O'Donnell Law Center : Lake of the Ozarks

When you're setting up a business at the Lake of the Ozarks , choosing the right business entity is absolutely critical. Your business entity will impact the way your company's income is taxed, the way important decisions and processes must be handled, and how its eventual sale or dissolution must be conducted. A limited liability company (commonly abbreviated as "LLC") is a particularly popular business entity with a unique set of advantages. However, it also comes with its share of potential drawbacks. This week, O'Donnell Law Center explores some of these pros and cons. PROS An LLC can have an unlimited number of members. Owners of an LLC can enjoy greater flexibility than those with other business entities. Unless the operating agreement outlines specific procedures for a certain task, owners are able to structure their company in whatever way best meets their needs. Members/owners are protected with "limited liability," which helps to prot...

It may seem like a surprising comparison at first, but if you think about it, starting a new business has a lot in common with starting a new marriage. Both are filled with excitement, wonder, and - of course - nervous anticipation. Both can be incredibly rewarding i f handled correctly and given the proper attention , but both can also be challenging at times. Here is a quick look at some of the other things new businesses and new marriages have in common. Both Need To Be Established Correctly As the owner of a brand new business, you have a lot of important decisions to make. First and foremost, you have to choose which form of business entity to use. Do you want to incorporate as a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company, or something else? Each options offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and you will have to carefully evaluate your business' unique needs in order to make an informed decision. In order for your business to thrive, you need to ch...

Criminal defense is a vast and complex legal discipline. With literally hundreds of illegal acts and countless degrees of severity, maneuvering the world of criminal defense at the Lake of the Ozarks can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, O'Donnell Law Center is here to make the process easier on you. If you are facing criminal charges (or believe you may soon be charged), our criminal defense attorney in Osage Beach.  MO is always available for a consultation. This week, we are here to shed some light on lesser known aspects of criminal law in Missouri . 1. The Penalties For Stealing In Missouri Vary Depending On The Value Of The Item(s) Stolen. Stealing (including "shoplifting") is a criminal offense punishable by steep penalties. Even for first offenses, those accused of stealing may be subject to expensive fines and substantial jail or prison time. Here is a quick breakdown of how these crimes are punishable in Missouri in 2016.  These penalties are schedule...

Filing for divorce at the Lake of the Ozarks marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one filled with possibilities and unknowns. Almost every aspect of the couple's lives will change, but finances are a factor that weigh particularly heavy on the minds of many divorcing couples. This is especially true for couples in which one individual makes significantly more money than the other or in which one individual stays at home with the children, not bringing in any income whatsoever. In these situations, alimony may be awarded to help offset the financial discrepancies. Alimony - A Quick Overview Alimony is designed to help divorced individuals who may not earn enough income to support themselves in the manner they were accustomed to during the marriage. Sometimes called "spousal support" or "maintenance," alimony is a monthly payment the higher-earning spouse is ordered to pay the lower-earning spouse. The Courts recognize that in many sit...

Your business is your livelihood. As the owner, you'll want to do everything you can to ensure that your company leaves a great first impression with every potential customer it comes in contact with, and leaves a positive lasting impression with everyone who uses you services or products. There are a lot of background procedures that must be executed to ensure that your business runs properly, but the impression you leave with your customers is a vital component of your business' success. 4 Ways To Help Your Business Make A Great Impression 1. Draft Solid Legal Contracts When it comes to business transactions, you have to be organized. This is especially true when it comes to business contracts. Your contracts must be thorough and legally sound in order to protect your business endeavors. A well-written contract also goes a long way towards improving your clients' impressions of your business, as a well-written contract excludes professionalism. 2. Know Your Bu...

Auto accidents happen in an instant, but they can have long-term repercussions. Depending on the severity of your accident, you may suffer any number of undesirable consequences, including: Moderate to severe physical injuries Increased auto insurance rates Costly repairs Extensive legal procedures Reducing Your Risk Of A Car Accident As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We have discussed the steps you should take immediately following a vehicle accident, but what are some things you can do to prevent an accident from occurring in the first place?  Here are a few strategies you can use to help lower your risk of a car accident. 1. Double-Check Your Blind Spots Never underestimate the power of your blind spots. The "blind spot" is the area next to and slightly behind your car that you cannot see in your rear-view or side-view mirrors. Before turning or changing lanes, you should always look over your shoulder to double-che...

Even under the best possible circumstances, divorce is stressful. For one reason or another you and/or your spouse have   decided that it will be best if you go your separate ways, and a lot of decisions must be made regarding how you will divide assets, belongings, and responsibilities. Things get even more complicated if you have children together, especially if you and your spouse disagree about custody arrangements.  If you are preparing for a divorce at the Lake of the Ozarks in which you believe custody will be contested, having the representation of a skilled divorce attorney in Osage Beach MO can make a world of difference. A Note On Child Custody When determining custody, the court will try to identify   the best interests of the child and how those best interests can be met. When you're in the middle of a custody battle, it's important to remain calm, balanced, and rational as you demonstrate to the Court   why you are the parent best equ...