Corporate Lawyer Melbourne, FL

General Partnership or Limited Partnership: Insight from a corporate lawyer Melbourne, FL trusts

When you want to learn more about corporate law, you need the help of a Melbourne, Florida corporate lawyer from Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC. If you are in need of a corporate lawyer, contact us. Corporate law dictates the legalities of commercial dealings between companies as well as individuals. If you or your company is on the precipice of engaging in an important business deal, it will likely behoove you to consult a corporate lawyer from our firm. We protect the best interests of our clients even as our legal guidance enables them to grow their business with confidence.

There Are Two Main Areas of Corporate Law

The two main types of corporate law have historical origins that go far back in time. Many times our Melbourne corporate lawyer is hired to take a proactive, rather than reactive approach in representing clients. After all, a knowledgeable corporate lawyer can anticipate potentially troubled waters and guide their client successfully around them. This strategy often makes it possible to avoid nasty legal disputes, protect a company’s profit margin as well as safeguard their future in terms of consumer confidence in their brand. Corporate law typically includes two types:

1. The regulation of commercial businesses with laws that pertain to the formation and categories of commercial businesses, as well as bankruptcy.
2. The regulation of commercial transactions with laws that pertain to contractual agreements.

The Formation of a Business

From a legal perspective, a business is considered a standalone legal entity. In forming the business structure, certain documentation must be provided to the government in order for the business to be recognized. Our corporate lawyer assists companies with their company startup legal procedures. We file the necessary paperwork with the appropriate government agencies as well as ensure that all municipal, state, and federal regulations and requirements for new businesses are met. Those who wish to gain a fuller understanding of commercial business structures before making a decision as to which type best reflects the company’s goals can gain the insight they need from our trusted Melbourne, FL corporate lawyer. This includes LLC, sole proprietorship, S corporation, and C corporation structures.

The Preparation and Negotiation of Contracts

Another service that our corporate lawyer provides companies with is the preparation of contracts as well as contract negotiations. This includes sales, lease, employee, contractor, and supplier contracts. Our corporate lawyer drafts contracts that protect the client’s best interests and secures their rights under applicable laws. The enforcement of such contracts is also taken into consideration. Should your company be presented with a contract, our corporate lawyer can review it and make changes that will protect your company’s best interests. Prior to submitting a contract or agreeing to one, contact us to learn more about the legal services we provide.

General Partnership or Limited Partnership: Insight from a corporate lawyer Melbourne, FL trusts

At Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC, we care that you make the wisest decisions for your business, and are here to help advise you on what type of partnership to pursue with the aid of our corporate lawyer in Melbourne, FL. Although general partnerships are created by default, you may want to alter that throughout the course of your business. We understand that partnerships may evolve over time, and will help advise you on the best course of action to proceed in making a limited partnership or limited liability partnership.

General Partnership

A general partnership is commonly the default partnership created when a business is formed, as a Melbourne corporate lawyer can explain. In a general partnership, all partners have equal rights to control or manage the business. All partners have legal authority to alter the business as they please, and all have the ability to make legally binding decisions. Every partner in a general partnership has equal authority over management and legal decisions regarding the business.

Why choose a general partnership?

• No state filing is necessary which makes the creation of the partnership uncomplicated.
• There is a low cost of operating a general partnership because there is no state filing required. No state filing required means there is no filing fee, franchise taxes, or state fees.
• No issuing partnership interest.
• No required meetings.
• Personal assets may be kept separate from the business.

Although a general partnership does not require you to hire a corporate lawyer in Melbourne, FL, it is highly recommended to make an agreement regarding the roles of partners. At Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC , we can help you decide the management positions of partners, roles and duties of partners, and a clause that states what might end partnership. This agreement is almost always necessary for complicated future business decisions, and we are here to help you make the agreement for the benefit of your business.

Limited Partnership

Unlike a general partnership, limited partnership requires the business to have a partnership agreement regarding management and legality. As an experienced Melbourne corporate lawyer can explain, being a limited partner means that one has less management control over the business, but also has less to lose. The only thing a limited partner can lose is the business investment.

General partners have more liability towards the financial conditions of the business, but also manage everyday operations and make legal decisions. There can be more than one general partner in the business, but that means that they all have equal right in the decisions of the business, as stated above.

Why choose a limited partnership?

• Limited partners do not have any control over the management or legal decisions.The general partners are the only ones who have rights over the everyday operations of the business. Limited partners are more or less silent investors.
• Good for short-term ventures for specialized situations.
• Limited partners do not have to contribute personal assets to the debt of the business. Only the general partners will have unlimited liability, and will have to use their personal assets for the debts of the business.

Being in business with partners and shareholders is not for the weak of heart. Disputes can turn ugly and sometimes a resolution cannot be agreed upon. When this happens, do not hesitate to contact an experienced business litigation attorney to help get your company through the conflict. The corporate lawyer in Melbourne, FL at the Law Offices of Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC are experienced and prepared to help you resolve issues in a fair and just manner. 

It is important to address shareholder and partnership issues as soon as they arise so that these conflicts do not have a negative impact on the company as a whole. Here are a few of the most common disputes that occur among partnerships and shareholders that a business may have to deal with at some point:

• Breach of contract — If someone is accused of breaching a contract and another may argue that the contract was not breached or that is was the other party who breached the contract, it is definitely time to get a corporate lawyer in Melbourne, FL involved in the situation.
• Deadlocks among management — Management is unable to make a decision that is agreeable to all involved; therefore, litigation is needed to break the gridlock.
• Succession planning — What happens when someone wants out of the business. Is the business set up correctly for a seamless succession? These issues are common when it is a family-owned business and can get very complicated.
• Buy-sell agreements — Any time a business has to buy or sell assets, there can be disagreements among partnerships and shareholders. The buying or selling of assets is one of the most common reasons for shareholders and partnerships to argue about.
• Violation of corporate regulations — Business litigation attorneys may be required to intervene if any members of the partnership or shareholders’ behavior are in violation of the company bylaws.
• Compensation for Executives — How the executives and key management personnel are compensated is commonly a cause for disagreement between partners and shareholders.

How are Partnership and Shareholder Disputes Resolved?

It is important to note that many disputes between partnerships and shareholders cannot be settled without going to court. That is because there may be legal implications behind each decision that would be better handled with the help of a litigation attorney. Your corporate lawyer in Melbourne, FL can first attempt to settle the issue without going to court by acting as a mediator between the parties. However, a complex shareholder and partnership agreement will require the assistance of an experienced corporate lawyer in Melbourne, FL who understands the legal ramifications of each side of the argument.

Resolving the dispute in an expeditious manner will help minimize the effect on the business, allowing it to move forward in a more seamless manner. The sooner you can reach out to a business litigation attorney and ask for assistance in addressing the dispute, the easier it will be to resolve and for the business to move on.

Contact Us

Determining partnership and partnership agreements can be complicated and daunting tasks for anyone starting/continuing a business. It becomes an even harder task when you wish to adapt your partnership, and we want to make that decision easier for you and your business partners. Our team of business lawyers at Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC are here to help your business, and assist in making decisions regarding partnership. We are here to help ensure the success of your business through the means of our business lawyers that have experience in dealing with partnership ordeals. Please call a business or corporate lawyer Melbourne, FL companies turn to today for a consultation.

Common Questions About Legal Requirements For Starting A Corporation

Forming a corporation involves specific legal steps that must be handled correctly from the start. Whether we’re launching a new venture or converting an existing business into a corporation, it’s important to understand what’s legally required. From paperwork and filing fees to decisions about structure and governance, each piece plays a part in building a foundation that holds up long term. Speaking with a Melbourne, FL corporate lawyer can help us avoid missing important requirements early in the process.

What Do I Need To Legally Start A Corporation?

To legally form a corporation, we typically need to choose a unique name, select a registered agent, and file the appropriate paperwork with the state. This usually means preparing and submitting articles of incorporation. We’ll also want to establish corporate bylaws, hold an initial board meeting, and issue shares to initial shareholders. Depending on the industry and location, we may also need business licenses or permits.

How Do I Register A Corporation In My State?

Our business law lawyer will share that each state has its own process, but generally, registration involves filing articles of incorporation with the state’s business filing office, such as the Secretary of State. This filing includes basic information like the corporation’s name, purpose, principal office address, and registered agent. We also need to pay a filing fee, which can vary depending on the state. After registration is approved, the corporation becomes a separate legal entity.

What Is The First Legal Step To Starting A Corporation?

The initial legal step is choosing a business name and confirming that it’s available for use in our state. Once we confirm the name isn’t already taken, we’ll designate a registered agent who is authorized to receive legal notices on behalf of the corporation. From there, we can move forward with preparing and filing our articles of incorporation. It’s a good idea to think through ownership structure and roles before getting too far along.

Do I Need A Lawyer To Start A Corporation?

While it’s possible to start a corporation on your own, working with a business attorney helps you make sure everything is done properly. A corporate attorney can help draft tailored articles of incorporation, set up bylaws that reflect your needs, and address early decisions about shareholders and board responsibilities. If you’re planning to raise money, bring on partners, or expand across state lines, legal support can make things smoother down the road. A Melbourne corporate lawyer can walk us through the specific requirements and filings for our situation.

What Documents Are Required To Form A Corporation?

At a minimum, we’ll need articles of incorporation to legally form the business. These documents outline key facts about the corporation, such as its name, purpose, and structure. We’ll also want to prepare corporate bylaws, which set out the rules for how the corporation operates. Additional documents may include shareholder agreements, initial meeting minutes, and stock certificates. In some cases, we may need licenses or permits depending on our industry and location.

Building A Strong Legal Start For A New Corporation

Forming a corporation is a major decision, and setting up the legal structure correctly from the start can help you prevent problems down the line. It’s not just about filing paperwork—it’s about creating a stable and legally sound organization that supports our goals. If you’re unsure about next steps or have specific questions about what applies to your state or industry, speaking with a legal professional is a smart move. For tailored help with business formation and compliance, a Melbourne corporate lawyer at the Law Offices of Arcadier, Biggie & Wood can guide you in the right direction. Our firm offers 24/7 live call answering, call today for a complimentary consultation.