Starting a business is an exciting milestone, but choosing the right legal structure is one of the most important decisions you will make. Whether you are launching a new venture, purchasing an existing business, or formalizing a side business that has grown, the decisions you make today can impact your business for years to come.
At Elizabeth Maxey Long, Attorney at Law, PLLC, we help entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Tennessee establish businesses with a strong legal foundation. From forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) to organizing a corporation or partnership, we provide practical legal guidance tailored to your goals.
Our objective is simple: help you start your business correctly so you can focus on growing it.
One of the first decisions every business owner must make is selecting the appropriate legal structure.
The right entity depends on many factors, including your business goals, ownership structure, management preferences, and future plans.
We assist clients in forming:
During your consultation, we will explain the advantages and practical considerations of each entity so you can make an informed decision.
For many small businesses, an LLC is an excellent choice because it combines operational flexibility with liability protection.
An LLC may be appropriate for:
We assist clients with every step of the LLC formation process, including preparing and filing the Articles of Organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State and drafting a customized Operating Agreement that clearly outlines the rights and responsibilities of the members.
Even if Tennessee law does not require every LLC to have a written Operating Agreement, having one is strongly recommended. A well-drafted agreement can help establish clear expectations and provide guidance as your business grows.
For some businesses, forming a corporation is the most appropriate option.
We assist clients with creating Tennessee corporations by preparing and filing the necessary organizational documents and helping establish the legal framework for the business.
Services include:
Our goal is to ensure your corporation begins with the legal documents needed for effective governance and compliance.
If you are starting a business with one or more partners, it is important to clearly define everyone’s rights and responsibilities from the beginning.
We prepare Partnership Agreements that address matters such as:
Taking the time to establish clear expectations at the outset can help your business operate more smoothly and reduce misunderstandings in the future.
Every business is unique, and your governing documents should reflect your specific goals.
Depending on your business structure, we prepare documents including:
Rather than relying on generic online forms, we prepare documents tailored to your business and your ownership structure.
Choosing the right entity and preparing thorough organizational documents can provide significant long-term benefits.
Proper business formation helps:
Starting with the proper legal structure can save time, expense, and uncertainty as your business evolves.
Business ownership should be considered as part of your overall estate plan.
Many of our business formation clients later work with us to prepare:
Coordinating your business documents with your estate plan helps ensure your business interests are addressed as part of your long-term planning.
Elizabeth Maxey Long provides personalized legal guidance for entrepreneurs, professionals, and small business owners throughout Tennessee.
Clients appreciate our practical approach, attention to detail, and commitment to creating customized legal documents that meet their specific needs. We take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and ensure you understand the legal structure you are creating.
Whether you are forming your first LLC or organizing a corporation with multiple owners, our office is committed to helping you establish your business with confidence.
The answer depends on your business goals, ownership structure, management preferences, and future plans. During your consultation, we will discuss your circumstances and help you choose the entity that best fits your needs.
Although not every Tennessee LLC is legally required to have a written Operating Agreement, it is strongly recommended. An Operating Agreement establishes how the business will be managed and helps define the rights and responsibilities of its members.
Yes. We can prepare or update governing documents for existing businesses and review your current organizational documents to help ensure they continue to meet your needs.
Starting a business is an exciting opportunity, and having the right legal guidance can help you begin with confidence.
Whether you are forming a Tennessee LLC, corporation, or partnership, Elizabeth Maxey Long, Attorney at Law, PLLC can help you establish your business with carefully prepared legal documents and personalized advice.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward building your Tennessee business on a strong legal foundation.
