Why Corporate Records Matter

August 10, 2023  |  Carole Clark Isakson

Most people know that a key step in starting a business is creating an entity (an entity can protect your personal assets). Many of those people will go online to the Secretary of State website, find the form for Articles, and complete those online. With Articles in hand the company can now get an EIN. But is that enough? Are you going to have all the benefits of running the business as an entity if you only take these two steps? Read our blog to understand why corporate records matter. The short answer is NO  Some of the reasons for this answer are simple: A fully formed entity also needs documents that show who owns it, and how the company will be run, among other things. Those initial documents won’t show who actually owns the company or who the officers are, and they don’t contain any rules on how the company will be operated. Some specialized types of entities require provisions that aren’t in those forms but are required by law.  The importance of complete corporate records At least once a month we interact with clients with ongoing businesses that realize they never really finished forming the entity – and now are trying to sell it, or get a loan, or defend a lawsuit….

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ADA Compliance and Web Design: What You Need to Know

August 10, 2023  |  Carole Clark Isakson

Is your website ADA compliant? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all electronic information and technology be accessible to those with disabilities. The US Department of Justice provided very specific guidance in this area in 2010, but MANY organizations are not compliant. In fact, according to a recent StarTribune article, citing a survey by the Institute for Disability Research Policy and Practice at Utah State University, 96.3% of the most visited websites are not fully compliant with the accessibility requirements of the ADA. If the ADA applies to your business, it applies to your website. The Cost of Noncompliance What does this mean for you? Litigation is on the rise in this area with some lawyers and law firms focusing on filing lawsuits against companies with non-compliant websites. Lawsuit costs and alleged damages can easily exceed $100,000. If your website isn’t compliant and the ADA applies to you, it’s time to improve your website. Even better than legal compliance, however, is the fact that making your website compliant will expand your marketing to a group of potential clients and customers that you were missing (and that were perhaps missing you). How to Improve Your Website The best way to ensure that your website is ADA compliant is to contact your web developer or…

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Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Write Your Will

July 20, 2023  |  William F. Huefner

Writing a will is a task that many people put off. It’s often due to the uncomfortable nature of discussing what would happen after their death. However, creating a will is an essential step in ensuring your final wishes are respected, your loved ones are taken care of, and your legacy is protected. Continue reading, as we discuss the reasons why you shouldn’t wait to write your will and the benefits it brings. Protecting Your Loved Ones Writing a will allows you to designate how you want your assets to be distributed after you have passed away. Without a will in place, your estate may be subject to intestate laws. This can lead to lengthy legal battles, unnecessary stress, and potential disputes among your family members. By having a will, you are providing clear instructions on who should receive what, ensuring your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes. Guardianship of Minor Children If you have children who are minors, a will provides an opportunity to name a guardian who is going to take care of them in the event of your untimely passing. Without a designated guardian, the decision of who will take care of your children may be left to the courts. This can cause an additional emotional…

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