While MOST people ASSUME only the uber wealthy NEED to WORRY about asset PROTECTION, those with LESS wealth and FEWER assets may be at even GREATER risk. For example, if you’re a multi-millionaire, a $50,000 judgment against you might not be that big of a burden. But for a family with a modest income, home, and savings, it could be catastrophic.

When running a business, it’s easy to give estate planning less priority than other matters. After all, if you’re facing challenges meeting next month’s payroll or your growth path over the immediate term, concerns over your potential incapacity or death can seem far less pressing.

As a small business owner, you’ve likely spent plenty of time working with your business plan. But have you dedicated the same amount of time to planning for the continued success of your company after you retire? Or if you were to suddenly die or become incapacitated?

As a business owner, you’ve taken on a big responsibility to your family, your clients/customers, your team and your partners. Most businesses are not sufficiently liquid to keep the company going and the owner’s family thriving, in the event of death. But with the right plan in place, you can ensure the people you care most about are well provided for if anything happens to you.

One of the primary reasons business owners set up corporations and limited liability companies (LLC) is to shield their personal assets from debts and other liabilities incurred by the business.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than half of small business startups in the last 10 years have been home-based. Whether you are contemplating setting up shop at home as a consultant, a baker or a handy man, there are certain legalities that need to be considered to ensure you have protected yourself properly.

If you are starting a new company or have an unincorporated entity that has grown to the point where protection of your personal assets may be desired, the selection of the proper business entity can be critical to the future success of your business. There are 10 essential questions you need to ask as part of the decision-making process before making your selection.

Unemployment is at a 50 year low, but I find myself surrounded by legal issues related to terminations. I recently defended a case where my client was accused of breaching a termination agreement. Just in the last month, I was contacted by a few colleagues looking for advice after the company we all used to work for terminated more than 300 employees in a single day without any notice. The fact is that no matter whether you are the employee that is being let go or you are the employer, there are risks related to the separation that must be considered, much like a divorce.