Browse 87 articles tagged with Legal Issues.
You started a business with someone you trusted. You split the work, pooled your money, and filed the LLC paperwork together. Then, somewhere along the way, your partner stopped s…
AI tools are showing up in every part of the hiring and management process. Resume screeners, scheduling algorithms, performance scoring systems, and attendance trackers all promi…
If your business has 15 or more employees, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) applies to you. It took effect in June 2023, and the EEOC finalized its regulations in 2024. Th…
You just found out that your business data has been compromised. Customer records, employee information, financial data. Something got out. Your stomach drops. Now what? The next…
If you run a small business that handles customer data, credit card numbers, or health records, you have legal obligations around cybersecurity. The size of your company does not…
Your employees are probably using AI tools right now. They are pasting customer data into ChatGPT, running financial projections through free AI apps, and summarizing client commu…
If your business collects customer names, Social Security numbers, credit card data, or even login credentials, you are holding information that state law requires you to protect.…
Here is the most important thing to understand about starting a business in Texas: forming your LLC or corporation with the Secretary of State does not mean you are fully licensed…
Adding a co-owner to your LLC can be one of the best things you ever do for your business. A strong partner brings capital, skills, and shared responsibility. But it can also be o…
A notice from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) telling you an employee has filed a wage claim requires an immediate response, not because it’s an emergency, but because Texas…
Texas is an at-will employment state. That means you can terminate an employee for any reason or no reason, as long as the reason isn’t an illegal one. What it doesn’t mean is tha…
Healthcare practices face an employment question that other businesses do not: every time you bring on a contractor who will touch patient information, you have two separate legal…
A letter from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) telling you an employee has filed a wage claim requires an immediate response, not because it’s an…
Most small business owners don’t think about post-employment protections until after someone has left. A key employee joins a competitor, starts their own competing business, or t…
Finding out an employee has been stealing from you, money, client data, company photos, or billing for services never rendered, is one of the most disorienting things that happens…
Iowa is an at-will employment state. That means you can terminate an employee for any reason or no reason, as long as the reason isn’t an illegal one. What it doesn’t mean is that…
Closing day isn't the finish line. It's the starting line. If you're wondering what to do after you buy a business, the first 30-90 days are critical. You need to transfer ownersh…
Buying out a business partner is one of the most common, and most emotionally charged, business transactions. Whether you're parting ways amicably or dealing with a difficult situ…
Buying a franchise is different from buying an independent business. You're not just acquiring assets and customers. You're entering a legal relationship with a franchisor that go…
A Letter of Intent (LOI) is the document that moves a business acquisition from "interested" to "serious." It outlines the basic terms you and the seller are agreeing to before ei…
The purchase price is just one part of what you'll spend when buying a business. There are legal fees, due diligence costs, financing charges, license transfers, and working capit…
Some business buyers try to handle the transaction themselves to save money. They download a template purchase agreement, skip formal due diligence, and hope for the best. Sometim…
An Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) is the legal contract that governs the sale of a business. It defines exactly what you're buying, what you're paying, and what protections each s…
Due diligence when buying a business is the investigation you conduct after signing a Letter of Intent but before committing to the purchase. It's your one chance to verify the se…
Buying a business is one of the fastest ways to become a business owner, but the legal side of the transaction is where deals succeed or fall apart. A bad contract, missed liabili…
Filing your Iowa biennial report is crucial to keeping your business legally compliant. You can do it using our step-by-step video guide. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/wa…
Running an S-Corporation could be costing you in ways you didn’t expect. In what ways, you ask? Let’s break this down in this blog. Watch this video to learn how understandi…
Surge Business Law helps many businesses. Because of our popularity we are often targeted by scammers. For that reason, we have tools and policies that can sometimes be a little a…
Transferring a business to a family member is a meaningful way to preserve your legacy and ensure the future success of your company. Whether you’re passing the torch to the next…
Receiving or sending a demand letter is often just the first step in resolving a business dispute. Whether it’s a partnership disagreement, a late payment, or a breach of contract…
Receiving a demand letter can be unsettling, especially if you’re unsure how to respond. But rather than panic, it’s important to understand what a demand letter means and how you…
When legal disputes arise, a demand letter can be an effective way to resolve the issue without going to court. But how much should you expect to pay for this service? Understandi…
Buying an existing business can be a fast way to become an owner. It can also be a fast way to inherit expensive problems if you skip the legal and financial checks. This guide gi…
One of the biggest questions any business owner faces when thinking about selling is, "How much is my business worth?" It’s an important question, and the answer can feel elusive—…
Don’t let the clock run out on your 2024 tax savings—November is the time to plan! As the year wraps up, November is the perfect month to take control of your taxes. Why? For busi…
Because a registered agent helps your business run smoothly, it’s important for you to understand their role in your business. It’s a benefit to you. However, aside from a smooth-…
Ready to launch your LLC? Here’s what you need to know first: File your LLC’s articles of organization. This is one of the most important steps in registering your LLC. Articles o…
Hiring more than one lawyer to handle a legal matter is possible, however, don’t do this wrong! You could be in big trouble if you don’t follow proper procedures. The first step t…
Here’s an important fact about our American justice system: We follow what’s called Common Law, where courts rely on past rulings to interpret and enforce laws. Unlike laws passed…
Have you ever wondered what happens in a small claims process? What should you expect? Filing a small claims lawsuit is simpler and less costly than larger court cases. This video…
Dave Ramsey famously said that partnerships rarely work. The reason is that partnerships are so easy to form that often little effort is put into planning for conflicts. When you…
LLCs can have multiple owners, even if initially there was only a single owner. When you add a co-owner to your LLC, you’re not just adding a name to the paperwork—you’re adding a…
What is a sublicense? When you have the right to use someone else’s work and you want to allow a different person or company to also use it, that is a sublicense. This is a legall…
You’ve invested heavily in your business – your brand, your processes, your ideas, and inventions… your intellectual property. These take time and money, and if others had access…
Can you be the best in your skills and still end up with a failed business? Yes. Skill alone doesn't translate to profit. While expertise in a craft—like fencing, painting or deck…
Entrepreneurs often question whether to sign a personal guarantee for their business transactions when starting a new business. Watch this video for more information on what a per…
Understanding the difference between subletting and assigning is essential for tenants and landlords alike. This video explains what you should know. https://youtu.be/zaPoO7J6xTc…
Are you considering renting property but unsure of the differences between commercial and residential leases? Watch this video to discover the key differences. https://youtu.be/4_…
Setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for real estate ventures can be wise for investors looking to protect their assets and manage liabilities effectively. However, should…
Unemployment benefit claims and wage disputes are challenging to deal with. It’s no wonder employers get confused and make mistakes in the process. Does this sound like you? Watch…
Is there a price tag on closing down your business? The short answer is, YES IT DOES have cost. Watch this video to know more details. https://youtu.be/yZlVHvhx_pk Let's delve int…
How can you tell if a business expense is maximizing on Return on Investment (ROI)? This might involve evaluating your financial strategy, so buckle up. If you are a business owne…
As a business owner, it's essential to understand the importance of paying yourself promptly. This video will explore why delaying payment to yourself could harm your finances and…
"I can put it off." "One day I'll be making bank... but for now, I'll pinch pennies." "It won't be for long." If you've ever thought this way, you're in danger. Why? Business owne…
Why do some services charge a sales tax while others don't? And is there a simple resource to clarify sales tax obligations? Watch this video for more information. https://youtu.b…
Would you work with other collaborators without a partnership agreement? If you are a software developer working in collaboration with teams, here’s a word of caution - never get…
When you create something, like a video, painting, or computer source code, it's automatically copyrighted. You’ve created it, so you have the right to limit how it is copied. But…
Managing work productivity is tricky. Why, you may ask? Employees are not created equal. Some will perform well, while others need some attention. These are the ones who often und…
Launching a business is exciting but comes with financial challenges. By strategically setting up your remote business, you can manage costs effectively just like what this video…
Have you ever read through a contract's terms and conditions and felt lost? Some people pay close attention to details, while others don't think much about it, but understan…
Are you giving away your intellectual property without knowing it? Watch this video if intellectual property in source code catches your interest. https://youtu.be/L3w4LHw2GbQ Whe…
Is forming a limited liability company (LLC) necessary when purchasing a rental property? Watch this video to learn more. https://youtu.be/DQgBU6vjblk It is not mandatory, however…
Many property owners transfer their rental properties into a limited liability company (LLC) to protect their assets and as a management strategy. Watch the full video to know wha…
Planning for the future involves making important decisions, and one of the most significant is knowing when to get a will. https://youtu.be/r-OsCaPtJ9g Deciding when to get a wil…
Have you ever wondered if you can boldly compare your product to a competitor's in your advertising? https://youtu.be/_LQ5AIyqBJM?si=R9F_plU_OrDEIwOj The Federal Trade Commission…
When a company has multiple products, should they keep them all together under one roof or split them into different businesses? What is the better option? https://youtu.be/gTlFhn…
Ever wondered about the differences between letting others use your ideas, giving them partial control, or handing over complete ownership? Let's break down sub-licensing and assi…
If my business is dissolved, do I stop owing money right away? And what do I do first? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JCA-3ZFzwkQ Many businesses cease operations for various reas…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IvK-F0oSbM Freedom of speech means different things to different people, but essentially, it's our fundamental right to express ourselves without…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to_gi7rWdtA When it comes to starting a business, which requires more work—starting a nonprofit or forming a limited liability corporation? The ans…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taWu6_LTlbk Can a valid contract exist without money exchanging hands? Absolutely. A contract exists where there is a meeting of the minds be…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIiUSChXFl0 Can a company director be held liable if the business shuts down? The general answer is that there is no personal liability if the dire…
Can bad reviews and defamatory statements affect your business financially? https://youtu.be/ZJMauTLukm4 Bad reviews and derogatory statements against a business are forms of defa…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LLEBGf7M7A It's a nightmare for creators to see their original work used without permission, but it happens frequently. Protections are in place f…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzsorHW6AoE Is a succession plan necessary for business owners? Absolutely! If you're a business owner, having a succession plan in place is crucia…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFkLQ4S9tJ0 Is it crucial to resolve stakeholder conflicts swiftly in an organization? What does that entail? Stakeholder conflicts can cause disru…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW4SvC2ZA7s&feature=youtu.be The desired outcome for any defamation claim against a small business is a retraction or compensation. But c…
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OXeSHY6Ic10?si=Sbx3MvkZ3K7xKPQc Does sending a demand letter from an attorney work? Yes, it is one of the ways to formally request a specific…
Selling your business is exciting and scary. The dream of a big check captures many founders’ minds. Sadly, deals often fall through or are far more difficult than necessary. Matt…
A service animal is an unclear term in the U.S. because different parts of the law use different terms to describe animals that help their owners by providing either a necessary o…
In 2021, Iowa enacted a new type of corporation, the Benefit Corporation, via HF844, signed by Governor Reynolds June 8, 2021. This added subchapter 17 to chapter 490 of the Iowa…
We love helping our clients buy or sell a business and have worked with many clients on deals as small as $30,000 up to millions. Buying or selling a business in Iowa isn't as str…
A lease to rent a home is a contract, but landlord/tenant law can cause some unusual results compared to other areas of contract law. When a tenant breaks their lease they are bre…
As of January 1st, 2022, a new Iowa law takes effect that more clearly defines the rules around bicycles assisted with electric motors, commonly called "e-bikes." I support having…
This is a surprisingly common question, and the answer is usually no, your spouse should not be a co-owner of the LLC. The exception is if your state does not protect sole owners…
Don't panic, this is fixable! In Iowa and most states, you must regularly check that the information you gave to the state about your business is correct. Usually, you also pay a…
Yes, in Iowa and most states, you must have some variation of LLC as part of your legal name. It does not have to be exactly "LLC," but you probably should because people are used…