What Do I Need to Start a Consulting Business?
Nina Kaufman answered March 1, 2012
Like any other business getting started you have a couple of threshold questions to ask. First, what are your long-range ownership plans? Will you have investors or other owners? Also, you'll...moreWhat Type of Holding Company Should I Create?
Nina Kaufman answered January 11, 2012
In creating any business for any purpose, you have both tax as well as legal factors. Deciding on the form of entity for your holding company depends on a number of issues. For example, what's...moreDo I Need a Trademark?
Nina Kaufman answered August 12, 2011
Generally, once you form a company and file your company name with your state's Secretary of State, you can use that company name where ever you like across the globe. But that's...moreHow Can I Make Sure I Get Paid?
Nina Kaufman answered August 12, 2011
Any time you're dealing with delinquent payables, you have several factors to consider. First, do you have a written agreement that specifies when you get paid, and if you can charge any...moreWhat Are My Rights as an Investor?
Nina Kaufman answered August 12, 2011
You're right. Just because you are a minority shareholder doesn't mean you don't have rights to have a say in what goes on in the company. First, look carefully at your shareholders agreement...moreHow Do I Bring Partners into the Business?
Nina Kaufman answered July 28, 2011
Business partners can be hands-on or passive investors, so the first thing you need to determine is which kind of partner you want. Do you want someone local in Mexico? Do you want someone who...moreWhen Do I Need a Business License?
Nina Kaufman answered July 28, 2011
Whether or not you need a business license depends on your local and state laws although, generally, toy shops don't require specific business licenses. Your local town office will have more...moreWhat Ownership Stake Should a Departing Partner Keep?
Tim Berry answered June 23, 2011
There is nothing in this realm even remotely as simple as standard practice. There are no simple formulas. This will be a matter of what you and your partner can negotiate. Your question is a...moreHow Do I Start a Personal Training Business?
Nina Kaufman answered June 3, 2011
Many personal trainers do business under a name other than their own. For example, someone named Angela Smith may want to do business as "Body by Angela" or "Angela Smith Personal...moreDo I need an occupational license to work from home?
Nina Kaufman answered January 12, 2011
Whether you need an occupational license depends on the nature of the work you'll be doing from home. If you're providing general office services, such as bookkeeping, graphic design or virtual...moreMy subcontractor has stopped coming into work, what are my options?
Nina Kaufman answered January 11, 2011
One of the problems that can arise with subcontractors is not screening them carefully beforehand. From your description, you have another layer of complication: While you...moreWhat are my rights if I leave my family business?
Nina Kaufman answered January 10, 2011
If you are an owner of a business and are not happy about the way it's being run, you have several options: - Offer to buy out the other owners so that you can stay on board. - Make an offer...moreDo I need an actual address for my business?
Nina Kaufman answered January 7, 2011
Depending on the rules of your local county clerk, UPS stores can suffice as a place to receive mail, provided they'll accept service of process on your behalf (that includes official notices from...moreIs my franchise agreement void if the entire company went bankrupt?
Nina Kaufman answered November 12, 2010
Whether your franchise agreement can be voided depends on what it says. First, you will want to look for language that indicates whether or not the franchise agreement (or certain provisions)...moreIs it legal for my company put me on retainer indefinitely?
Nina Kaufman answered November 5, 2010
In many states, the general rule is that employees are hired "at will," which means that the company can let them go at any time and the employee can choose to go at any time. With...moreDoes a business partnership have to be legally formalized?
Nina Kaufman answered November 5, 2010
Generally, filing business certificates with your county clerk (or secretary of state) does not absolutely require a lawyer's help. If it did, all of the online business filing companies you see...moreAs a landlord, can I terminate a commercial lease due to an unfit lessee?
Nina Kaufman answered November 4, 2010
As a landlord, you have the right to carve out certain pre-conditions to leasing your premises—such as a clean criminal background check or a credit check. If you did not carve out these...moreHow do I ensure payment on a job that's already completed?
Nina Kaufman answered October 21, 2010
Excuses, excuses. Your client is exhibiting all the classic signs of being a deadbeat: having no complaints about the job, but using all possible stalling tactics. Unfortunately, it seems...moreCan I collect unemployment from my former employer if I now own my own business?
Nina Kaufman answered October 1, 2010
Generally, the act of becoming self-employed precludes you from obtaining unemployment benefits. This begins from the date you formed your company precisely because you are now employed--even if...moreWhat can I do if my former employer is claiming I was fired and is now withholding my final paycheck?
