Springfield Business Law Attorney
Here for the life of your business
Whether you are just starting out in business or have been around for years, advice and representation from a trusted law firm can help you grow in the right direction, stay in compliance with rules and regulations, face challenges head-on and resolve them strategically and cost-effectively. The Springfield business attorneys at Courtney & Mills are here to assist you from startup to beyond, helping you meet your needs and goals.
Business Formation
The selection of the right business entity is a critical step when you are starting a new company. Whether you form a partnership, corporation or limited liability company has implications in a host of areas, including liability, taxes, management and control, ownership and transfer, and more. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and goals and advise you on your options. We will further prepare and file all necessary documents to officially register your business with the state of Missouri and make sure you have everything you need to begin operations.
Following is a brief overview of the most common types of business entities utilized in Missouri:
Sole proprietorship – No formal action is needed to run your business as a sole proprietorship. You are in control of all aspects of your business. You are also personally liable for any debts of the company, and your business profits are taxed at your individual income tax rate.
Partnership – You can formalize a partnership arrangement, although the state doesn’t require it. The partnership itself isn’t taxed; instead, the partners pay taxes on their profits from the business. In a general partnership, all partners have a say in the management of the company and are equally exposed to liability for business debts. This arrangement can be modified by forming a limited partnership or limited liability partnership, where limited partners have a limited role in management and limited exposure to liability, compared with general partners.
Corporation – Forming a corporation is a complicated legal matter that requires drafting formal Articles of Incorporation and filing the appropriate documents with the state. Owners of the corporation are shielded from liability for acts or debts of the corporation. However, the corporation and the owners are both taxed at different rates, resulting in double taxation.
Limited Liability Company – Members of an LLC enjoy the liability protection of corporate shareholders, but they avoid double taxation and instead receive tax treatment like a partnership. Forming an LLC requires drafting and filing Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State. Owners of an LLC can choose some members to be managing members and have a more active role in operations.
Contract Law
Contracts lie at the heart of every business transaction, whether they are written, oral, express or implied. As a business owner, you likely enter contracts daily with landlords, employees, vendors, suppliers, customers, and others. Every contract places obligations on both parties to the agreement. When a contract dispute arises, you want it resolved as efficiently and effectively as possible, but above all, with your rights and interests protected and respected.
At Courtney & Mills, we prepare all manner of business contracts, including lease agreements, to protect your rights and promote your interests. In the event of a contract dispute, we’ll work to resolve it at the earliest possible stage in your best interests. If litigation and trial are necessary, we have the skills and experience to advocate for you effectively in court, applying relevant facts and applicable law with compelling and persuasive arguments. We represent plaintiffs and defendants in breach of contract actions and are additionally experienced in the litigation of complex insurance contracts.
Property Damage
Damage to your premises, equipment or other company property can grind your business to a halt. We’ll work with your insurance company or other responsible parties to make sure you receive compensation for the physical damage to your property, as well as compensation for lost profits, loss of use, and other applicable damages. We take appropriate measures to understand the full value of your claim and work to see that you are fully compensated in a timely fashion.
Call Courtney & Mills for Help with All Things Business in Springfield, Missouri
Addressing legal matters as they arise is critical to your company’s existence, but it shouldn’t get in the way of the business itself. Let us take on the job of resolving your legal disputes and concerns so you can focus on running your company. Together, we’ll see you grow and thrive. Call the Springfield business law attorneys of Courtney & Mills at 417-869-9888 or 888-844-7518.
