Guides & Articles on Business Contracts
Becoming a Certified Small Business Contractor
The SBA gives minorities an advantage in bidding for federal contracts
By Irwin Speizer
Looking to bid for federal government work? If you're a member of a minority group or base your company in an impoverished area, the Small Business Administration can give you a big boost in competing for federal contracts. But first you must submit the paperwork to the SBA to get certified in one or all of these three programs: The 8(a) Business Development Program helps smal...
Applying for a Patent
Prove your invention is unique and get up to 20 years of protection
By Linda Tancs
Think you're the next great American inventor? Then get yourself a patent, an exclusive right to profit from your bright idea for up to 20 years, granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). But first, you need to ask yourself two questions: Does your invention fit into one of the three categories of patentable things? Utility patents cover software, methods of doing ...
Getting an Invention to Market
Tips to take your invention from the idea stage to the real world
By Jenni Simcoe
Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Bill Gates. All had great visions, but more importantly their hard work turned their idea into a reality. To get your invention from the brainstorming stage to the store shelves, you need to consider: If other products that fulfill the same function or use are already on the market. How you'll finance research and development. If you have the ...
Protecting Your Web Site Intellectual Property
Keep your images and words under your control
By W. Eric Martin
The Internet is a fantastic tool for allowing the world to learn about your company and its products and services — but the Internet's ease of use also allows others to take pictures and descriptions from your site and use them in ways you never intended. A digital image depicting a new product might end up decorating an eBay auction, for example, or text describing your ...
Cashing in on Your Intellectual Property
There's money in your patented or protected ideas
By Greg Brown
Every small business that suddenly grows big is based on an innovation of some kind. What's less common is that the actual innovator has the focus or financial reach to turn the idea into cash. Learning how to protect your big ideas can mean later turning know-how into a business unto itself. Here's a quick primer on how to make sure your secret recipe or better mousetrap ...
Trademarking and the Trademark Registration Process
How to get a trademark registration for your business name and logo
By Xavier Morales
Getting a trademark registration for your business names, logos and slogans has never been faster, easier or less expensive for small businesses. But before we delve into the trademark registration process, we need to explore why trademarking business names and logos is a good idea. To begin, it should be noted that trademarking a business name or logo is not necessary in order to...
Intellectual Property Policies
Protect your company's creations with intellectual property policies
By Lea Terry
If you've hired employees to create anything for you, whether it's pharmaceuticals or running shoes, you'll need an employee intellectual property policy to ensure that anything they create on company time remains under company ownership. You've probably taken measures to prevent theft or infringement from competitors or other outside sources, but have you consi...
Intellectual Property Law Organizations
Stay abreast of industry issues, news and trends by joining intellectual property law organizations
By Tai G.
If you practice intellectual property law, you would do well to partner with intellectual property law associations to strengthen your business expertise and credibility. Industry organizations bring together professionals with similar goals and challenges. Members of industry organizations come from all company divisions, but all share the same objective of expanding their knowled...
Intellectual Property Law Forms
Use intellectual property law forms to protect yourself
By Linda C. Ray
Intellectual property law documents are meant to give you a way to patent your ideas. The field of intellectual property law can get confusing, but does provide a means of security that you will not regret. Use intellectual property legal papers when you want to make sure that your ideas, logos, proprietary writing and white papers remain in your company’s ownership. Legal fo...
CE Mark
Acquire CE Mark approval for US exports
By Missy Duncan
CE Mark is a term of little import to US domestic businesses. However, for US businesses with an eye toward market involvement in the European Union (EU), CE Mark approval may be the difference between participation and profit, or a closed market. The CE Marking requirement was designed to ensure the health and safety of consumers as well as public interests. Novice US businesses p...
New Inventions Basics
Learn three important steps to securing and selling your new inventions
By Kristina Seleshanko
You have a great idea for a new invention...But what do you do with it? Is there some way to protect your idea from getting stolen? How do you sell your idea to manufacturers? Is it possible to manufacture and sell your business inventions on your own? If you're new to inventing, be sure you understand new inventions basics before proceeding beyond the idea stage.If you nee...
Pricing and Costs of New Inventions
Determining how much your new inventions will cost to patent
By Kristina Seleshanko
The costs of creating new business inventions isn't inexpensive. One of the major pricing and costs of new inventions, however, can be determined fairly easily in advance: the cost of obtaining a U.S. patent.Those new to the world of invention ideas may be shocked to know the average inventor pays thousands of dollars to protect his or her new invention. Only a small portio...
New Invention Key Terms
Learn about the procedures for creating inventions
By Terri Deno
Inventions are always being created for all industries, and eventually they lead to new products for businesses and consumers. And, while the process of creating an invention may be tedious, going through the proper channels to secure patents and copyrights ensures that only the best will go from the drawing board into the hands of the consumer. Many government offices and regulato...
Small Business Labor and Employment Law Compliance
Avoiding mishaps can spare you the expense of an employee lawsuit
By Tom Nutile
If you're starting a business, make sure you develop a comprehensive labor and employment compliance plan. Why spend the time and expense? Because a misstep, be it in hiring, firing or other employment issues, could cost millions of dollars if you're sued by a current or former employee. Your plan should include: A current employee handbook that spells out procedures and po...
Hiring and Managing Union Employees
Handle with care and stay within the law
By LaRita Heet
If you run a business that employs union workers, you need to take extra care when hiring and managing them. For the sake of your sanity, your business’s success, and your employees’ overall experience, the best decision you can make is to handle union employees with consistent, solid solutions based on the recommendations of union experts and knowledgeable legal counse...
Harassment Law
Harassment law helps you know your rights
By Nikki Davis
You as a victim are protected by harassment laws, and you may require a harassment lawyer if you fall into one of the following categories: bullying, psychological harassment, racial harassment, religious harassment, sexual harassment, stalking, mobbing, hazing, backlash, or police harassment.Harassment laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its subsequent laws on harassment ar...
BlackBerry 7780
BlackBerry 7780: what you should know for your business
By Colleen Loew
BlackBerry 7780 phones offer a variety of functions for businesses. Blackberry 7780 cell phones are more than just phones, as they function as an email provider, an instant messenger, and an organizer in a handheld format. Blackberry 7780 mobile phones offer wireless internet, Blackberry instant messaging, phone and SMS capabilities, and email all in one.Blackberry 7780 PDAs serve ...
Iowa Labor and Employment Law
Familiarize yourself with Iowa employment law to avoid potential problems
By Angela Roe
Iowa labor laws are in place to protect Iowans. The state expects employers to know the Iowa work laws that apply to their business. Ignorance of Iowa labor law is not a viable defense, so avoid legal issues by knowing which Iowa labor laws apply to your employees.Iowa employment law requires you meet certain standards such as minimum wages paid, adhering to appropriate child labor...
Kentucky Labor and Employment Law
Find attorneys who specialize in Kentucky employee rights
By Paul Kocak
Labor laws in Kentucky have commonwealth-specific requirements and rules. Kentucky labor law attorneys have the experience and expertise to evaluate the claims and circumstances of the full range of worker grievances. These include wrongful terminations, overtime disputes, whistleblowers, sexual harassment, and age discrimination or other bias claims.You want a firm whose attorneys...
Gender Discrimination Law
Create a more inclusive workplace by following gender discrimination laws
By Lea Terry
Employment laws against gender discrimination prohibit treating employees differently because they are either male or female; for instance, refusing to hire a male nurse because that's a traditionally female role, or paying a female stockbroker less than her male counterparts are both examples of gender discrimination. Gender discrimination in business violates Title VII of the...
Louisiana Labor and Employment Law
Labor laws in Louisiana protect employees and business owners
By Patti Richards
Labor laws in Louisiana help employers protect their businesses through compliance with safety standards, fair hiring practices and work environment. Louisiana labor and employment labor law helps both employers and employees have better working relationships in a more productive environment.Louisiana labor and employment law makes working better for everyone. Labor law, although o...
New Mexico Labor and Employment Law
New Mexico labor and employment law protects employees and business owners
By Patti Richards
Labor laws in New Mexico help employers protect their businesses through compliance with safety standards, fair hiring practices and work environment. New Mexico labor and employment law helps both employers and employees have better working relationships in a more productive environment.New Mexico labor and employment law makes working better for everyone. Labor law, though origin...
Arizona Labor and Employment Law
Arizona labor and employment law protects employees and business owners
By Patti Richards
Labor laws in Arizona help employers protect their businesses through establishing guidelines for safety standards, fair hiring practices and working conditions. Arizona labor and employment law helps both employers and employees have better working relationships in a more productive environment.Arizona labor and employment law makes work better for everyone. Labor law, though...
Laboratory Glassware
Buy lab glassware new or used from dealers, suppliers and manufacturers
By Robert Hill
Laboratory glassware supplies fill the requirements for many business and educational applications. Outlets include pharmaceuticals, scientific research laboratories, chemical manufacturers, educational institutions, commercial and retail venues to name a few.Manufacturers provide solutions for custom, glass blown glassware; suppliers and distributors carry inventories from many br...
Affirmative Action Law
Be familiar with Affirmative Action Law to keep your business out of legal trouble
By Sue-Lynn Carty
Originally enacted in the 1960's to prevent discrimination based on race, gender, religion or national origin, decades later Affirmative Action Law remains a contentious subject. To ensure your business doesn't end up in a legal battle you need to know the basics of affirmative action regulations in business.Affirmative action in business differs slightly from affirmative a...
Training for Harassment Law
Learn how to engage your employees during training for harassment law
By Jessica Saras
Harassment in the workplace is far more common than you may think. Therefore, it is in the best interest of your employees and your business as a whole to provide comprehensive harassment law training. Employees must be aware that harassment is not only unacceptable but also includes much more than sexual harassment. In addition to covering sexual harassment laws, your training pro...
Working with Harassment Law
Learn about working with harassment law to help prevent workplace harassment
By Jessica Saras
As a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your employees know and follow the laws on harassment in the workplace. In order to maintain a comfortable and productive working environment, your employees must follow all of the workplace harassment laws. When most people think of harassment in the workplace, sexual harassment is probably what comes to mind. However, ...
Affirmative Action Law Education and Training
Design a human resources policy for your company that complies with affirmative action laws
By Michele Vrouvas
It's not an overstatement to say that some certified human resource professionals believe they need to know as much about employment discrimination as affirmative action attorneys should know. Affirmative action law touches upon other legal areas, such as equal opportunity employment and the concept of providing a workplace free of harassment. To undertake an affirmative action...
Arizona Labor and Employment Law Education and Training
Knowing Arizona state employment laws ensures your hiring and labor practices are legally compliant
By Michele Vrouvas
Small businesses and corporations doing business in Arizona can locate reliable sources of Arizona labor employment law in order to shape their human resource policies. Because the government regulates hiring practices and because the laws that employers must comply with are subject to rapid change, it's wise to monitor the legal landscape on a regular basis so that you don'...
Kentucky Labor and Employment Law Education and Training
Know how to implement labor laws in Kentucky in your company's human resource policy
By Michele Vrouvas
As a human resource professional or employer in Kentucky, you'll be expected to fully comply with the laws guaranteeing Kentucky employee rights. Finding these laws is as easy as accessing any one of the state's numerous websites, some of which provide a ready link to the statutes themselves and others, which offer help to business owners seeking to abide by these laws. Ken...
Gender Discrimination Law Education and Training
Know the laws on gender discrimination to ensure your business avoids unnecessary legal hassles
By Michele Vrouvas
You don't have to be a human resource professional to research laws on gender discrimination. Any business owner or supervisor should be familiar with federal and state laws banning discrimination on the basis of sex, whether that discrimination occurs during the hiring, training, promotion or termination process. Penalties for violating these laws can be steep and have the pot...
Louisiana Labor and Employment Law Education and Training
Engage your HR staff in a Louisiana labor and employment law educational opportunity
By Michele Vrouvas
Louisiana business owners require their HR managers and staff to know how to comply with labor laws in Louisiana. This on the job training includes knowing where and how to find state statutes that relate to employment regulations and also how to implement these laws in the company's human resources policy. This training program has two main goals. The first is to encourage HR ...
Nebraska Labor and Employment Law Education and Training
Design a human resources training program focusing on Nebraska Labor and Employment Law
By Michele Vrouvas
In addition to learning the nuts and bolts of recruiting, hiring and promotion, HR staff in Nebraska must have a sound working knowledge of Nebraska employee rights. They must also know how Nebraska labor laws require employers to provide a safe working environment and how to comply with state laws regarding workers compensation and child labor. Government run websites are the most...
Iowa Labor and Employment Law Education and Training
Get the right training to protect your business with Iowa employment law
By Emmet McMahan
Iowa labor and employment laws deal primarily with the relationship between employers and unions. Iowa labor and employment law education and training includes a broad range of issues, such as hiring and firing practices, medical leave, overtime, worker safety standards and wages.Labor law in Iowa is prohibited from interfering with federal labor laws or guidelines produced by ...
New Mexico Labor and Employment Law Education and Training
Get the right training to work for New Mexico employment law firms
By Emmet McMahan
New Mexico employment laws deals primarily with the relationship between employers and unions. New Mexico labor and employment law education and training includes a broad range of issues, such as hiring and firing practices, medical leave, overtime, worker safety standards and wages.New Mexico labor laws are prohibited from interfering with federal labor laws or guidelines prod...
Gender Discrimination Law Key Terms
Protect your company from gender discrimination lawsuits
By Casey Holley
Gender discrimination law covers a wide range of situations. Most of these laws are based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VII and its addendum. Sexual harassment, wage gaps and exigency leave are all covered under gender-based discrimination laws. While some businesses may never come across any gender discrimination complaints, knowing the key terms associated with these laws...
Affirmative Action Law Key Terms
Find out more about affirmative action law by learning key terms
By Emmet McMahan
An affirmative action law may be any law that controls the use of ethnicity, gender or race in an effort to provide equal opportunity. It frequently covers the procedures used to make educational and employment decisions, as well as health programs. The intent of affirmative action laws is to provide diversity throughout society and redress previous discrimination. Affirmative ...
Harassment Law Key Terms
Understand the terms associated with harassment law to prevent harassment in your company
By Casey Holley
Harassment in the workplace is unlawful. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 all provide legal protections against harassment in the workplace. From a legal standpoint, harassment is any unwelcome conduct that is directly or indirectly related to race, gender, color, national origin,...
Do-it-Yourself Legal Help
Lawyers are vital, but expensive. Self-help options abound for everyday legal matters.
By Daniel Kehrer
Legal issues often present a dilemma for cost-conscious small businesses, and especially startups. You want the best information and advice to understand your options and make the right choices. But paying legal professionals for every little thing gets expensive. The range of legal issues facing entrepreneurs is immense. They include: Naming a business Obtaining licenses and permi...
Prepaid Legal Services for Small Business
Buy legal coverage and advice on the installment plan
By W. Eric Martin
It's hardly news: hiring a lawyer to represent your business can be prohibitively expensive, whether you need a trial attorney or simple advice on contracts and debt collection. One way to keep legal costs down is to use prepaid legal plans. Prepaid legal plans are a little like HMOs for health care. A prepaid legal service typically contracts with one law firm in each state t...
Legal Essentials for a Small Business
How to keep your business on the up-and-up
By W. Eric Martin
Opening a small business involves a lot of physical work to establish a storefront or an office and move inventory, but you have even more work to do behind the scenes. Taxes, employees, trademarks, licenses – the legal requirements for a small business will keep you (and your lawyer) busy. Don't neglect this paperwork. Jump through all the hoops placed in front of you ...
Responding When Your Business Is Sued
Taking the wrong steps can cost you time, money and your business
By W. Eric Martin
Trademark infringement, a customer mishap, wrongful termination, lease violations, product liability -- your business can be sued for any number of reasons, and once the papers are filed in court, you don't get to dismiss those reasons as frivolous. You need to treat the lawsuit as something that can destroy your business because that's the truth. But by taking the proper s...
Email Protocol and Policies
Protect your outbound email image and manage risks
By Lynn Walford
Email seems harmless but it can cause all kinds of image and legal problems for your business. With a click of the mouse, damaging words and images can be sent to hundreds of people. Recent research indicates that one in four businesses, regardless of size, will have email subpoenaed by lawyers or regulators this year. Compliance issues abound regarding financial, medical, and pers...
Delaware Corporation Registration
Incorporate in Delaware for low fees and a business-friendly state government
By Jeff Copeland
Want to put your startup on a par with Burger King, J. Crew and half the publicly traded companies in the U.S.? Incorporate in Delaware. More than 800,000 companies have filed for a Delaware incorporation to take advantage of the tiny state's business-friendly tax and legal system. You don't have to operate in Delaware to incorporate in Delaware but you will...
Florida Bankruptcy Law
Understand the ins and outs of Florida's Bankruptcy Law
By T.S. Johnson
No one in Florida has every started a business with bankruptcy in his or her thoughts, but there comes a time when many business owners are forced to research Florida bankruptcy laws. If your business resides in the state of Florida, you have something to be thankful for in your difficult times. While the bankruptcy proceedings won’t be pleasant, they will be more pleasurable...
New Jersey Bankruptcy Law
Navigate bankruptcy in New Jersey with ease
By T.S. Johnson
When starting a business, no one thinks they will fail; however, things happen, and there may come a time when filing for bankruptcy becomes the best course of action for yourself and your business. New Jersey bankruptcy laws aren’t as generous as some other states, so your home is probably not safe, and if you’re a sole proprietor, filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy won&r...
Colorado Corporation and Partnership Law
Reach your business goals when incorporating in Colorado
By V.V. Beardsley
Incorporating in Colorado requires you to understand the basics of Colorado corporate law. The structure of your corporation will be instrumental in the success of your business. It will affect your tax treatment, filing requirements, funding potential and liability obligations.The ownership plans for your business entity will help determine how to incorporate in Colorado. A tradit...
Litigation
Know what to expect from business litigation
By Michelle Cramer
Civil litigation is a possibility that every business owner faces. While your desire may be to avoid the courtroom, sometimes a lawsuit is necessary in order to protect your business. In addition to the typical civil lawsuit, there are 3 other forms of civil litigation that you need to be aware of before proceeding:1. Small claims lawsuit2. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)3. Cl...
Ohio Bankruptcy Law
Learn the ins and outs of filing for bankruptcy in Ohio
By T.S. Johnson
Research the bankruptcy laws in Ohio before you begin to make a decision about filing for bankruptcy. You must have a complete understanding of the process and what you have to lose and gain from filing for bankruptcy in Ohio. No one enters a business thinking it will fail. However, things don’t always work out how we plan, and there may come a time when filing for bankruptcy...
Michigan Bankruptcy Law
What you need to know to navigate MI bankruptcy laws
By T.S. Johnson
Take the time to research Michigan bankruptcy law before you begin the bankruptcy process. You want to know what the process will be like and what exemptions you are entitled to.You don’t start a business thinking it will fail. However, things don’t always go as planned, and there may come a time when filing bankruptcy in Michigan becomes the best course of action for y...
Kentucky Bankruptcy Law
All you need to know about Kentucky bankruptcy law
By T.S. Johnson
No one starts a business thinking it will fail and they will end up researching bankruptcy laws in Kentucky. Things however do change, and there may come a time when exercising your bankruptcy options in Kentucky becomes the best course of action for yourself and your business. Learn all you can about bankruptcy law in Kentucky before you begin to make a decision about filing for b...
Washington Bankruptcy Law
Everything you need to know about Washington state bankruptcy
By T.S. Johnson
No one enters a business thinking it will fail and they will end up researching bankruptcy in Washington state. However, things don’t always work out how we plan and there may come a time when filing for bankruptcy in Washington becomes the best option for your and your business. Research the bankruptcy laws in Washington before you begin the make a decision about filing for ...
Texas Applications and Forms
Find Texas real estate contracts, forms and applications
By Jennifer Ehlenfeldt
Texas real estate applications, contracts and forms are available through many online resources. No matter the type of real estate in which you’re involved, legally binding contracts, forms and applications are a part of your every day real estate dealings. Easily find the forms you need online, and compare your options carefully before choosing the right forms for your busin...
Legal Support Services
Find qualified law support services for your business before you need them
By Eric Brantner
Legal support services help small business owners achieve their goals with expert advice and skilled representation. It is best to have law support on your team before problems arise so that you can make sure your business is taking preventative measures to avoid legal disputes. American legal support services let business owners focus on increasing their company's bottom line ...
Solo Practitioners and Small Practice Law Firms
How to build a small practice law firm and keep it running efficiently
By Betsy D. Vanderslice
Venturing out on your own to open an individual law practice is a scary thing. Rest assured, large firms face many of the same challenges as solo practitioners and small practice law firms, such as billing, calendaring and marketing, in addition to the daily practice of law. The difference is that they can afford an office staff to keep things running smoothly.Overcoming these chal...
Legal Staff
Hiring law staff with the right skills and retaining them through training
By Trisha Schulz
When it comes to operating your law firm, you know that your legal support staff is crucial to your success. Finding the right fit for your firm is key to getting the outstanding results you need. Then, once you've got the right staff, you'll need to focus on training and keeping the staff productive and together.To retain productive employees, make them feel ownership with...
In-House Legal Counsel
Easy steps to hiring in house legal counsel for your business
By Betsy D. Vanderslice
The decision to hire in-house counsel is not one to take lightly. However, if you have done your homework, carefully reviewed your legal counsel's invoices over the last few months and finally realized it would be in your best interest to hire in-house legal counsel for your small business, then it's time to start looking.Before you do this, you need to know the easiest way...
Michigan Real Property Law
Get help with real property law in Michigan
By Shannon Tani
Michigan real estate law can be confusing and most business owners chose to work with a qualified Michigan real property law attorney to feel more confident in their transactions.While you may think it's fairly straightforward, there are actually several ways that property law in Michigan can affect business owners. For example, zoning laws dictate what types of business and in...
Arkansas Courts and Judges
Find actionable information on AR courts and AR judges
By Michelle Cramer
A basic knowledge of Arkansas courts and judges can be very beneficial if you ever find yourself in the courtroom. All too often individuals and businesses find the need to file a lawsuit, or are at the receiving end of a lawsuit, and their lack of knowledge on how the court system works leaves them lost in the proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances that put you there, it...
Legal Consultants
Legal consultancy firms provide specialized expertise and strategic advice for business legal issues
By Kristen McClung
Law consultants are invaluable when your business needs strategic legal advice and consulting services. With their vast resources, lawyer consultants offer experience, knowledge and skills to provide successful law solutions for your business.Legal consultants provide important law advice for businesses embarking upon important negotiations, providing expert testimony or facing fin...
Colorado Real Property Law
Get help from an attorney that practices real estate law in Colorado
By Emmet McMahan
Colorado real property law governs the ownership of land rather than personal property. The associated rights and obligations of real property have their origins in the common law of Medieval England. They can therefore be difficult to interpret under a modern legal system.Some aspects of Colorado real estate laws will specifically affect business owners. Environmental laws determi...
Ohio Contract Law
Use Ohio contract law to protect your business, clients and customers
By Patti Richards
Ohio contract law helps protect business owners entering into agreements with suppliers and contractors. Contract law in Ohio helps keep boundaries between companies and organizations clear and working relationships positive.Ohio contract law firms make it their business to protect yours. Having the right contract law attorney in Ohio keeps business owners aware of their rights and...
Arizona Contract Law
Use Arizona contract law to protect your business, clients and customers
By Patti Richards
Arizona contract law helps protect business owners entering into agreements with suppliers and contractors. Contract law in Arizona helps keep boundaries between companies and organizations clear and working relationships positive. An Arizona contract lawyer makes it her business to protect yours. Having the right contract law attorney in Arizona keeps business owners aware of thei...
Legal Transcription Services
How to choose legal coding and transcription services for your business
By Tai G.
Legal transcribers take oral dictation from legal professionals and provide accurate and timely transcripts in the form of electronic or printed documents. Transcription projects include depositions, interrogatories, testimonies, interviews, phone calls, pleadings, trial proceedings, training sessions, legal discussions and more. A variety of legal professionals use legal transcrip...
Media Transcription Services
Media transcription empowers your visual message with words
By A Antonow
If you are producing any sort of media, closed caption transcribing services allow you to convert the spoken portion of your program into text. Today, closed captioning is increasingly popular among not only the hearing impaired, but also among those who view programming in noisy areas, like airports and restaurants. Non-native English speakers also rely on closed captioning to bet...
Estate Planning Forms
How estate planning forms can help preserve your business
By Maria L. MacMeekin
Estate planning forms can help you preserve your business for your family after you're gone. Most estate planning attorneys begin with a form and then customize the form for the client. You can accomplish the same customization at home with effective estate planning software that helps you generate living trust forms, documents for wills, and estate planning checklists.There ar...
Family Law Forms
How to save legal expenses by filing family legal forms pro se
By David Roemer
A family law firm will help clients with legal relationships between husbands, wives and children. Family court documents are filed in connection with divorce, legal separation, annulments, custody of children, paternity and child support. For example, the first step in obtaining a divorce is to file a complaint or a petition with a local state court. A divorce form template can be...
Working with Family Law Forms
Learn how to navigate your way through family legal forms
By Nikki Davis
Not everyone can afford a family law firm, so locating assistance with family court documents can be difficult for some individuals trying to make their way through the court system. There are, however, many free or low cost document templates that you can take advantage of as well as self-help information guides and assistance centers available in all states.Family law forms come ...
Family Law Forms Education and Training
Learn how to choose, handle, and file family law legal forms
By Lea Terry
Whether you work at a family law firm or another type of firm, it's easy to obtain family court forms. Many websites offer family legal forms you can download, often free of charge. But before you start downloading family law documents, you need to know how to choose the right forms as well as what you will do with them once you have them.Many of the same sites that offer o...
Family Law Forms Key Terms
Understand the key terminology associated with family law forms and documentation
By Jessica Riendeau
The field of family law encompasses such areas as divorce, marriage annulment, child custody, child support and alimony. Family law pertains to any area of the law that affects the structure or status of a family. This specialized area of law has paperwork and documentation unique to the field.It's important to understand the forms and documentation associated with family law w...
Incorporating a Business
Tap the many benefits incorporation offers a small business
By Frances Sharpe
Incorporating your business provides multiple benefits, including protecting your personal assets, providing a variety of tax-related savings, reducing the chances of an IRS audit, and increasing your company's credibility with customers. Corporations are classified as one of the following: General - This is the most common type of corporation. S Corporation - Popular with ent...
Ending a Business Partnership
Planning ahead with a written buy-out agreement can save you hassles and money
By Tom Nutile
You're part of a business partnership and you want to end it. Simple, right? Just divide the assets with your partner or partners and go your merry way, you think. Not so fast. How you end the partnership, and how you determine who gets which assets and who can do business with your current clients, depends on the answers to several key questions: Do you have an informal relat...
Managing an LLC
Try this highly flexible legal structure for your small business
By Matt Alderton
A limited liability corporation or LLC is a popular legal structure for small businesses and especially for sole proprietors because there are few ongoing formalities that need to be followed. LLCs also provide flexibility in terms of management. Owners can choose to manage the company themselves — acting like partners — or appoint a team of separate managers to run it ...
Florida State Small Business Services and Resources
How to tap a wealth of helpful state and regional-level solutions
By Matthew Solan
If you are looking to start or expand a business in Florida, or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there are a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help. While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zon...
California State Small Business Services and Resources
How to tap a wealth of helpful state and regional-level solutions
By Daniel Kehrer
If you are looking to start or expand a business in California or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there's a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help. While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, z...
Corporation Law
How to comply with corporate law requirements
By Carrie Thorson
Small businesses face endless challenges, and companies reaping the benefits of incorporation have additional legal obligations to fulfill. A corporation is an imaginary entity that exists only for legal purposes. Once the papers are filed, the corporation is an independent legal "person" apart from the workers. The major benefit to forming a corporation, or "incorporating," is p...
Texas Corporation and Partnership Law
Structure your Texas company to protect personal assets and maximize tax savings
By Kelly J. Balok
Starting a Texas business requires deciding whether incorporating in Texas or forming a Texas partnership will provide the most desirable benefits. The decision can be crucial to your business’ success, as it determines the amount of risk that you personally assume, the number and type of shareholders you are permitted, your tax obligations, and government regulatory requirem...
Pennsylvania Corporation and Partnership Law
Protect personal assets and maximize tax savings with a Pennsylvania corporation
By Kelly J. Balok
Deciding whether to form a Pennsylvania corporation or a Pennsylvania partnership could make or break your business. The decision can be crucial to your business’ success, as it controls the amount of business debt that you personally assume, impacts your access to capital, and establishes your tax and regulatory obligations.Forming a Pennsylvania corporation is usually the p...
Illinois Corporation and Partnership Law
Structure your small business to protect personal assets and maximize tax savings
By Kelly J. Balok
Starting a new Ilinois business requires deciding whether you should incorporate in Illinois, form an Illinois partnership, or create some other type of legal entity. This decision is critical as it controls the amount of business debt that you personally assume, it determines the number of investors you may have and therefore influences your access to capital, and it establishes y...
Connecticut Corporation and Partnership Law
Getting the most for your business by incorporating in Connecticut
By Patti Richards
Incorporating in Connecticut is a necessary step to take your business to the next level. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or small business, Connecticut corporate law is there to protect your rights as a business owner.Connecticut partnership law serves business owners by providing tax incentives and tax rebates for business expenditures and start up costs. Connecticut cor...
North Carolina Corporation and Partnership Law
Structure your North Carolina business to optimize your needs
By V.V. Beardsley
To form a corporation in North Carolina, you must understand the basics of North Carolina corporation and partnership law. The structure of your North Carolina corporation will be instrumental in the success of your business; it will affect your tax treatment, filing requirements, funding potential and liability obligations.The ownership plans for your business entity will help det...
Wyoming Corporation and Partnership Law
Incorporate in Wyoming to get the most for your business
By Patti Richards
Incorporating in Wyoming is a necessary step to take your business to the next level. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a business with less than 10 employees, Wyoming incorporation law is there to protect your rights as a business owner.Wyoming incorporation and partnership law serves business owners by providing tax incentives, tax rebates for business expenditures and ...
New York Corporation and Partnership Law
Meet your business needs with New York incorporation
By V.V. Beardsley
To form a corporation in New York, you must understand the basics of New York corporation law. The structure of your New York corporation will be instrumental in the success of your business. It will affect your tax treatment, filing requirements, funding potential and liability obligations.The ownership plans for your business will help determine how to incorporate in New York. A ...
South Carolina Corporation and Partnership Law
Meet your business needs with South Carolina incorporation
By V.V. Beardsley
Incorporating in South Carolina requires you to understand the basics of South Carolina corporation law. The structure of your South Carolina corporation will be instrumental in the success of your business. It will affect your tax treatment, filing requirements, funding potential and liability obligations.The ownership plans for your business will help determine how to incorporate...
Utah Corporation and Partnership Law
Understand Utah corporation and partnership law before forming a Utah corporation
By Patti Richards
Utah incorporation laws give necessary parameters for Utah incorporation. Utah incorporation takes your business to the next level. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a business with less than 10 employees, Utah corporate law is there to protect your rights as a business owner.Utah partnership law serves business owners by providing tax incentives and tax rebates for busin...
Corporation and Partnership Forms
Finding corporation and partnership forms for your business is as easy as clicking your mouse
By Mary Yamin-Garone
Gone are the days when a handshake and your word seal a deal. Today’s business environment requires all interested parties to sign a business partnership form or corporation form before their agreement is binding. Generally, business partnership agreements are between at least two people to conduct business. A corporation, on the other hand, is an entity formed independently ...
UK Incorporation Services
UK incorporation services let you enter the European market easily
By A Antonow
If you want to do business in the United Kingdom (UK) or in other areas of Europe, you can often reduce the hassle and your liability by seeking out UK incorporation. Incorporation in UK countries often gives you access to tax breaks and allows you to do business overseas without breaking laws. In the event that your company is sued or goes bankrupt, being incorporated in the UK ca...
Shelf Corporation
How to obtain a shelf corporation or aged shelf corporation as your business
By David Roemer
If you are considering acquiring a shelf corporation, or a business that has been specifically shelved to age for some time before being sold, then this guide will help you with your shelf corporation research and suggest how you can find aged shelf companies. If you are thinking about starting, or already own, a shelf corporation business that creates aged corporations so they can...
Form C-Corp
Consult with an expert to form C-Corp business structures
By Apryl Beverly
To form C-Corp company status, you must adhere to various state laws governing incorporation practices. The basic structure of a C-Corp is primarily the same in all states. However, each state has different corporate laws to which your Ccorp company will be subject, as well as various benefits you may enjoy in one state versus the other. While you can file to incorporate your compa...
Form LLC
Form LLC status to protect your personal assets
By Apryl Beverly
To form LLC (limited liability company) status, you must comply with various state laws governing incorporation practices. While people often compare an LLC to a corporation, they are two distinct business structures. The primary differences between the two are (1) a limited liability corporation has different tax requirements and (2) an LLC has another tier of liability protection...
Form S-Corp
Form S-Corp business status to enjoy tax filing benefits
By Apryl Beverly
The guidelines required to form S-Corp companies are similar to those required to form C-Corp companies. An S-Corp company is simply a standard corporation legally recognized as an individual entity separate from its owners or shareholders. The primary difference between a C-Corp and the formation of S-Corp businesses is that to form S Corp companies, you need to choose a special t...
Articles of Incorporation
File an article of incorporation to formally establish your business presence
By Apryl Beverly
Once you write and file an article of incorporation, your business is on the road to success. An article of incorporation is simply a formal statement of how your business will operate.You must file articles of incorporation with your state’s Secretary of State office or a similar agency responsible for managing business filings. At minimum, your article of incorporation info...
Making the Most of Texas Corporation and Partnership Law
Protect your assets with a Texas corporation
By Emmet McMahan
The key to making the most of Texas corporation and partnership law is the decision to incorporate your business. A corporation affects your ability to gain capital, controls the amount of debt you assume and determines your tax obligations. However, these advantages must be balanced against the additional taxes your business will incur.Texas partnership law makes a partnership sub...
Making the Most of Illinois Corporation and Partnership Law
Protect your assets with Illinois LLC law
By Emmet McMahan
The key to making the most of Illinois corporation and partnership law is the decision to incorporate your business. A corporation affects your ability to gain capital, controls the amount of debt you assume and determines your tax obligations. However, these advantages must be balanced against the additional taxes your business will incur.Illinois partnership law makes a partnersh...
Making the Most of New York Corporation and Partnership Law
Protect your assets with New York business corporation law
By Emmet McMahan
The key to making the most of New York corporation law and partnership law is the decision to incorporate your business. A corporation affects your ability to gain capital, controls the amount of debt you assume and determines your tax obligations. However, these advantages must be balanced against the additional taxes your business will incur.New York partnership law makes a partn...
