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Michigan Business Formation Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law and Business Formation for Michigan on
Q: How to prioritize repayment of personal guarantees when dissolving LLC without legal issues?

When dissolving my LLC, I need to pay back several personal guarantees, including an SBA 7 loan with monthly repayments, a line of credit from a credit union, overdue business rent, and accountant fees with net 30-day terms. No creditors have contacted me yet, but I want to ensure I don't show... View More

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Apr 28, 2025

You need to ask whether there is advantage or virtue in not showing preferential treatment. If you don’t have enough to repay everyone in full, you might want to use your own best interest as the criteria for deciding who to pay. An attorney could help you to choose between different options to... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law and Business Formation for Michigan on
Q: How to prioritize repayment of personal guarantees when dissolving LLC without legal issues?

When dissolving my LLC, I need to pay back several personal guarantees, including an SBA 7 loan with monthly repayments, a line of credit from a credit union, overdue business rent, and accountant fees with net 30-day terms. No creditors have contacted me yet, but I want to ensure I don't show... View More

Edward Gudeman
Edward Gudeman
answered on Apr 29, 2025

You might want to consider filing for bankruptcy. Chapter 7 will clear all the debt and priority is not an issue, if all the debt you describe is unsecured. If you do not qualify for Chapter 7 or do not want to take advantage of it, Chapter 13 will place all unsecured debt on equal footing.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Trademark, Business Law and Intellectual Property for Michigan on
Q: Can I operate locally as "Kadosh" and later trademark it?

I'm planning to start a business under the name "Kadosh" and intend to use "kadosh.global" as my website. The name isn't trademarked currently, but I aim to trademark it at the federal level in the future when affordable. My business will focus on ministry, clothing,... View More

Patrick A. Twisdale
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Initially, I would advise seeking trademark counsel to fully advise you on your situation.

There are multiple factors that are at play here. First is your name "Kadosh" which is Hebrew for "holy" or "sacred". Examiners might view this word as descriptive of...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I set up an LLC for F-1 OPT work and be a 1099 contractor?

I am currently on F-1 OPT following my Master’s in Business Data Science & Analytics and plan to stay in the U.S. for the duration of my OPT, with the possibility of applying for a STEM OPT extension. The work I intend to perform for the manufacturing company involves business intelligence,... View More

Ian E. Scott
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answered on Mar 10, 2025

It is fine to be self employed for regular OPT as long as your degree is related to what the business does. It is always a good idea to set up a company and take any other steps to show that your business is legitimate. (eg. set up a website, operating agreement, EIN, etc.). Stem OPT is much more... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Business Formation and Internet Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I sell my PDF book on social media without copyright registration or a business license?

I am considering selling a PDF version of my book on social media platforms like Facebook. I have not officially registered the copyright for my book nor do I have a business license. The book includes a basic copyright page. My plan is to sell it directly online, emailing the PDF version to buyers... View More

Alan Harrison
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answered on Mar 7, 2025

You only need a business license to have a physical place of business in a given locale, or to go into customers' homes to perform a service. You don't need a business license to sell a book online. You also don't need to register a copyright in order to sell your book.

Your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: How to report kfc corporate for giving my info out

Long story short I went thru kfc drive thru a was charged double. The manager slam the window in my face and said no refunds. I left a filed a complaint to kfc corporate. 3 weeks go by and I have 4 miss calls so I pick up the phone. It’s the girl who slam the window calling me from her personal... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 9, 2024

Certainly legal. KFC never expressed to you that the information you provided them as part of your complaint would be kept confidential. Is it the right thing to do? That's a different question that the law can't answer. If this employee now uses this information to harass or threaten... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Business Formation for Michigan on
Q: Register of Deeds office denied recording my Power of Authority without reason in Lapeer county.

The power of Authority was a Grantor/Grantee notarized by a state notary and three (3) witness.

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Dec 15, 2023

What exactly is a 'power of authority'? (Did you mean Power of Attorney?) What was the ostensible purpose of this document? Did this relate to real estate in Lapeer County? Was the real estate identified or was this attached to other documents?

As you can see, there are many...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Trademark, Business Law and Intellectual Property for Michigan on
Q: How to resolve trademark conflicts after registering LLC?

I have registered my company name as an LLC, but I've since received complaints from a third-party about trademark conflicts. I assumed registration with Lara meant the name wasn't trademarked. How should I proceed to resolve potential trademark issues?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2025

It’s a common misunderstanding, but registering an LLC with the state doesn’t automatically protect you from trademark issues. State agencies like LARA only check if the business name is unique within the state’s business registry—they don’t compare it to federally registered trademarks... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Do I need a business license for online IT and home services LLCs in MI, with contractors providing the services?

I am running two separate online-only single-member LLCs out of a home office in Michigan: one focusing on electronic device repair (IT services) and the other on general handyman services (home services) to residential clients. My websites allow clients to find and book contractors for services,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

In Michigan, you will likely need a business license to operate your LLCs, even though they are online-based. While the state itself does not require a general business license for most businesses, many local municipalities do require businesses to register or obtain a business license, especially... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Gaming for Michigan on
Q: How to attract investors for a gaming hotel business with limited funds?

I'm planning to start a gaming hotel business but I'm facing financial challenges as most of my savings were used for my mother's funeral. I'm trying to plan it alone and need guidance on how to approach investors, as I'm seeking around $30,000 to $40,000. What should I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

To attract investors for your gaming hotel business, focus on presenting a clear and compelling vision. Start with a solid business plan outlining the concept, target market, location, and the unique value your hotel will offer compared to competitors. Include market research that demonstrates... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Tax Law for Michigan on
Q: Can a business partner that was given POA by their partner for business purposes sell/give ownership rights away?

My husband and a friend opened a food truck/restaurant. My husband had some medical issues and gave the friend POA to sign business documents for them as they were in the middle of trying to purchase a building. My husband left the company (day to day operations) but signed nothing giving away... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 5, 2024

No, a business partner with a Power of Attorney (POA) cannot unilaterally sell or give away ownership rights without explicit consent from the other partner. The POA typically allows the partner to sign documents and make decisions on behalf of the business but does not grant the authority to alter... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Does a Michigan LMSW-C interested in forming a private practice that offers multispeciality services need a LLC or PLLC?

Does a Michigan LMSW-C interested in forming a private practice that offers multispeciality services (i.e. lactation, training, consultation) need a LLC or PLLC?

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Mar 18, 2024

If the LLC Is going to offer services for which a license is required, it must be a PLLC. MCL 450.9201, 9202.

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Business Formation for Michigan on
Q: Is there a minimum size of land requirement for a private particle accelerator laboratory?

Research and development physics laboratory that would include particle accelerators. For the state of Michigan

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Dec 9, 2023

Zoning requirements vary depending on WHERE in the state you are. Your best bet is to contact a local lawyer to provide specific information for the city/township where you are interested in building.

That said, there are LOTS of legal issues before building a complex thing like this, and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Business Formation and Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I get sued at 15 for money?

I have got into a problem I’m 15 and I had a sweet 15 and hired a choreographer that went to my school who is like a year older then me and we both agreed to pay him 250 but I had to cancel the whole dance because I sprained my foot and couldn’t dance and we barely had like five practices and I... View More

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Jun 29, 2023

Yes, but you should raise a defense that you are a minor (unemancipated, I assume) and cannot be held legally responsible for a debt that is not for a necessity.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Michigan on
Q: Hello, I wanted to get information on legal issues I may encounter with starting a nude/topless maid service in 49048.

I believe there may be zoning issues I may encounter.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 13, 2023

Lots of risk...the cost to mitigate the risks may make it hard to turn a profit.

Let's start with business licensing / regulation. Going from house-to-house may mean you need to check multiple jurisdictions to ensure you are operating legitimately. If you have two clients on either...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Business Formation for Michigan on
Q: does a foreign llc in michigan with certificate of authority for xyz llc. need dba if using another name

Specifically, MICHIGAN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT (EXCERPT)

Act 23 of 1993, requires the following.

Sec. 206. (1) A domestic or foreign limited liability company may transact business under an assumed name or names other than its name as set forth in its articles of organization... View More

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Jan 28, 2023

According to the sections you cited, yes, which is consistent with the statutory scheme.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Do I get to keep my *prospective* business

I wanted to start a business back in 2019. I went through the process of choosing the perfect name, narrowing down my niche, choosing products, etc.

While going through that, I had a "business savvy" boyfriend. He wanted to be a part of it, and quickly started trying to take... View More

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Jan 22, 2023

Your question should be analyzed as whether property rights, or rights with respect to competition law, have arisen. Is there a copyright, whether or not registered? A potential claim for unfair competition? An outright theft of information? I cannot tell.

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: Hello I had somebody give me money to start a business that never got off the ground.

Business never got into full swing. Problems on top of problems and no more money to continue forward. It never got off the ground, am I required to give the money back ? I never signed anything and only talked about hoping it would be successful. It never made it to an official business and it was... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
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answered on Jan 6, 2023

Hi, keep in mind that in addition to written agreements, there are also verbal agreements that may be legally enforceable, provided there is an offer, an acceptance, and consideration. Whether you are required to return the funds depends on what were the terms of the agreement.

The other...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Contracts for Michigan on
Q: . Is it legal for me to sell pastries from a local bakery in my floral business without a food license?

I have a question that may appear ridiculous, but I feel compelled to ask. I'm a new entrepreneur who wants to bring the relaxing Parisian experience to Michigan. I'm in the midst of starting a luxury floral boutique

In other words, I would be supplied with fresh pastries from an... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 15, 2022

You should consult a local business attorney, but I believe at the point you are selling food items, then additional licensing may be required.

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Tax Law, Business Formation and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: Is this a court-worthy case?

I was asked by a former employer to create a website store for his small business. I worked on it, hours everyday for months and spent 500$ to perfect it, which I was told would be covered. After finishing the website I was suddenly let go from the business. I've been an employee of the... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Feb 1, 2022

If you were an employee, maybe this is a wage and labor issue?

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