When you go into business with another person in DuPage County, you may have entered into a partnership. However, there are many different kinds of business structures, and disputes among business owners are handled differently depending upon the type of business structure you have. To understand the different options for handling partnership disputes, it is important to learn more about partnerships generally. Then, we will explain the different ways that a partnership dispute can be addressed and how a DuPage County business law attorney can help.

What Is a Partnership and How Do Partnership Disputes Arise?

A partnership is a business structure that is owned by two or more individuals. There are two different types: general partnerships and limited partnerships. General partnerships are those in which the partners equally take responsibility for the business, meaning that they share debts and business obligations. Limited partnerships are a bit different in that they have general partners and limited partners. The general partners have similar obligations as partners in a general partnership, but limited partners typically invest in the company without having any control over it (or liability for it).

What is alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and how can it help in DuPage County business law matters and family law cases? According to the Cornell Legal Information Institute (LII), alternative dispute resolution is defined as “any method of resolving disputes without litigation.” In other words, alternative dispute resolution allows for grievances, complaints, and disputes to be handled outside of the courtroom. There are numerous types of ADR, but the two most common forms are arbitration and mediation. How do these ADR processes work, and why should businesses use them?

Understanding Alternative Dispute Resolution Under Illinois Law

Chapter 70 of the Illinois Statutes governs alternative dispute resolution in the state. Examples that are often relevant to small business in DuPage County include but are not limited to:

Are you thinking about forming a not for profit corporation in Oakbrook Terrace or elsewhere in DuPage County? There are many benefits to establishing an organization that is incorporated under the Illinois General Not for Profit Corporation Act of 1986 (805 ILCS 105/). One of the first steps to forming a not for profit (or nonprofit) organization is to draft bylaws. According to the statute, bylaws are “the code or codes of rules adopted for the regulation or management of the affairs of the corporation irrespective of the name or names by which such rules are designated.” In other words, the bylaws provide important rules and procedures concerning how the not for profit will operate.

Drafting bylaws can be a complicated process, and there are numerous issues that the not for profit organization or corporation will need to consider as it writes its bylaws. Given the complicated nature of forming a not for profit organization, it is extremely important to work with an experienced DuPage County business law attorney as you are forming your organization or are revisiting your bylaws.

Business Law Attorney Can Help Address Significant Questions for Drafting Bylaws

Buying or selling gas stations in DuPage County can be a lucrative business. However, for first-time buyers and sellers, as well as more experienced small business owners, it is important to have a dedicated Oakbrook Terrace small business law attorney on your side. The process of buying and selling gas stations can be complex, and it is a niche industry. With help from an experienced advocate, you can ensure that you are making the best possible deal with all of the necessary information.

Benefits of Comparison: Know What You Are Buying or Selling, and Know What It Is Worth

One of the most important steps in buying or selling a gas station is understanding what the best price might be, and how to read comparison numbers. According to an article in the Business Buyer Resource Center, it is often difficult for small business owners to assess the value of a gas station. Whether you are buying or selling, there are “many variables involved with gas stations for sale,” and as such, “prices and profits vary greatly.”

If you have a small business in Oakbrook Terrace or elsewhere in DuPage County, or if you are considering starting a small business, it is important to consider having general counsel for your company. You might be thinking: if I simply have a small business with only a couple of employees, do I actually need general counsel?

As an article in the Boston Globe explains, small business—of all sizes and types—regularly encounter legal issues that require the assistance of counsel. When you are trying to run a business, attempting to tackle some of these legal matters on your own can be frustrating and complicated, and in some cases seemingly impossible.

What Kind of Business Should I Form?