Business owners must constantly weigh risks versus rewards when evaluating growth strategies. An example is owning commercial property, which involves more responsibilities and expenses than leasing a space. However, over the long term and in the right circumstances, commercial real estate may be a smart investment with a high upside. Buying a business property is a different process from buying …
What was your path to law school? Did you always want to be a lawyer? When I was a very little girl, I wanted to be a lawyer but the truth was, I didn’t know many lawyers and I didn’t understand what they did. It wasn’t until I lived in Washington D.C. and interned in Capitol Hill in agriculture and …
One of the main reasons that a person creates a revocable living trust (a trust established during a person’s lifetime that they can amend or revoke) instead of relying on a will to transfer their money and property to their beneficiaries is to avoid probate. Probate is the court process during which a person’s will is found to be legally …
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are not legally required to offer health insurance to employees, but health coverage is one of the most desirable job benefits. Approximately two-thirds of business owners provide health insurance as a way to hire and retain the best workers. Whether employer-sponsored health insurance is required by law or is offered as an optional …
Unfortunately, rifts sometimes arise between family members that are much more serious than just temporary squabbles. The result may be estrangement, defined as “the state of being alienated or separated in feeling or affection; a state of hostility or unfriendliness” or “the state of being separated or removed.”[1] Estrangement does not mean that the relationship has come to an end …
The limited liability company (LLC) is a popular entity structure among small business owners that provides governance and taxation flexibility and shields personal assets from business liabilities. To enjoy the benefits and legal protections of an LLC, however, owners must register their company with the state by filing articles of organization (sometimes called a certification of organization or certificate of …
Employees are essential to your small business. Hiring and retaining workers is one of the biggest challenges that business owners face. In this highly competitive labor market, employers are looking for competitive edges to attract—and keep—employees. While many workers currently place a greater emphasis on job attractors other than compensation, pay remains highly important to candidates. Any problems associated with …
Following the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs, which overturned Roe v. Wade, the Texas Human Life Protection Act took effect. This law defines an “unborn child” as “an individual living member of the homo sapiens species from fertilization through birth, including the entire embryonic and fetal stages of development.” Tex Health & Safety Code § 170A.001(5). The basic …
It is normal for married couples to share almost every aspect of their lives with each other. But when it comes to death, even the closest couples might become tight-lipped about certain topics. According to one study, half of all couples fail to discuss their dying wishes.[1] Death is final for the departed. For the surviving spouse, death can leave …
Running a contest or sweepstakes can improve customer engagement, create new leads for your business, increase sales, and provide valuable data for advertising campaigns. People love to win free stuff, and a contest can be a fun and cost-effective way to promote your business. However, if a promotional event does not comply with state and federal law, it could end …
Americans are known for putting in long hours with little rest, which can lead to burnout, lower productivity, and decreased job engagement. Although employers are not legally required to offer paid time off (PTO) to their workforce except in a few states, most choose to do so. Those that offer PTO benefits may have a competitive advantage. Nearly a third …
When starting a business, entrepreneurs typically have two options: they can either build a new business or purchase an existing business. Buying an existing business can offer the advantages of name recognition and a proven business model. The advantages can be even greater if the business is a franchise with hundreds or even thousands of locations. Purchasing an existing business, …