Peck Ritchey, LLC > Corporate Law, including Small and Family Business Planning

Corporate Law, Including Small and Family Business Planning in Chicago

Peck Ritchey, LLC’s corporate attorneys will handle all legal aspects relating to your corporation, regardless of size, including offering small and family business planning services. Our Chicago corporate law and business planning attorneys can and do work with many clients from the beginning, when the business is only an idea. Our attorneys work with clients from the concept stage and continue to provide legal services once the business is up and thriving. Contact us today at (312) 201-0900 to speak with a member of our qualified team.

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    Why Hire Peck Ritchey, LLC?

    There are many steps to complete when you are trying to start a business. Reading online self-help tutorials simply won’t cut it when it comes to corporate law, and nothing beats having an experienced attorney to provide guidance and knowledge on all the issues that you will face during the process. Forgetting to file something or misunderstanding the gravity of certain filings can lead to detrimental consequences. Not filing something that was required or not following the proper procedures when starting a business can open you up to litigation. You and your business may be put into a vulnerable position as a result.

    This may mean your business will cease to exist or, worse, you may be held personally liable for certain debts and contracts that could have been avoided. The best way to avoid this stress is to contact a corporate law attorney from Peck Ritchey, LLC. Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys will work with you and make sure that you never have to worry about these negative consequences.

    Services We Offer

    Corporate Law, Including Small and Family Business Planning in ChicagoAs mentioned above, there are many, many steps a business owner needs to follow. Whether it is to start your business or to keep your business running, Peck Ritchey, LLC can handle whatever corporate needs you have. Our legal services include the following:

    • Choosing the proper corporate entity: There are many different classifications when it comes to beginning a business. You may choose to incorporate as a corporation, an S-corporation, a limited liability company, or even a limited liability partnership. Each type of entity has its strengths and weaknesses, and not every type is appropriate for all kinds of business. Let us help you assess your needs and apply the right entity type to your business.
    • Formation of the corporate entity: This is one of the more tedious processes of the start-up procedure, and it is best to have a knowledgeable attorney help you in completing following tasks:
      • Drafting and filing articles of incorporation: These will be filed after you pick a name and figure out which type of corporate entity your business is. The articles of incorporation are required to make your company legal and are filed with the Secretary of State. Misrepresenting information on this filing can open you up to certain liabilities. Not filing these can also lead to certain liabilities as an individual. Likewise, if you have already started your business, you may need to refile these articles if any business information has changed. If changes have occurred, then the articles need to be amended or updated and refiled.
      • Drafting partnership agreements, operating agreements, and corporate by-laws: While many of these documents are only really seen by the business owners and/or board (if applicable), these agreements and by-laws must be drafted to make your business legitimate. It is also helpful to have these agreements drafted and on file in your business records as a protection to you, especially if you are operating your business under unique clauses or arrangements. Without written documentation, the default rules under the business code and common law (case law) will apply as to these agreement terms. This means that if your business gets involved in litigation, dissolution, is sold or merged, etc., your verbal arrangements regarding issues like debt and property allocation will not be respected or enforced.
    • Buying and selling existing businesses: Whether you are in the middle of buying and selling existing businesses or just considering it, Peck Ritchey, LLC can help. Creating contracts to buy and sell businesses can be a complex process. Protecting everyone’s ownership interests and any business property when creating contracts can add more variables and complications. Trying to address this on your own is a risky endeavor, and seeking the assistance of the attorneys at Peck Ritchey, LLC will help ensure success, profit, and protections for you in the long run.
    • Purchasing and leasing assets and real property in conjunction with your business: Purchase and lease contracts are nobody’s cup of tea. Whether you are writing them or just trying to understand them for signature, you will likely be overwhelmed. Without good purchasing and leasing contracts for your business’s assets and properties, your business will end up suffering. You will run the risk of losing certain profits, tax breaks, and other interests associated with the assets and properties. If you are not careful, you may fall prey to terms in a contract that is not in your best interests as a business owner. You may also become personally liable under the contracts if you are unaware of necessary protective language.
    • Negotiating, drafting, and executing business contracts: Just like purchasing and leasing contracts, business contracts are similarly difficult to navigate. There is often no way to avoid entering into contracts with other businesses, employees, and independent contractors. It is critical that a contract is well drafted and executed. Hiring an attorney will help you achieve this goal and protect you from any problems down the road.
    • Planning as it relates to tax issues: Part of determining what type of corporate entity you want your business to be includes addressing the issue of taxes. Because different tax rules will apply to different entities, you might find it helpful to consult an attorney to address this issue from the beginning. Preparing for the inevitable issue of taxes, preventing double taxation, and ensuring your business is operating within proper tax code regulations is critical to staying in business.

    If you are a business owner, proper planning can protect the continuation of your business beyond your death or incapacity for the benefit of your family. If this is something you would like to address, it is best to contact an attorney from Peck Ritchey, LLC to handle your needs and help you protect your family and loved ones. Do not risk their future by trying to figure out such a complex area of law and business planning yourself. Call (312) 201-0900 to talk about your needs, your business, and how it fits into your family’s future.

    Contact Peck Ritchey, LLC Today

    Whether you are starting a new business or you have legal needs for your current business, contact Peck Ritchey, LLC today. We can help you with any and all of your corporate law needs to make sure that your business is in good standing and that you are not being exposed to any risks and liabilities. We can also help you protect your family’s future through appropriate business planning. Contact our experienced attorneys so that we can start your case as soon as possible. Our knowledgeable lawyers are here to help—call (312) 201-0900 to schedule a consultation and start taking care of business!

    Testimonials

    Attorney Kyle Fahey handled our matter with skill and professionalism, and was always responsive. 10/10, would work with him and the firm again.

    –Jon T.

    The peace of mind that Peck Ricthey's office has given me is worth every penny. The services they provided me and my family in an emergency medical situation is beyond outstanding. Last minute notice, Peter Brady and team were compassionate, understanding and most importantly efficient and got the job done. Look no further if you have any needs that this office can provide for you. Definitely in good hands! Thank you, a thousand times over for all of your help.

    –Christine K.

    Very responsive and knowledgeable at handling our brother’s estate. Would definitely recommend!

    –Ralph C.

    I solicited Peck Ritchey, LLC for assistance with a living trust for which I became the beneficiary. I needed assistance with understanding the details of how it all worked. However, I was especially concerned because there were threats of allegations made by family members and a lawsuit was filed against me. I needed a solid professional who had my best interests in mind. Peter Brady took my case and he managed it flawlessly. He explained everything in a way I could understand, he knew the law inside and out, he was always available to answer questions, and even offer support when things seemed like they could become extremely problematic. In addition to this, he had a plan. He navigated the course as if he already knew the next move by the opposing attorney. He made me feel like everything was in control and that’s because he knew exactly what he was doing and he consulted with me about everything. We ended up settling out of court and ultimately the court officially dismissed the lawsuit. I honestly believe if it wasn’t for Peter and his expertise this could have gone in an entirely different direction. Peter did a stellar job and I couldn’t be more pleased and impressed with his performance.

    –John T.

    Tim Ritchey is as smart, honest, and genuine as they come. He truly puts helping people above making money. If you have a need, don’t hesitate to hire him.

    –Jay T.

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