Whether you’re new to owning a business, or you’ve operated your own company for decades, it seems that every city, county, and state has its own set of laws governing how to conduct business. While business laws may differ based on location, the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) works to help standardize many aspects of how …
Starting a new business is an exciting venture for any solo artist or entrepreneur. Coming up with the name, drafting a business plan, and getting your LLC are all important milestones that bring you one step closer to your big dream. However, some of the most common mistakes that new business owners make involve the …
Every small business will face legal concerns. Whether you need an expert to review new contract agreements and permits, or require legal counsel to assist with supplier or vendor disputes, it’s important to protect your company with professional small business support from KTF Law Firm. We understand that as a small business owner, you have …
As a parent and/or spouse, it’s your responsibility to ensure the financial security of your family in your absence. Estate planning is a “must-have” set of legal documents that help protect your loved ones’ futures, as well as precious family heirlooms that have been passed down each generation. If you haven’t gotten around to planning …
Though we can’t predict the future, we can do our best to plan and prepare for life’s many curveballs. This is especially important if you run a small business. What’s more, if you “co-own” a business with a friend, investor, or business partner, it’s even more important that you have a legally binding contract in …
As with any relationship, starting a small business with someone can be an exciting new venture. However, the financial strain of daily operations combined with strong egos can easily turn any good relationship sour over time. If you’re a co-owner of a small business, there may come a time when you and your business partner …
Anyone who has taken an “Intro to Business” course has heard about the different types of business structures available to entrepreneurs. The two most commonly asked about are Limited Liability Company (LLC) and “Doing Business As” (DBA). If you’re looking to start a business, it’s wise to have a basic understanding of business law and …
Though these two terms get used interchangeably, there’s actually a few key differences between what type of services you can expect from an attorney vs. a lawyer. Are lawyers and attorneys the same thing? A simple way to understand the difference between these two career paths is to think of it this way: all attorneys …
Are you starting a new construction company, or looking for some guidance as you consider taking on a new construction project? Before you begin, you’ll want to ensure you’re creating a solid foundation on which to build. Consider these helpful tips to turn your dream of owning a construction business into a reality! Prior to …
There’s nothing generic about your life—so why should your legal representation be cookie cutter? In today’s ever-evolving world, finding a professional law firm you can trust is invaluable. You want one that has a vast knowledge about your industry, state laws, and legal rights. At KTF Law Firm, our team is committed to being an …
With the holiday season now in full swing, many small business owners may wonder about holiday pay, overtime, and paid time off. Below, we’ll discuss part-time workers specifically, and what they may be entitled to during the holiday season. Part-Time Labor Laws in Minnesota Part-time hours are defined in varying ways, from state to state …
With November upon us, it is officially “go time” for retail stores—as Black Friday deals begin. Despite an increase in eCommerce and supply chain disruptions, the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz predicts a booming holiday shopping season for 2021. In-store shopping is expected to resume to nearly pre-pandemic levels, prompting retailers to …
Are Holiday Workers Legally Entitled to Overtime Pay? Read More »
Being a small business owner is full of both rewards and challenges. Along with the achievements of pursuing your passion and being your own boss, there are also the headaches surrounding licenses, federal and state requirements, and many other legal issues. While COVID-19 has brought new and unique challenges to small businesses, the main legal …
If you work in construction, then you already know that most working sites are vulnerable to legalities. This could be due to federally-mandated restrictions, the potential for hazards, and the task of communicating changes between multiple parties. From a family’s dream home to commercial, sports stadiums, and airports, any construction project—big or small—can include any …
Hiring a Construction Lawyer [Expectations vs. Reality] Read More »
If you work as an independent contractor, then you already know how important it is to maintain a good rapport with clients—so they stay happy, and you keep getting work from them. Of course, as inflation and the cost of living increases—not to mention your skills and services may be expanding—you soon realize that you …
Is It Time to Update Your Contractor’s Agreement? Read More »
Construction law involves all legal issues related to the planning, design, and construction of a building or structure. Because construction projects include multiple parties—not to mention the fact that construction sites can pose many safety hazards—it’s vital to understand and comply with all regulations throughout the process. Some statutes exist at the federal level and …
Selling a business can be a stressful process—and it requires negotiation, contract drafting, organization of financial documents, and so on. Below, we’ll help you break down the basic steps of selling a business and why it’s best to hire a business lawyer to handle the complexities that typically arise. Types of Business Sales Most small …
Should I Hire a Business Lawyer When I’m Ready to Sell? Read More »
Though a broad term, business law is responsible for regulating commercial entities and their commercial transactions—covering the rights and conduct of those involved in commerce, trade, and sales. Whether you’re a global enterprise or a small mom-and-pops shop, your business must follow the same legal regulations. As laws vary from state to state, hiring a …
With a world of information at our fingertips, it’s easy to think we can get all the news and advice we need in just a few easy clicks. In fact, there are so many opportunities to get free information concerning legal situations that you might trust these online sources for legal expertise vs. talking to …
Planning residential or commercial construction? Whether this is your first time or you’re a seasoned builder, having access to a professional construction lawyer is more than a value add to your company; it’s a necessity. Between negotiating contracts, hiring contractors, and following all city ordinance requirements, there’s a lot of room for error. In fact, …
The terms “will” and “estate planning” often get used interchangeably. But it’s important to understand their differences, and how they work together to protect your family’s financial future, as well as your legacy. What Is a Will? A will is a set of instructions that carefully lay out how you would like your assets divided …
Drafting a Will vs. Estate Planning: Is There a Difference? Read More »
Whether you’re about to head down the aisle, or already married, it’s important that you understand how your property, money, and other financial assets will be affected. Before we dive into this topic further, let’s first review the basics of what a martial vs. non-marital asset is in the court of law. What Is Marital …
Are Separate Bank Accounts Considered Marital Property? Read More »
It can feel overwhelming to witness a loved one become unable to manage their own affairs—whether financial, personal, or both. If someone close to you, whether a parent, sibling, or relative, requires help managing important decisions that affect his/her livelihood, filing for conservatorship is an effective option. Here are a few common signs that it …
Need to settle a dispute in court? Whether you require professional representation for a business disagreement or a complex dissolution, here is what you need to know about the differences between trial court and appellate court in the state Minnesota. What is a Trial Court? A trial court is where all civil cases begin, and …
Difference Between Trial Court and Appellate Court: What You Need to Know Read More »
In a civil paternity case, a judge steps in to determine the legal status, rights, and financial obligations of a father to his biological son or daughter. These types of court cases typically arise when an unmarried couple conceives a child, and the mother is filing for financial support from the “alleged” father until the …
How Long Does A Father Have to File for Paternity? Read More »
Any business owner will tell you the importance of consulting with a business attorney, especially if you run into a legal dispute with a client, customer, or former employee that could potentially put your company at financial risk. What business owners also know is the importance of operating on a budget, and for some entrepreneurs, …
If you already own a business or you’re thinking of becoming a business owner, you may wonder how the different types of business law can impact the future success of your company. In the broader sense, business law refers to regulations that help dictate how to start and successfully run a business and remain in …
With the new year behind us, you may find yourself with questions about filing taxes for your small business. Working with a tax expert can help you understand which deductions you qualify for, but to help you get a broad overview of items to look out for when filing your return this year, here’s some …
Are Legal Fees Tax Deductible for Your Small Business? Read More »
As we head into a new year, most people can’t help but think about the approaching tax season. If you’ve recently separated from a spouse or filed for divorce, you’ll likely have questions pertaining to how this will affect your 2019 tax return. Meeting with an experienced CPA can help you navigate through this complex …
If you’re looking to launch a new business in 2020, you may find it more profitable to partner with another entrepreneur for added financial support, shared responsibilities, experience, and other mutual benefits. Before signing any contracts and establishing a legal partnership, you may have some questions related to getting the process started or tips on …
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Business Partnership? Read More »
We hear this question come up a lot. Whether it’s for your business or for personal use, drafting a contract that will protect your interests takes careful consideration. When creating a legally binding contract, one party is typically responsible for drafting an offer of services or agreement, which the other party (or parties) can choose …
Can You Write a Legal Contract Without a Lawyer? Read More »
If you’ve ever signed an employment contract, business agreement, or even a credit card application, you may have come across the word arbitration. Arbitration is a process that involves taking a disagreement before an impartial third party to resolve an issue: “[It] is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), used in place of litigation …
For some, divorce can sound like a scary seven-letter word, packed with many misconceptions about its proceedings and judicial process. Though no couple ever plans on getting a divorce, when it happens, it can cause added stress, emotional pain, and financial burden. With the right divorce attorney at your side, however, you may discover that …
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and if you’re a small business owner, that means busier workdays, larger crowds, and hiring seasonal employees just to keep up with demand! As you take on more workers—whether seasonal or permanent—it may benefit your business to hire an experienced small business attorney. Here are the top three reasons …
Why Your Small Business Needs a Lawyer During the Holidays? Read More »
Planning an autumn wedding? As your special day draws near, you’re probably feeling a strong mix of emotions. And with all your free time spent planning and prepping, the last thing you and your significant other want to talk about is whether a prenuptial agreement will benefit your marriage. The truth is prenups help you …
Emotions, stress, and all the legal considerations involved in divorce proceedings can take a toll on your mental and financial well-being. Understanding your rights and what you’re entitled to can also be confusing. One complicated issue, in particular, surrounding divorce is alimony payments. Alimony, or spousal maintenance, is a payment of money you or your …
As you get older, estate planning becomes an essential piece of your retirement goals, especially if you have family or loved ones you’re leaving behind. Considering how to allocate and protect your assets may leave you with many questions on how to get the process started. When setting up a trust, for example, the choice …
For business owners and individuals alike, contracts are often considered rigid, consequence-imposing agreements that require stringent compliance. Though this outlook is not necessarily wrong, it lacks the nuance that comes with contract law. For example, if you need to extend a contract before it reaches its completion date, you may wonder whether it’s legal for …
Contracts regulate what you do every day. From the simple task of purchasing groceries at your local market to the more complex undertaking of purchasing a new home, you engage with contracts on a daily basis. A contract is an agreement between two or more parties that creates mutual obligations that are enforceable by law. …
What Are the Top 3 Elements of a Breach of Contract Claim? Read More »
Nearly everyone has an estate, including you. Your estate comprises everything you own, from your home, car, checking and savings accounts to your investments, insurance, and personal possessions. Estate planning is planning for how an individual’s assets will be preserved, managed, and distributed after his/her passing. It also takes into account the management of the …
A contract is a legally binding agreement, which can be in writing or oral. You’ve engaged with these types of documents in your everyday life, whether or not you’ve known it. From the simplest transaction of purchasing your morning coffee to signing up for a cell phone plan, a lot of what you do every …
Whether you’re planning to move in with your significant other or you’ve been living together for years, you may have heard the legal term “cohabitation agreement” and wondered if this option applies to your situation. While living together implies a sense of permanence to any relationship, a cohabitation agreement, like a prenup, can help protect …
Successful construction projects require collaboration between multiple parties—from architects and contractors to owners and investors. With so many moving parts, any construction job has the potential for disagreements, along with several other legal hang ups, making it vitally important to have an experienced team of construction lawyers protecting your interests. Top 5 Reasons to Hire …
Divorce can be a stressful and confusing time—even more so for couples who have children. Cases that involve child custody disputes usually question what rights father have. This is accomplished by evaluating the ability of the father to gain legal or physical custody of his children. Some determining factors used to see whether the father …
Going through a divorce can be difficult, even if both parties involved desire a mutual outcome. If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse have any children together, the stress and complexity of your divorce proceedings can increase exponentially. When your divorce is finalized, the type of child custody will be determined. In the case of sole …
You’re a self-sufficient person—especially around the house. Something breaks and you’re able to fix it, whether it’s the plumbing, electricity, carpentry, or masonry. Maybe you’re the first one your friends or family call when something goes wrong in their home. You enjoy tinkering with and fixing things; digging into how everyday things work. With this …
Remodeling a Home? What You Need to Know About Obtaining a Handyman License in Minnesota Read More »
Choosing to file for divorce is never an easy decision. It can be stressful and emotionally exhausting. This can be due to a variety of reasons, but once the decision is made, the next step is trying to figure out how to file for divorce; there are many avenues a separated couple may decide to …
The cost of advanced care is expensive, and many people are unaware that Medicare doesn’t cover most long-term care needs, so planning ahead for your care not only allows you time to determine how to pay for it, but it may offer you more opportunities to receive payment assistance. According to the National Institute of …
Planning Long-Term Care Part II: Assets, Finances, and Cost of Care Read More »
Discussing long-term care with loved ones can bring up some emotional conversations, as it’s difficult to think about a time where you may not be able to make decisions for yourself, your health, and your assets. It’s also natural to worry about how these components will affect your loved ones after your passing. Planning ahead …
In last week’s blog post, we discussed certain instances that may require your construction project to implement a change order to the original scope of work. As noted, when a change needs to be made during a project, it’s essential to rely on the process you’ve outlined and described in detail in your original contract. …
Modifying a Construction Contract Part II: Change Order Initiation Read More »
Making modifications during a construction project comes with the territory. Your clients may request additions, or you may need to make changes due to unexpected issues. Whether you or the customer initiates a change, it’s essential to document any changes modifying a construction contract’s original scope of work. Having an effective contract and change order …
How to Effectively Modify a Construction Contract’s Scope of Work: Part I Read More »
Every small business is unique. Whether you sell web design and development, women’s sport apparel, cookbooks, or wedding photography, your brand has its own original identity. But what are you doing to protect the assets you’ve worked so hard to create? How can you ensure your products, logos, designs, or even new inventions aren’t being …
Is Your Small Business’ Intellectual Property Protected? Read More »
When a love one is no longer able to make financial decisions on his or her own—due to age, mental health, or disability—a conservatorship may be the best solution. According to the Minnesota Judicial Branch website, “A conservator is appointed to make financial decisions for the protected person (“Conservatee”.) The conservator typically has the power …
No one ever plans for a divorce, but sometimes, you and your spouse find yourselves at the end of a relationship. Though this can be difficult to emotionally process, the financial implications are another matter entirely—especially when it comes to your retirement savings! In a previous blog post, we discussed the differences between marital and …
401(K) and Divorce: What Can Happen to Your Savings? Read More »
(Not intended as tax advice) There are multiple reasons why an individual or business may require legal representation. And though you may settle or win your case, the cost to hire an experience law firm isn’t cheap. What you may not realize is certain attorney fees may qualify you for tax deductions, which can help …
Working in the “gig economy” has its benefits. As an independent contractor, you get to do what you love on your own terms and schedule. Of course, there are certain drawbacks to consider before starting your own self-employed business, including no healthcare coverage, no employer-provided 401(k) plan, and no guarantee of getting paid. However, for …
Independent Contractor Tips to Help You Avoid “Rookie” Mistakes Read More »
Although emotionally stressful and financially burdensome, divorce is sometimes necessary. If you’re currently going through a legal separation, you may have heard the phrase “marital property,” but you’re unsure whether certain assets in your name fall under this category. Marital Property vs. Non-Marital Property: During your marriage, if you acquired any property or debt (i.e. …
Understanding the Basics of Marital vs. Non-Marital Property Interests Read More »
In honor of this year’s annual celebration of Small Business Saturday, we at KTF Law Firm wanted to share some important qualities that every entrepreneur should look for when choosing a small business lawyer. Industry Experience Aside from having professional experience as a small business lawyer, it’s equally essential that your attorney specializes in your …
Top 5 Qualities to Look for in a Small Business Lawyer Read More »
In a world of instant gratification, it seems only natural for entrepreneurs to rely on the internet for help with running a small business. From ordering bulk supplies on Amazon to building a free company Facebook page, there’s numerous ways to cut costs and manage operations, without scarifying the integrity of your company. Of course, …
The Trouble with Boilerplate Contract Agreements Read More »
The passing of a loved one can be a traumatic time for a family—even more so, when there are discrepancies over the deceased’s Last Will and Testament. The reasons for why a family member would question the legitimacy of a person’s will may stem from (1) verbal agreements made by the testator that are not …
What You Need to Know Before Filing a Will Contest Read More »
Whether you’re starting a small business or expanding your current team of employees, it’s important that you understand employment law and how it may impact your employer-employee relationships. From promoting a safe, equal opportunity work environment to establishing wages and employee benefits that align with state and federal requirements, there’s numerous factors to consider. To …
Expanding Your Small Business? How Employment Law Affects You Read More »
In a recent blog post, we discussed the importance of hiring an experienced divorce attorney to handle your complex dissolution of marriage, especially if children are involved. This week, we wanted to further the discussion by sharing a brief overview on child custody laws and how to protect your sole or joint custody case before …
Filing for Custody? Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer Read More »
Filing for divorce is usually met with mixed emotions. Sometimes, the decision is mutual and other times it can be complicated. During this difficult time, however, you’ll need to decide whether hiring a professional divorce attorney is in your best interest, depending on your individual circumstance. To help you get started, consider the following questions: …
Deciding Whether a Divorce Attorney is Right for You Read More »
Whether you own a start-up company or established brand, hiring an experienced attorney who specializes in business law can help you protect the longevity of your business. From commercial code interpretation and contract drafting to litigation services, a professional business attorney will assist you with all your legal and consultation needs. Before you decide which …
Hiring a Small Business Attorney? Here Are Some Important Questions You Should Ask Read More »
The words “prenuptial agreement” seem to carry negative connotations for many people. It’s typically the last thing couples want to discuss or even think about before they join hands in matrimony. Nevertheless, having a prenuptial agreement in place before you walk down the aisle is essential to protecting your future goals. In fact, if done …
How to Keep the Romance Alive with a Prenuptial Agreement Read More »
As you and your significant other prepare to exchange vows and begin a new life together, your thoughts about the future may include buying a home, starting a family, or maybe opening a small business. Whatever your shared goals may be, it’s important that you and your spouse prepare for the journey ahead by putting …
Planning a Wedding? Why Estate Planning Should Be at The Top of Your List Read More »
Being self-employed has its advantages. You can set your own schedule, avoid commuter traffic, and have the freedom to negotiate your prices. Of course, there are drawbacks to working for yourself—such as paying quarterly taxes or forgoing employee health and retirement plans. For many contractors, however, one major source of frustration is determining whether or …
Understanding Your Rights as an Independent Contractor Read More »
Here at KTF Law, we work with entrepreneurs and business owners every. From working to launch a new business to helping established companies grow, our team of Minneapolis business lawyers takes pride in helping business owners succeed at every level. We strive to be an expert legal partner for each of our clients. A common …
Four Things to Ask Your Lawyer Before Starting a Business Read More »
Over the last few years, you may have heard the term “living will” in the media surrounding the news of many notable celebrity deaths. In a few instances, a living will wasn’t in place before the celebrity’s death and now the estate is facing a complicated legal struggle determining who receives what. These highly publicized …
The 4 Things You Need Before Drafting a Living Will Read More »
Making the decision to construct a building for your business is an exciting time for any entrepreneur. The many years of hard work have brought you to the point where you are able to build the perfect space for your business. But before the official ground breaking ceremony, every entrepreneur should spend a good amount …
Building Your Business? Here’s what You Need to Know Before Breaking Ground Read More »
Alimony payments are a reality in many divorce cases today. Also known as spousal support or maintenance, alimony is most common in divorces when one spouse earns substantially more than the other and the couple has been married for many years. In every divorce case, there are many difficult items to sort through and decisions …
In 2017, it seems like you can learn anything you want on the internet. While this explosion of information in the digital age has incredible advantages for many all over the world, it can present some problems when seeking legal counsel. Over the past few years, many legal websites have started offering contract drafting services …
Are Legal Websites Really Cheaper Than Hiring a Lawyer? Read More »
This is the time of year when everyone is making resolutions to lose weight, spend less, and save more. New Years is a great time to make changes in your life and it’s also a smart time of year to make sure your business law obligations are in order. The end of the year is …
Taking risks is intimidating, whether you’re committing to a budding relationship by pursuing marriage, quitting a long-time career to start a business, or all of the above. Some people elect to avoid uncertainties entirely, but the most successful people take precautions instead. The Minneapolis attorneys at KTF Law are prepared to offer legal services and …
Tactics to Protect Your Business Through a Breakup Read More »
You might have heard people talk about litigation, arbitration, and mediation before and assumed they are interchangeable terms for a legal battle involving heated court room discussions and contracts that rival iTunes’s terms and conditions in length. Fortunately, this is not the case. There are subtle, but important, differences between them. It is important for …
Litigation v. Arbitration v. Mediation: A Case of 3 Important Differences Read More »
Breaking ground on a commercial construction process is a long process. While there is quite a bit of pomp and circumstance around the groundbreaking, getting the first shovel to hit the dirt can take years. The planning process is extended by the amount of legal requirements and regulations that must be met and filed. Having …
Zoning Laws, Design Approval, Business Lending… Oh My! Read More »
Everyone can make mistakes. Dealing with the consequences of these mistakes is a time-consuming process that can involve heavy financial costs, but more importantly, jeopardize your own freedom. The right legal representation you choose can have a major impact on the outcome of these situations. This is why choosing a public defender is not always …
A wedding is one of the happiest days in an individual’s life. Unfortunately, sometimes marriage does not work out and the next step is divorce. Cases involving family law are an especially difficult and emotional time for everyone involved, but many don’t realize that they can be just as hard legally. Minneapolis’s own KTF Law …
For entrepreneurs starting their first business, the legal world can be an overwhelming mess. The mountains of paperwork to file, standards to meet, and books to keep can leave you wondering where to begin. Typically, one of the first individuals an entrepreneur contacts when starting their venture is a small business attorney. In many cases, …
Hiring a Small Business Attorney? Ask These Questions First Read More »
Have you ever read through iTunes’ User Agreement and thought to yourself, what the heck does this all mean? Well you are not alone. Here at KTF Law, we’ll be the first to admit that legal jargon is far from enjoyable Sunday afternoon reading material. In fact, it can be down right mind numbing if …
Ahh… true love. You’ve finally found it and you’re ready to spend the rest of your life with that special someone. The ring’s been bought, a date’s been set, your gift registration is filed, and the last thing you’re thinking about is ending it all. During this time of excitement and bliss it can be …
It’s a sad reality that 50% of children in America today will witness the breakup of their parent’s marriage. Divorce takes an emotional and physical toll on everyone involved, but perhaps no one more than kids. Custody battles for children are often the most trying parts of a divorce and will only make things more …
Contracts are a vital part of our world today and without them it is unlikely that businesses (or society for that matter) could function like they do today. Unfortunately, these contracts are often broken and individuals and businesses are forced to deal with the legal consequences. Contracts are often regarded as one of the most …
Breaches of Contract: The Four Types and What You Need to Know Read More »