New Orleans Real Estate & Corporate Law Blog

Buying a home is a complex and often protracted process. You will need to scour the listings for a property that meets your family's needs and is in the right area. You also have to think about how much you will pay for the mortgage, as well as property taxes and insurance, which can vary drastically from neighborhood to neighborhood. Many people need help to navigate the process.

Of course, it isn't much easier for sellers, who have to open their house up to strangers and wait for someone to make a reasonable offer. Putting down earnest money when you make an offer on a property is a good way to let the sellers know that you are serious in your intentions to purchase the home.

Business strategies will not amount to much for many companies without the employees who put them into action. Many of the businesses here in New Orleans and the surrounding area would not be able to function with them. This means that whether a company is large or small, it needs to remain cognizant of the federal and state protections employees have, including those against retaliation.

Since retaliation can come in many forms, it is vital that New Orleans businesses understand the types of behaviors and actions that could get them into trouble when it comes to this issue. Every business should have some apparatus in place for employees to make complaints regarding discrimination and harassment. The same could be said for making sure that such employees are not further victimized through retaliatory actions such as demotions, firings, negative evaluations, reductions in pay and more.

Single-member limited liability companies work well for Louisiana small business owners in a variety of industries. They provide owners with the protections of an LLC as well as the freedom of a sole proprietorship. However, this autonomy can lull an entrepreneur into skipping an important formation step -- creating an operating agreement.

It may seem unnecessary in a single-member LLC, but it actually does serve several vital functions. Most states have what are referred to as "default rules" when it comes to these entities. Having an operating agreement circumvents this. After all, the owner should be have the freedom to choose how to dispose of business assets and determine the succession of the business, both of which can be addressed in this document. 

Starting and operating a Louisiana business requires a great deal of your attention. Every day, you have to make decisions that will probably affect its success. While you make those choices, you cannot forget to address legal matters that could also make or break the future of your company.

For instance, regardless of the type of business entity you decide to structure your business under, there are at least some legal issues you need to address. You may need to register your business, its name and other information with the state of Louisiana. If you own the business with others, putting together partnership agreements, operating agreements or bylaws is essential. These agreements outline the relationship of the parties, including who handles daily operations, who makes certain decisions and how individuals leave or join the company.