Legal tips for small business

Here are some legal tips that can help keep your small business out of trouble.

• First of all know the laws.Read up and be aware of laws pertaining to your business.Avoid situations by having a previous knowledge of how to handle legalities that come up.
• It is always recommended to have a lawyer for your business.They will be able to remember laws that you forgot, and back you up on them.They will also be able to counsel you in when you need.
• Have everything in writing.Verbal contracts will cause most likely problems down the road because they rely on memory and memories can fade or change over time.Even if you feel it is someone close, a written contract is still very advisable.In case it wasn't said enough, write everything down.

• Have your policies clearly written and accessible to those who need them.Have policies for equal opportunity employment, sexual harassment, and everything you need to have covered.And there should also be written actions that will be taken in case of policy violation.And all of these should be followed 100% of the time.
• Be careful when wording an employee's contract.Be sure that they are employed "at will" and that you are under no obligation to keep them.If your contract says that you have to have a reason, you can get yourself in some hot water.If you need to downsize, that is not a reason.
• Become incorporated.This can help you cover yourself financially.If there are any financial problems and you are incorporated then they cannot come after you personally for the debts.This will save you from personal bankruptcy if there are problems with your business.
• Prevent any legal problems by using the lawyer you were advised to hire.Have them go over contracts and policies before they are finalized.They will help you make sure that you are legally covered and that there are no loopholes that can sink you.
• If there is a legal situation that comes up, try to stay out of litigation.This can be costly and time consuming.If there is any way for you to get justice by settling, it will save you the time and money you don't want to waste.
• Be sure you are doing all you can for employees.Keep yourself covered by obeying employment laws.Have and follow company policies for employees.Keep records of what goes on with employees.A paper trail may be what saves you if you have any problems with an employee.Also, have written expectations of employees so they know what you are looking for from them.
• Be sure that you are advertising legally.This is another great time to have a lawyer to go over everything.Be sure you are not making any false claims and that you are complying with advertising laws.This is somewhere you can get into lots of trouble if you don't watch your back.
• When you have in place a discrimination law or a sexual harassment law, be sure that all of your employees are in compliance.The legal issues can fall back to you if you aren't watching your employees.
• If you are going to sell shares of your business and you want help, get legal help.Don't let just anyone do it, hire a registered securities broker.Any other realm will get you in a whole bunch of legal hot water.Always have professional do things that you aren't sure about.If you hire your brother-in-law because he knows how, he better have a license.