Start Your Business the Right Way.
The choices you make at the beginning can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. I will guide you through every step — from choosing the right entity to putting agreements in place that protect your business for years to come.
Choosing the Right Structure
Many businesses are formed incorrectly from the start. Owners either try to do it themselves without understanding the law or rely on online services that don’t ask the right questions. Those shortcuts often leave gaps that show up later when money, liability, or partners are involved.
The business structure affects taxes, personal liability, and who controls the company. Choosing the wrong entity can lead to disputes between owners, unexpected tax consequences, or personal exposure that should have been avoided.
I walk clients through these decisions carefully. My goal is to select the structure that fits your business today and still works as it grows, changes, or brings in additional owners.
Formation Made Simple
Filing the paperwork might seem straightforward, but mistakes here can create problems later. Missing steps, incorrect filings, or incomplete documents can delay your business or create legal exposure.
I guide you through every requirement, from registering with the state to drafting operating agreements or bylaws for LLCs and corporations. In some cases, a revocable trust can also be used to hold ownership, adding another layer of planning and protection.
Taking care of formation correctly means you start with a business that’s legally sound and ready to operate. That protects you, your partners, and your investment before you ever open your doors.
Contracts & Agreements
Contracts protect your business before problems arise. Leases, employment contracts, service agreements, and loan documents all set clear expectations. Without them, misunderstandings can quickly turn into legal headaches.
I focus on what’s essential. You don’t need a contract for everything. Just the agreements that matter most for your business so you get the protection you need without paying for more than necessary.
Clear, well-drafted contracts help prevent conflict, make responsibilities plain, and keep both the business and its owners protected.
Understanding Risk
Every business faces risks. Liability, unpaid debts, and disputes between owners or partners can threaten both the business and your personal assets. Knowing what could go wrong helps you make smart choices before it does.
The right business structure and contracts go a long way in reducing exposure. They help protect your assets, clarify responsibilities, and make sure the business can keep running if challenges arise.
Planning ahead isn’t about expecting trouble. It’s about making sure your business can handle it when it comes and keeping your hard work safe for the future.
Ongoing Guidance
A business isn’t static. Owners, partners, and operations change over time. Checking in on your structure, agreements, and planning helps keep everything running smoothly.
As your business grows, new risks and opportunities appear. Adding owners, taking on investors, or updating contracts all require careful attention. Staying proactive prevents surprises and keeps your business protected.
I guide clients through these changes every step of the way. Contact my office to make sure your business is set up for today, tomorrow, and whatever comes next.
Take the Next Step
Starting or growing a business can feel complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone. I will help you choose the right entity, set up essential agreements, and plan for both risks and growth.
Every business is different, and the right plan depends on your goals, your partners, and your operation. Follow our social media channels for tips that answer common client questions about business formation, contracts, and planning — all for free.
When you’re ready to move forward, contact my office to schedule a consultation and get a plan that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Business Formation & Planning
Q: What type of business entity is right for me?
A: For most small businesses, an LLC is the best fit. It provides the liability protections you need to separate your personal assets from your business without the extra paperwork and corporate requirements that come with S-Corps or C-Corps. That said, every business is different, and I’m happy to discuss your situation to make sure you choose the structure that works best for you.
Q: What is liability protection, and how does it work?
A: Liability protection means your personal assets—like your home, car, and savings—are generally protected if your business runs into trouble. Think of it like a “corporate veil”: the business has its own separate legal identity, so creditors or lawsuits against the business typically can’t touch your personal property. Using an LLC or corporation creates that separation, which is why it’s an important step for almost any small business owner.
Q: Do I need an LLC if I already have a trust?
A: Yes—having a trust and having an LLC serve different purposes. A trust helps with estate planning and avoiding probate, while an LLC provides liability protection and separates your personal assets from business risks. If you want to keep your business or investment property protected while also having a plan for passing it on, having both is usually the best approach.
Q: If I have liability insurance, do I still need an LLC?
A: Yes. While liability insurance is important, it doesn’t replace the protections an LLC provides. An LLC separates your personal assets from your business, creating a legal barrier that insurance alone can’t offer. At $100–$200 a year, an LLC is the cheapest insurance policy you’ll ever have, and it works alongside your liability coverage to give you extra peace of mind and protection for your family and personal property.
Q: Can I form a business with a partner, and what should we consider?
A: Yes, but forming a multi-member LLC comes with some important considerations. You and your partners should plan ahead for things like buy-outs if someone wants to leave, how to handle disagreements over major decisions, and what happens if a member dies or becomes incapacitated. A well-drafted operating agreement can address these situations, keeping the business running smoothly and helping prevent conflicts before they happen.
Q: Do I need multiple LLCs?
A: It depends. The answer varies based on factors like how much land you own, whether the parcels are contiguous, if you’re running different businesses on the property, and whether a holding company structure makes sense. Every situation is unique, so it’s worth discussing your specific circumstances to determine the best setup for liability protection and simplicity.
Q: What do I get when I form an LLC with you?
A: It depends on your situation, but every LLC I form includes the Articles of Organization, an operating agreement, and an EIN, with all state filing fees rolled into my fee. I also provide guidance on keeping business records and separating personal assets from business assets. Depending on your needs, the setup can include more advanced items like quitclaim deeds to transfer property into the LLC, business contracts, and anything else you may require or request. The goal is to give you a complete, practical structure that fits your business.
Contact me
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