Launching a new business is an exciting endeavor. However, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the number of decisions you need to make as you lay the foundation for your new venture. The experienced and caring business law attorneys at Sewell Sewell Beard LLC are ready to work with you to ensure that your new business has everything it needs to grow and thrive, no matter what the future may hold. We understand the common challenges that new businesses in Alabama and Texas face, and we’re prepared to assist you with every aspect of developing, launching, and growing your company.Â
When you decide to start a business, you need to select a structure that best addresses your needs and goals. Each business structure, from sole proprietorship to limited liability company (LLC) to corporation (and more), carries different tax implications and considerations. Working with one of our knowledgeable business formation attorneys is the best way to identify the business structure that will support your vision and suit your needs. We will help you draft and file articles of incorporation, complete the registration with the Secretary of State’s office, obtain any required permits and licenses, and establish and review all business and employment-related contracts to ensure that your business launches as smoothly and efficiently as possible.Â
Many new businesses want to set themselves apart by creating a logo or other identifying symbol to cultivate public awareness and boost their brand’s visibility. Our attorneys can help you explore and navigate intellectual property considerations, such as creating a trademark, seeking copyright protection, or making sure that your business contracts protect trade secrets and other proprietary information. We recognize that every business requires customized legal guidance, and we’re committed to listening closely to your needs and goals to ensure that we address every detail involved in the formation and running of your business.
Every business encounters its fair share of ups and downs. As soon as a disagreement arises, we invite you to contact our office to discuss your options for resolving the matter. We believe in protecting your best interests at every turn, and we will seek the most cost-effective and strategic path toward resolution. Whether we achieve a solution through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation, you can trust that your satisfaction remains our top priority every step of the way.
At Sewell Sewell Beard LLC, we believe in establishing ongoing relationships with our clients. Helping you start a new business is just the beginning—we aim to provide ongoing support as you maintain and grow your company. After we set your business up for success, we encourage you to contact us as soon as a question or potential issue arises. The sooner we can address a business-related disagreement, the more options we will have to resolve the matter as quickly and efficiently as possible. We take pride in developing strong and lasting relationships with our clients, encouraging them to turn to us for personalized and effective legal guidance whenever they need it.
Condemnation refers to the legal process by which a government entity can exercise its eminent domain authority to seize private property for public use. Condemnation proceedings follow a series of distinct steps, from providing the landowner with written notice of the eminent domain action to negotiating compensation for the taking of the privately owned property.
The party wishing to invoke its eminent domain power initiates the condemnation process. For instance, the Department of Transportation can initiate condemnation proceedings against a private property owner in order to take the land and use it to construct a new highway (which meets the public use requirement). Condemnation proceedings usually begin after negotiations with the property owner have failed.
In order for a government entity to exercise its eminent domain power, the proposed project must benefit the public in some way. Common examples of projects that can fulfill the public use requirement include the construction of new roadways, public transit lines, state parks, public schools and libraries, and other proposals that will benefit the community.
Yes, private property owners have many rights during the condemnation process. Most condemning authorities will provide an initial offer that does not take into account the full value of your property. It’s essential to recognize that you have the right to negotiate a fairer and more just amount of compensation in exchange for your land. If these negotiations are not successful, the matter can move to court, where you will have the chance to present your arguments to a jury.
If the matter moves to probate court and you are not satisfied with the judge’s determination, you can still appeal your case to a trial court. This allows you to make your case before a jury, who will then decide the amount of compensation you should receive. Whether you have just received a condemnation letter or you are preparing to appear in probate court, partnering with a highly experienced and caring condemnation attorney will give you the confidence and firepower you need as you move forward.
Commercial real estate refers to property that the buyer intends to use for commercial purposes. For instance, the commercial property owner may use the real estate for retail businesses, industrial purposes, office space, or agricultural endeavors. It’s worth noting that since the purpose of these properties is for commercial use, the land needs to be zoned to accommodate commercial uses.
The purchase and sale agreement is a legally binding contract that guides the commercial real estate transaction. These documents are often customized to address the specific considerations of the transaction, but they generally include a few key elements: The purchase price, the scope and timeline of the due diligence period, the payment terms, the conditions that govern how and when the parties may exit the contract, warranties provided by the seller regarding the property, and the handling of closing costs.
Due diligence refers to the period during a commercial real estate transaction where the buyer has the opportunity to fully examine the property’s physical, legal, financial, and environmental status to ensure that the property remains a sound investment. The due diligence period usually lasts between 30 and 90 days, beginning from the signing of the purchase agreement. If you have questions about what to look for during the due diligence period, give us a call to learn more.
In most cases, both the buyer and seller cover a portion of the closing costs. The buyer usually covers closing costs associated with due diligence fees, financing costs, title insurance, and recording fees. The seller’s closing costs often include brokerage commissions, transfer taxes, and any costs associated with clearing the title (i.e., clearing existing liens, paying off mortgages, or handling retroactive property taxes).
Although you are not legally required to hire a commercial real estate lawyer to buy or sell property, doing so is highly recommended. Commercial real estate transactions usually involve significant investments and a fair amount of risk, so many people feel more confident with an experienced legal advocate by their side. At Sewell Sewell Beard LLC, our team of skilled and knowledgeable commercial real estate attorneys is ready to provide you with the exceptional guidance you need to make informed decisions while eliminating mistakes and risks.
Contact us today if you have a potential Business Formation and Governance case.
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