So you’ve got a great idea for a new small business and you’re ready to go conquer the world! But before you do, take some time to consider these important steps in setting up your business that will help you plan, prepare, and manage your business for the future. Write a business plan - Having a plan on paper will not only keep you on task, but will help you think out some obstacles you may be presented with.

For many small business owners and operators, product liability is a major concern. If you are engaged in selling, manufacturing, or distributing a product to the public, product liability has to be something for which you prepare. While some may believe that this is only a factor for large corporations or major retail chains, it is important to remember that small businesses are held to the same federal and state regulations for providing safe and effective products.

As a small business owner you’re very busy.  Managing day to day operations, sales calls, and employee issues are already enough to cause you to need a few more hours in the day than you have.  When you do a job for a customer you expect to be paid promptly; after all, they expected their work to be done promptly.  But now here you are, all the work is done and they are refusing to pay, what can you do? Every situation will be different, but when you want to get right to the point...

It is impossible to avoid all the risk that can be associated with running a business. The challenge all small business owners deal with is mitigating the risk in an affordable way. How much risk can you live with comfortably and still be profitable?

Planning an estate isn’t necessarily something we look forward to, but estate planning can be a simple undertaking.  When you meet with your estate planning attorney, they will help you navigate the process by avoiding some these major mistakes. A. Developing a Plan Whether to avoid controversy within the family unit or simply having no idea how to get started, many people fail to develop a Will, resulting in the State determining how your family will be honored.  Meeting with an attor...

The DIY Will provides a great service to those who have a plan with few assets in their estate.  On the other hand, if you don not have a plan for how you would like your estate distributed or how to protect your loved ones from a costly process, then DIY is not for you.  Not all families are picture perfect like the family in “Father Knows Best”.  Most families have real life issues such as  less than perfect spouses, young adults, and relatives. If you your family unit is s...

Understanding the ins and outs of contracts can be a full time job.  In your business having a clear understanding of the contracts you sign or your customers sign with you is crucial.  That is why it is imperative that you know what you are signing and what your rights and obligations are! All contracts have 4 basic principles: an offer, acceptance, intentions of legal consequences, and considerations.  An "offer" is simply that; what are you offering, and what are they offering ...