Is it too late for a prenup if I’m already married? In Illinois, prenups become effective on the day that you and your betrothed are legally married. If you’re past that point, a prenuptial agreement is no longer a valid option. That does not mean it is too late for you and your spouse to protect yourselves and your respective …
Business Ownership and Divorce: What You Need to Know
Divorce is rarely simple. When two people’s lives are intertwined—physically, emotionally, and legally—separating the individual strands can be a task akin to untying the Gordian knot. The longer a couple has been together and the more they share, the more difficult this task becomes. It can be even more difficult if the divorcing couple co-owns a business or one spouse …
How Do I Prepare To Meet with a Business Lawyer?
Businesses are governed by laws and regulations that affect nearly every aspect of their operation. From formation, hiring, and firing, to drafting contracts, resolving disputes, and dissolving or selling the company, there are numerous legal matters that arise during the lifetime of a business. As a small business owner, you are adept at handling challenges. But when it comes to …
How to Protect Your Personal Assets as a Business Owner
As a small business owner who puts in long hours to build your enterprise, it can sometimes feel like there is no separation between your personal and professional lives. You are probably willing to make this sacrifice to build a company that reflects your values and vision. But without a comprehensive asset protection strategy, everything you worked so hard to …
How to Resolve Deadlocks in Your LLC
Membership in a limited liability company (LLC) may come with voting rights. Member voting rights are addressed in the LLC operating agreement, which typically provides that LLC members must vote on several issues that are material to the continuance of the business. A unanimous or majority vote may be required depending upon the nature of the matter voted on. A …
Why You Might Want to Hire Someone to Be Your Registered Agent
If your business is registered with the state, you are required to name a registered agent at the time of registration or incorporation. A registered agent is the person who receives legal and tax documents on behalf of your business. You or other people in your business can serve as the registered agent, but doing so raises a few potential …
How to Conduct an Effective Employee Performance Review
Employee performance reviews can be stressful for workers and managers alike. Now more than ever, with workers quitting their jobs in droves as part of the “The Great Resignation,” managers may be hesitant to provide direct, constructive criticism that could be perceived as overly harsh. Employees, in fact, widely agree that most performance reviews do more harm than good. This …
What Is a Business Grant and How Do I Obtain One?
A business grant is a form of financial assistance given to a company by a government agency or private organization for a specific purpose. Grants, unlike loans, do not need to be paid back. Despite this benefit, finding a grant that your business qualifies for and submitting a complete application can be challenging. However, if your business could benefit from …