What to ask your attorney when starting a business


New business legwork is steeped in legalese and bureaucratic procedures requiring legal assistance.  Knowing beforehand what to do can save a business owner thousands of dollars in representation as lawsuits and other forms of legal infringement or violation can be prevented.

If you’re planning to start your own business and have booked an appointment with an attorney, come prepared with all of your questions.  Here are some you can put to your lawyer:

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What is the best business structure for me?

How you set up your business affects its future operations.  Depending on your choice, elements like personal liabilities, tax obligations, setup fees, and business applications will vary.  Choices for these include sole proprietorship, a partnership, an LLC, or a corporation.  Talk to your lawyer about these structures and determine what’s best for you and your business.

What are my obligations as an employer?

Handling employees could be a new experience for a lot of people, but running a business is more than just paying their salaries.  There are federal and state employment laws to consider.  Your attorney should guide you through the basics and give you literature on policies and procedures on managing people.Attorney 
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 Daniel E. DeKoter specializes in civil litigation, business and employment law, and estate planning and administration. He graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy and English at Calvin College in1977 and obtained his juris doctorate from the University of Iowa in 1980. For more reads on this topic, visit this blog.



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