Guide to Self-Help Legal Business Forms

Save money and time with do-it-yourself forms, contracts and agreements

By Frances Sharpe, freelance writer/editor

Frugal small business operators cut costs dramatically by taking advantage of free and low-cost standard or customizable self-help legal forms, agreements, templates and guides covering dozens of key areas, such as non-disclosure, partnerships, loans and many others. You can access these forms in a number of ways, including:

1. On the Web
2. With software
3. In legal self-help books
4. On CD-ROM

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Visit the legal self-help leader

Nolo is America's top supplier of legal self-help information to small business, covering all areas of business and human resources, patents, trademarks and copyrights, property and money, business formation and others.

I recommend: Find what you need at Nolo.

Business legal structure forms

Whether you want to form a corporation, a limited liability company (LLC) or a partnership, you can find all the forms you need.

I recommend: Find incorporation kits and LLC forms at MyCorporation.com. Partnership agreements are available at LegalDocs.com or at USLegalForms.com. Or try do-it-yourself legal software from StandardLegal.com for a variety of business formation forms.

HR forms

Small businesses need a variety of employment and contracting agreements in addition to non-compete and confidentiality agreements.

I recommend: HRLawInfo.com has several agreements for employees and independent contractors that you can view for free. Find non-disclosure agreements and non-compete forms at Socrates.com or at LawDepot.com. StandardLegal.com's Employee Manuals & HR Legal Forms software includes forms that are legal and valid in all states.

Buying and selling a business

If you're considering purchasing an existing business or selling your own business, you'll need the proper documentation.

I recommend: Access agreements to buy or sell a business at Internet Legal Research Group or in Legal Forms for Starting & Running a Small Business.

Leases and rentals

You'll need the appropriate paperwork if you plan to lease a commercial space or rent equipment.

I recommend: Search for leasing and rental agreements by state at FormsGuru.com or find them in software programs, such as Quicken Legal Business Pro.

Trademarks and copyrights

Protecting your business with trademarks and copyrights is crucial to your continued success. Finding and filing these forms doesn't have to be confusing or expensive if you do it yourself.

I recommend: AllAboutForms.com offers a number of printer-friendly trademark, copyright and trade secret forms. You can also complete a copyright application online at MyCorporation.com.

Bill of sale

If you sell big-ticket items or one-of-a-kind goods or equipment, you may be required to complete a bill of sale rather than an ordinary receipt for sales.

I recommend: Find bill of sale forms and other sales contracts at Nolo.com or FindLegalForms.com.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The forms you can find online for free are often generic and may not be valid in all states. For a nominal fee, you can usually download forms that are state-specific.
• •  If you decide to purchase legal forms in a software program, make sure the forms are updated regularly and valid in all states.
• •  Always ensure that the form you are accessing is the most current one available.