Operating a business as a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) in Tennessee has become a popular option. Even though Tennessee charges initial and annual filing fees, for many business owners, that cost is worth every penny. LLCs in Tennessee have two often-touted advantages: they (1) protect the company’s owners from personal responsibility for the company’s liabilities (such as loans and lawsuits) …
Intellectual property assets [“IPA”] are easy to overlook during estate planning, since they are intangible-having no physical existence—as opposed to the tangible personal property or real property that can be touched. Most business owners, entrepreneurs, and many others own some form of their intellectual property, or “creations of the mind,” but athletes and “creative” clients-including authors, songwriters, entertainers, and visual …
Any attorney handling estate planning matters will have been asked this question…what do you recommend for estate planning, a Will or a Trust? The answer is the standard lawyer response…it depends. In fact, it depends on a variety of factors: What are the family dynamics like? What is the nature of assets owned? Where are the assets located (in state/out …
As the signs go up in yards, the mailers increase, and the political commercials intensify, you know it is almost time to vote. We have less than 30 days until we go to the ballot on November 4th. This year’s ballot will contain 4 proposed constitutional amendments. Amendment 1 empowers the legislature to enact, amend or repeal statutes regarding abortion. …
Many times clients come into our office and say that they, along with the biological parent, have raised their step child and now wish to formalize the relationship through adoption. This type of adoption is a way for people to legally know what they have emotionally felt for years: that the child is their own. Most of the time when …
In recent years I have seen an increase in mergers between nonprofits, including between churches, charitable organizations and educational institutions. There are a number of reasons why nonprofits merge, including the consolidation of a shared mission or purpose, combining financial resources and reducing cost, volunteers and leadership, to infuse new life and vigor into an organization, or to increase spheres …
At some point in your career, you may decide that the lure of greener pastures, or the siren song of long lusted after holiday destinations are now too hard to ignore. After years of putting in time at the corporate office, the firm, or slaving away in a skilled trade or industry overseeing the manufacture of golden widgets, you have …
Last Fall I had the opportunity to train for and race in an Ironman in Panama City, Florida. An Ironman is a 140.6 mile race, broken down as a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run. The race has to be completed within 17 hours in order for a participant to be considered an official Ironman finisher. …
In the rush to get to market, business owners often postpone branding and trademark considerations for the day when cash and time are less scarce. After selecting a catchy name for the business, its products, or services, today’s entrepreneurs typically acquire domain names, print business cards, design and print packaging, and start advertising. Often times, though, too little thought is …
In the rush to get to market, business owners often postpone branding and trademark considerations for the day when cash and time are less scarce. After selecting a catchy name for the business, its products, or services, today’s entrepreneurs typically acquire domain names, print business cards, design and print packaging, and start advertising. Often times, though, too little thought is …
