If you own an interest in a closely held business, a buy-sell agreement should be a critical component of your estate and succession plans. These agreements provide for the orderly disposition of each owner’s interest after a “triggering event,” such as death, disability, divorce or withdrawal from the business. This…

Do you own a business with one or more individuals? Undoubtedly, your interest in the business represents a substantial part of your net worth and is likely your “pride and joy.” So it’s normal if your fondest wish is for the business to continue long after you’re gone or for…

We hope that you are keeping yourself, your loved ones, and your community safe from COVID-19. Along with those paramount health concerns, you may be wondering about some of the recent tax changes meant to help everyone coping with the Coronavirus fallout. This is an update on the tax-related provisions…

If you own part of a business, the subject of a buy-sell agreement has probably come up with your co-owners, and if it hasn’t, then it should. The purpose of a buy-sell agreement is to provide for an orderly transition of ownership interests when certain specified events occur, e.g., an…

A crucial part of protecting a company’s “crown jewels” or trade secrets is developing and implementing a trade secret protection plan.  A trade secret protection plan should encompass written policies that are made available to all employees and consultants and are discussed with all parties who may have access to…

How American Companies can adhere to the European Union’s New Consumer Privacy Regulations on the Worldwide Web In May 2018, the European Union (EU) sent a clear message to the world that it will support and protect the privacy of its citizens on the world wide web with new General…

Virginia was recently interviewed on KNCO radio. You can hear her discuss business law for start-ups with Seth Leishman. Seth is not just a radio show host but a CPA, CFP®, Senior Financial Advisor, partner and part owner of Ostrofe Financial Consultants, in Grass Valley.

One of the most important choices an organization will make when forming a new business is which legal structure to choose: limited liability company, partnership, sole proprietorship, corporation, nonprofit, cooperative, etc. The type of business entity that will ultimately be the right fit will depend on a variety of factors…

As of January 1, 2012, California corporations have a new option for organization under the California Corporations Code: the benefit corporation (or what many refer to as a “b corp”). In a traditional corporation, directors and officers owe a fiduciary duty primarily to the shareholders of the corporation. This standard…

Piercing the Corporate Veil Most Often Occurs in Instances of Fraud or Malfeasance Despite the general rule that stockholders are not personally liable to creditors of a corporation (the operational meaning of “limited liability”), there are specific circumstances where creditors may “pierce the corporate veil” to satisfy corporate obligations by…