may not be making these adjustments, which makes it all the more important that you do.

2) Watch Your Speed

We may be more excited about our destinations this time of the year, but don’t let that get you in a rush. The impact of a car crash is exponentially worse when it occurs at higher speeds. Speed limits are set based on road conditions like curves, and blind driveways. Just because you are capable of maneuvering the roads at a higher speed does not mean that it is safe to do so. So, respect the speed limit, keep yourself and others safe, and avoided a ticket, too.

3) Be Disciplined – No Distractions

Again, it is a more exciting time of the year, and that can make it even harder to stay focused when driving. But distracted driving is extremely dangerous and can be deadly. It only takes a moment of having your eyes off the road to cause an accident. It is not worth risking your life or the lives of others. So, be disciplined and don’t just avoid texting and driving, don’t let eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to your passengers become a distraction either.

4) Drive Defensively

It is easy to assume that other drivers will follow the rules of the road as well as you do, but that is not always the case. Sometimes people forget to signal, fail to yield, or don’t stop when you have the right of way. If you always have a plan for what to do if the other guy isn’t paying attention, you’re much more likely to be able to make an evasive maneuver or avoid a collision. Defensive driving also means being aware of your surroundings, keeping a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, watching your blind spot, and staying out of other people’s blind spots. The more you look out for yourself, the more personal control you have to avoid a collision.

5) Remember - It is OR not AND!

As always, we cannot fail to remind our readers that if you’re going to drink, don’t drive. If you are going to drive, don’t drink. Drink OR drive - it is or not and. If you choose to drink, use a designated driver, or get an Uber, but don’t take a chance getting behind the wheel when you are under the influence.

At Gibbons Law Firm, we look forward to the holiday season and all the joy it brings. We want you to have a happy time with your friends and family, and safe travels on the roads as well. As personal injury attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks we know how devastating car accidents can be, and we want to do anything we can to help people avoid them. If you or someone you know has been injured in a serious car accident because of someone else’s negligence, it is important that they have legal guidance to know what their rights are, and where they stand. If they are entitled to compensation, they deserve someone that is going to fight for them and be with them every step of the way to get it. Keep in mind that we offer free consultations at our law firm in Lake Ozark and we generally take personal injury cases in Central Missouri on a contingency basis so you do not have to have money in order for us to fight your case. Give us a call at our law office in Lake Ozark to schedule an appointment, and be sure to follow us on social media using the links below if you’d like to hear more tips and legal information 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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Do YOU Have an Estate Plan for Your Business? Here's Why You Should.

Running your own business is certainly not for the faint of heart. When you are able to build up a successful business, that usually means many years of dedication, heart, time and energy that you have sacrificed to get to where you are. Have you ever thought about what would happen to your business if you were no longer able to run it? Or what that would mean for your family, or your employees and their families? In the same way that people will put off having a personal estate plan made, it is not uncommon for business owners to not even think about creating an estate plan for their business. But there are several things to consider when you run your own business and would certainly want to avoid if something were to happen to you. So, in today’s blog, we are going to talk about three things to think about as a business owner, when it comes to planning your estate.

1) Leadership

Running your business takes a very specific skill set. If you have a family member who is highly involved in the business, it may make sense for them to carry on in your place. But, what if no one in the family has the skills, time, or interest in running your business? Maybe they are willing and interested, but just don’t have the skills. If that’s the case, it would be a benefit to have a plan for who would have the skills and ability to lead the business if you are no longer there to do it. You also will want to create a transition plan for that person and make sure that if they are positioned to take leadership, they would also have access to bank accounts, online accounts, financial information, and technical information about the business, etc.

2) Ownership

Your spouse or family can still own the business while you have someone else appointed to lead the business. But if that is not as beneficial to your family as a one-time payment would be, then you might want to consider other options. If you have business partners, they may be interested in buying your portion of the business from your family. It is a smart idea for business partners to have life insurance policies on each other so that if one of them were to pass, there would be funds available for the buyout. If you do not have partners but still believe your family would want to sell the business, then it’s a good idea to have information regarding valuation and other important information that would make transfer of ownership more feasible. That transition plan we talked about can help tremendously if you think selling the business would be the best option at that point.

3) Taxes and Probate

Unfortunately, the tax liability that comes upon a business when the owner dies also comes with a deadline. It is very sad when businesses have to liquidate in order to pay the tax burden on time. You don’t want your business to end that way, so if you would rather your family or business partners have a chance to run your business rather than it coming to an end, then talk to your estate planning attorney at Lake of the Ozarks about an estate plan for your business.

Our business law attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks know that an estate plan is one of the last things of business owners thinking about when they’re building up their business. But we also know how important it is. So, if you have any question at all, feel free to take advantage of a free initial consultation with our lawyers in Lake Ozark. It is as simple as giving us a call and getting on the schedule. We can make the process of estate planning for your business in mid-Missouri easy and effective for you. We can also help you with other legal matters as well. For more helpful information and legal tips from our law office 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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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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Do YOU Know What to Do If You Are Ever in a Car Accident?

It’s not something anyone plans for, but the odds are that in your lifetime you or someone you know will be involved in a car accident. It’s a very uncomfortable experience to say the least. It can be difficult to stay focused and know what to do at the scene of the accident. This is especially true if it is a very serious accident. But a serious accident means there are likely to be some long-term effects and knowing what to do at the time can make a big difference on potential personal injury claims. The number one thing is to make sure everyone is OK and safe, and to prevent one accident from causing another. But knowing what else to do at the time when you’ve just been through a traumatic event can be very difficult. So, in this blog we wanted to help you think about it ahead of time so that if you or anyone else you know finds themselves in a serious car accident at Lake of the Ozarks, you can feel a little more prepared to handle the situation.

Safety First

The first thing to do when you’ve been in an accident is to observe your surroundings. Look to see if there are any immediate dangers or hazards, and if possible, drivers of both vehicles should get their car off the roadway as quickly as they can. If one or both vehicles cannot be moved, it is usually best if everyone exits their vehicles and stands at the side of the road away from traffic. It’s important to keep an eye on traffic and be aware the whole time because it’s a very vulnerable place to be. Call a tow truck immediately, and if the accident happened on a blind curve or hill and it is possible to set markers or road flares so that upcoming drivers will know to slow down it is good to do so. 

Emergency Responders

It is important to have a police report made at the time of the accident. You will need that for documentation right away for your insurance company. You will also want to get a copy of the accident report for your own records as well. It’s also important to make sure everyone is OK medically. Being evaluated by a medical professional will help document any injuries, and make sure everyone gets the treatment they need right away. It’s actually possible to have broken bones and other trauma and not realize it at the time of the accident because you are in a state of shock or the effects of not really set in yet. That is why medical evaluation is such an important thing to do when you’ve been in a serious car accident.

Documentation

Just in case you have to prove your case in the future, you want to document everything as quickly as possible. You’ll remember less as time goes on, and you never know what detail may be significant later on. If you can take pictures of the scene and the damage caused, that is very important. It’s also good to take notes and write down anything that you remember about what led up to the accident, and any other factors that may have contributed. Even if you think it is unrelated or insignificant, the more details you can write down the better it is to have just in case.

Call Your Insurance Agent

You will want to let your insurance agent know as soon as possible that you had an accident. They will be able to walk you through filing a claim and can help you through the process. 

Call for a Free Consultation at Gibbons Law Firm

Last but certainly not least, you need to know where you stand legally, what your rights are, and what your options are. Our personal injury attorneys in Lake Ozark have helped countless clients win the settlements they need to help compensate for the effects of being injured due to someone else’s negligence in mid-Missouri. We know how important it is to have experienced representation, and we don’t want finances to be a barrier to anyone in that position. So, we generally represent personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you don’t have to have money in order to have someone there to represent you and fight for your rights. If you or anyone you love has been in a serious car accident and needs guidance and legal information about what to do, Gibbons Law Firm is here for you. Just call us at the number below and schedule your free initial consultation. We share helpful legal information on a regular basis, so if you’d like to hear more, be sure to follow us on social media. The links to our channels are 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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