Small Business

Personal Asset Protection

Why would I need an LLC or Corporation?

It is important to protect your personal assets from the debts and liabilities of your business (Limited Liability). If your entity is not set up correctly, all of your personal assets would be available to pay the debts and liabilities of the business. In order to get the limited liability of an LLC or Corporation, there are many hoops that need to be jumped through. It is important to document and act in a way that is clear that your business is separate from your individual and your personal assets. I pay close attention to the details and teach you what you need to do to minimalize the chance that your personal assets could be lost. If there are multiple owners, a properly set up LLC or Corporation will protect you from the liabilities of/or caused by the other owners. Additionally, I recommend that the LLC or Corporation with multiple owners carefully define the roles of the individual members, the powers of each member, and what happens when one owner dies or becomes disabled such that he or she can no longer participate in the business, or desires to withdraw.

What is an LLC?

An LLC or Limited Liability Company is a separate legal entity that acts like a partnership or sole proprietorship, but still provides limited liability. Limited Liability means that if the LLC is properly set up, the members of the LLC and the assets owned by them are not subject to the debts and liabilities of the LLC.

What is a Corporation?

A corporation is a formal entity that provides limited liability to its shareholders, (the owners of the corporation) and is run by a board of directors.

Can I file my own LLC or Corporation?

Although you can file your own articles of organization or articles of incorporation and your business may be recognized by the State of Michigan, your personal assets are probably still vulnerable to the debts and liabilities of your business. By the time you find out that your business was not set up properly, it will be too late! You could lose your personal assets (those outside of the business) to pay the liabilities of your business.

What if I am selling or buying from a family member?

To make sure that your desires are carried out and also to reduce or eliminate any confusion, misunderstandings, or hard feelings between you and your family members, including those not involved in the sale or purchase of the business, it is important that you have me prepare the proper documents to protect you and your investment.

I am starting my business soon, how long does it take?

I understand that it is important to get your legal entity in place quickly. I have a very streamlined process to complete the actions necessary for you to operate as the new entity and to open a bank account within 7-10 days after your first conference with me. I will have a second meeting with you within approximately 1 month from the initial meeting to have you sign the documents which are necessary to protect your personal assets from the business’ liability.

How much will the initial appointment cost?

There is no charge for initial office conference to discuss your situation and your business planning needs. I will provide options and recommendations for what services I can provide for you and the cost for same.

I need help selling my business or buying a business.

I can assist you in selling your business or in purchasing a business. You have worked hard to build your business and you need to be properly protected when you are ready to sell. Alternatively, I can assist you in protecting your investment in a business that you want to purchase. This is a complicated process and realtor forms do not work well.

I also have experience with the terms required to be included by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission when a liquor license will be transferred.