A corporation is a legal entity which must comply with State and Federal laws.  Assuming you are protected because you have filed Articles of Incorporation with the State of Florida is a big mistake.  The Articles only begin the process and provide limited information.  Many small businesses run into problems that can cost thousands of dollars and jeopardize assets because they did not get the proper legal advise when they started.

Issues such as corporate ownership, taxation and authority to operate or make business decisions are not usually set forth on Articles of Incorporation.  Being named as a Director, CEO, President or Treasurer does not mean that you are the owner of the business, as many people who incorporate on their own were led to believe.  When troubles arise between business partners, creditors or governmental entities, you want to be sure that you are adequately protected.

The law office of Paul J. Burns is experienced in incorporating your small business and will provide you with the legal guidance you need.  Call before you start your business so we can assist you in making the right decisions and following the required, legal procedures.

Simply filing Articles of Incorporation for a corporation or Articles of Organization for an Limited Liability Company does not protect you.   There are things that must be done in order to protect your business and personal assets.  Without taking the proper steps to document your business’s legal activities, you are jeopardizing all your assets.  The smaller the business is the more important it is to have the proper paperwork.

The law office of Paul J. Burns is experienced in counseling small businesses.  Incorporation services, Organizing Limited Liability Companies, and preparing Partnership Agreements are just a few of the services offered at reasonable rates.  Call today to discuss your business needs.

In Florida, probate can take a number of different forms.  The two most common types of probate in Florida are Formal Administration and Summary Administration.  The determining factor in which type of probate the estate must use is the value of the estate.  If the assets that constitute a person’s estate are generally greater than $75,000, then the estate must go through Formal Administration.  If the assets that are subject to probate in Florida are less than $75,000, then the expedited method of Summary Administration can be used.

It is therefore important to determine what assets are considered part of a decedent’s estate under Florida law.  Not all assets that are in a person’s name at the time of their death are counted as part of their estate.  The laws of Florida provide for numerous exemptions, so it is imperative that you seek the advice of a probate attorney.  An experienced lawyer can make the process go quicker and with less stress.  The law office of Paul J. Burns would appreciate the opportunity to assist you through its personal and professional service.

Summary Administration can be used in estates where the decedent left a will as well as those when he/she didn’t.  The process is less expensive than Formal Administration and bonds are not usually required when there is a will. 

The law office of Paul J. Burns is experienced in handling Summary Administration, as well as Formal Administration, and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your particular estate situation.  This office has handled estates in many counties throughout Florida, including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando, Sarasota, Manatee, Lee, Pasco and Brevard.