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California Business Formation Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: Do I need to amend my LLC agreement and notify California after manager change?

I am currently considering a change in the management of my LLC (partnership) agreement where the manager changes from my mom, who is a partner, to myself. The LLC agreement has not been updated since it was originally drafted, but it does contain clauses specifying procedures for notifying changes... View More

Pavel Kolmogorov
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answered on Apr 2, 2025

Regarding the LLC agreement amendment, I would advise to review the agreement and follow the procedures outlined there for management changes. Even if an amendment isn’t required, it’s good practice to document the decision in writing (e.g., through a resolution or updated management... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: As a mobile notary in California, do I need to form an LLC or business entity?

I live in California and am becoming a mobile notary and plan to expand into loan signing services. I'm wondering if I need to form an LLC or another type of business entity for my notary services or if there's anything specific to consider for liability or business structure when... View More

Pavel Kolmogorov
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answered on Mar 21, 2025

You can legally operate as a mobile notary and loan signing agent as a sole proprietor without forming a business entity. However, forming an LLC could offer significant advantages, particularly for liability protection and professional credibility, which are especially relevant given your plans to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: Naming requirements for a professional corporation in California as a licensed counselor.

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in California and I'm thinking of opening a professional corporation solely under my license. I plan to supervise registered counselors eventually. Are there specific words or terms that must be included in the company name, similar to how LMFTs... View More

Pavel Kolmogorov
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answered on Mar 21, 2025

There are indeed specific naming requirements you must follow under state law. The California Business and Professions Code, which governs professional clinical counselor corporations, mandates that the name of your corporation reflects its professional nature and purpose.

Specifically,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: How to obtain a business license for direct cremation in Riverside County, CA?

I have already registered my business and I'm looking to obtain a business license for a direct cremation entity in Riverside County, CA. I need guidance on which agencies or departments to approach for the license, information on complying with local health and safety regulations, and help... View More

Pavel Kolmogorov
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answered on Mar 19, 2025

To obtain a business license for a direct cremation entity in Riverside County, California, you must apply to the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, which oversees crematory licenses. Follow the link to submit your application online: https://cfb.ca.gov/licensee/app.shtml

Given crematories...
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4 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: How can my wife continue our business if I die as a sole proprietor?

What do I need to put in place to ensure my wife can continue to run our company business if I die? I am currently a sole proprietor contractor with no will yet, although I plan to have one soon. My wife already has power of attorney.

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Mar 18, 2025

There are a number of ways a person can take over another person's business, including through a Trust or Will, by incorporating or forming an LLC and having specific language in the legal documents, etc. The law in California is that anyone with "probatable" assets valued at more... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: How can my wife continue our business if I die as a sole proprietor?

What do I need to put in place to ensure my wife can continue to run our company business if I die? I am currently a sole proprietor contractor with no will yet, although I plan to have one soon. My wife already has power of attorney.

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Mar 18, 2025

As a sole proprietor, all of your business assets are your assets. There is no separate entity. At a minimum you need a will that leaves your business assets (or everything you own, if that is your desire) to your wife when you die. But you should seriously consider creating a revocable living... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Contracts and Business Formation for California on
Q: Seeking options regarding a request to sign a personal guarantee for an SBA loan after leaving a company.

I was the Chief Marketing Officer and a 25% owner of a company, with no prior written agreement about stock ownership after departure. I never saw or approved an SBA loan taken by the company. Since I was terminated a year ago and signed releases, my former partner is now asking me to sign a... View More

Pavel Kolmogorov
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answered on Mar 13, 2025

You are not obligated to sign a personal guarantee for the SBA loan unless you explicitly agreed to do so in a prior agreement. Since you mentioned there was no prior written agreement about stock ownership after departure and you never saw or approved the SBA loan, you are not legally bound to... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: Business contract dispute with missing party and unpaid monthly fees

I signed a contract with another party to open a business, and the business license is in my name, registered with the Secretary of State in California. The business is located at my address. However, I haven't heard from the other party since November 26, 2024. There are websites running with... View More

Pavel Kolmogorov
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answered on Mar 10, 2025

Assuming you have a valid contract (oral or written) between you and your partner, you can file a civil action for breach of contract. To prove a breach of contract claim you would need to establish the existence of a contract, your performance or excuse for nonperformance, the other party's... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Trademark for California on
Q: Should I trademark my business name for an online t-shirt business?

I am planning to start a business from home in California, selling custom t-shirts online across multiple states. I haven’t decided on a business name yet. Should I trademark my business name, and what are the benefits of doing so?

Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Mar 4, 2025

It is always smart to trademark your business name in order to protect your brand identity and to ensure no one else can use or infringe on your business name and brand you are building. You can file a trademark with the USPTO and it is always smart to consult a trademark attorney to guide you... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: My business partner is involved in all decision making, but won't own shares. What business contract is appropriate? LP?

I own a game on the popular gaming platform Roblox.com. A 3D modeler from Brazil has reached out with interests to join me under the provisions of a 10-year partnership contract. Details: the modeler will be involved in all decision making (like in General partnership agreements), but CANNOT own... View More

Jennifer Newton
Jennifer Newton
answered on Jan 14, 2025

While a Limited Partnership (LP) could be one option, other legal structures or customized contracts, such as a profit-sharing agreement, independent contractor agreement, or hybrid partnership agreement, may better suit your needs. The final decision will depend on several factors, including your... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: My business partner is involved in all decision making, but won't own shares. What business contract is appropriate? LP?

I own a game on the popular gaming platform Roblox.com. A 3D modeler from Brazil has reached out with interests to join me under the provisions of a 10-year partnership contract. Details: the modeler will be involved in all decision making (like in General partnership agreements), but CANNOT own... View More

Pavel Kolmogorov
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answered on Jan 13, 2025

Choosing the proper structure depends on multiple factors, including liability concerns, taxation, and how much control each party has. A Limited Partnership (LP) requires at least one general partner, who manages the business and bears personal liability, and one or more limited partners, who... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Contracts for California on
Q: Business model legality and company formation?

I have a mobile app that shares sports betting predictions. there is no gambling in my mobile app. only predictions of the results of sports matches are shared only by me. users see these predictions as paid subscribers. for example the result of the LA lakers vs Boston Celtics NBA game, Boston... View More

Pavel Kolmogorov
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answered on Dec 19, 2024

The business model described, which involves sharing sports betting predictions and odds without facilitating actual betting or linking to gambling sites, may not fall under the definition of gambling in many jurisdictions. However, the legality can vary significantly by state.

In...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for California on
Q: I am a CPA and am planning to partner with a non-CPA partnerto start an advisory firm. Can we be an LLC in California?

This firm will only be offering accounting/bookkeeping/contoller and CFO advisory services. No Audit/attest or compilation services

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 23, 2024

Yes, you can form an LLC in California with a non-CPA partner for the type of advisory firm you are planning. California allows LLCs to offer accounting, bookkeeping, controller, and CFO advisory services as long as they do not include audit, attest, or compilation services. This means you can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: Do I need to file a Foriegn LLC in California if I register my startup in Delaware ?

I am just thinking of starting my own company and currently living in California State. As most tech statups are registered in Delware, I was planning to register in Delaware. But since I live in California do I need to register it in california as well ? I will be the only person working for now.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 30, 2024

To answer this question concisely:

Yes, if you're living and operating your business in California, you'll likely need to register your Delaware LLC as a foreign LLC in California, even if you're the only person working and have no sales or revenue yet.

Key points:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Mergers & Acquisitions for California on
Q: Dissolution and closing of a Personal Service C Corp upon the death of sole shareholder & president

A Personal Service C Corp had only one shareholder, who was also the president. Upon the death of the sole shareholder & president, the business is closed and the C Corp needs to be dissolved. The Secretary of the C Corp will sign the Certificate of Dissolution to be filed with the Secretary of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2024

In the case of a Personal Service C Corporation with a single shareholder who was also the president, and upon their death, the corporation needs to be dissolved and closed. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to proceed:

1. Appoint a new director: If the deceased shareholder was the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Contracts for California on
Q: How can I change my corporation back to a sole proprietor. I am 100% owner.

I currently am a licensed contractor in the state of California and would like to transfer corporation to a sole proprietor. I want to keep my name the business name I operate under since I have it tattoo on my body

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 24, 2024

To change your business structure from a corporation to a sole proprietorship in California while keeping your business name, you'll need to follow these steps:

1. Dissolve your corporation by filing a Certificate of Dissolution (Form ELEC STK/NP) with the California Secretary of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: If I am using Dali Llama Yoga for a business name, would there be an issue or conflict with the person Dalai Lama?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2024

There could potentially be some issues with using "Dali Llama Yoga" as a business name in California. While the spelling is slightly different, the name is very similar to the Dalai Lama, the religious leader of Tibetan Buddhism. This similarity could lead to a few potential legal... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: Can a California notary form a LLC in California?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 9, 2024

Yes, a California notary public can form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in California. However, it is important to keep the notary business separate from the LLC.

Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Separate entities: The notary commission is granted to the individual, not...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: Can a notary in CA form a LLC
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 9, 2024

Yes, a notary public in California can form an LLC (Limited Liability Company). However, they would be doing so in their capacity as an individual, not in their official role as a notary public.

In California, any individual can form an LLC by following these steps:

1. Choose a name...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: We are a non-profit booster organization. We are attempting to compel a former treasurer's refusal to return documents.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 7, 2024

Under California law, a nonprofit organization has the right to access and retain possession of its official records, including financial documents handled by its treasurer. If a former treasurer is refusing to return such documents, the organization can initially try to resolve the matter through... View More

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