DBAs

When to Renew a Fictitious Name Statement in California

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:33:48 +0800

Registering a fictitious name allows you to do business under a name that's different from your legal business name. In California, a fictitious name renewal, like the original fictitious name registration, is handled by each county's clerk rather than at the state level. Fictitious business name statements are filed in the county of the principal place of business.

When Do You Need to File a DBA?

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:37:06 +0800

A DBA, or "doing business as," is a business name other than your legal business name. It is also known as an assumed name or fictitious name in many states. You must register your DBA before you can start using the name for your business. Where you register depends on state law; some states file all DBAs with the secretary of state, while others require you to register with the clerk of the county in which you'll use the name.

DBA Formation in Texas

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:39:09 +0800

A doing business as, or DBA, refers to names that your business uses besides its legal name. For example, if you're a sole proprietor, and you want to call your business Joe's Deli, you need to register the name. In Texas, DBAs are officially called assumed names. Where you file depends on the type of entity for which you're registering an assumed name.

How to File a DBA Online in California

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 12:33:22 +0800

In California, you must register a fictitious business name statement, also known as a DBA or “doing business as,” with the county clerk in the county of your principal place of business. You must register this statement if your business is a sole proprietorship doing business under a name that does not contain your surname. A corporation, limited liability or partnership must also file a DBA if it is doing business under a name other than its true legal name. This often occurs when a corporation, LLC or partnership is conducting more than one type of business activity and wants to distinguish each one to the public or open separate bank accounts. Filing a DBA is a relatively simple process, although not all California counties allow you to file online.

How to File a Colorado DBA

Sun, 26 May 2013 22:34:40 +0800

Many businesses choose to use a name other than their businesses' legal name. In Colorado, these are called trade names. In other states, they may be commonly referred to as a "doing business as" -- a DBA -- or as a fictitious name. In Colorado, if you don't register your trade name with the secretary of state, you risk fines or an injunction preventing you from using your chosen name.

How to File a DBA on Your Own in Iowa

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:36:08 +0800

When you operate a business under any name besides the registered name or your own name if you are a sole proprietor, it's sometimes referred to as using a "doing business as" or DBA. In Iowa, this type of name is called a fictitious name or trade name, depending on what type of business you have.

How to Get a DBA in Arizona

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:43:33 +0800

If you want to operate a business in Arizona using a name that's not your own name or the officially registered name of your company, you choose a trade name, also known as a DBA, or "doing business as" name. In Arizona, you're not required to register your trade name, but it's an accepted business practice that gives notice to other would-be users that the name is already in use in the state.

How to Get a Business Name Registered in the State of Mississippi

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:34:30 +0800

If your business will be operating in the state of Mississippi, or you are expanding into Mississippi, you must register the business with the Office of the Secretary of State. This agency will allow you to conduct an online name search to ensure your chosen business name is not already in use or to reserve the name, if desired. The business name is legally registered with the state by filing the appropriate articles of incorporation, certificate of formation or certificate of limited partnership.

Louisiana Ancillary Probate Laws

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:34:31 +0800

Probate is the process by which property owned by a deceased person is distributed according to a will. If you are not a resident of Louisiana, but own property in the state at the time of death, a separate probate action, known as ancillary probate, will be required. Understanding and following the unique rules applicable to Louisiana will help ensure that unnecessary delays are avoided in the probate process.

Requirement for a Nevada LLC to Work in Connecticut

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:34:53 +0800

A Nevada LLC can operate in Connecticut, but only if it takes certain mandatory steps required under Connecticut law. This is because Connecticut considers LLCs formed under the laws of another state, such as Nevada, to be "foreign corporations" subject to the regulatory requirements of its secretary of state. If a Nevada LLC fails to follow these regulations, it must pay back fees and taxes, with interest, as well as a fine of $300 per month, to the Connecticut Secretary of State.

Dividing a Variable Annuity in a Divorce Settlement

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:33:03 +0800

When you buy an annuity, you enter into a contract with an insurance company for future payments. In a variable annuity, rather than having a set amount for future payments, the payments depend on the earnings made by annuity investments. Variable annuities are tax-deferred so that investment earnings are not taxed until the owner gets the money. Dividing a variable annuity in a divorce without unintended adverse tax consequences is tricky. A financial professional and divorce attorney can help ensure the asset is divided to reach the intended result.

Difference Between Beneficiary Trust & Marital Trust

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:33:02 +0800

Trusts can provide a way for you to transfer your assets to your family while implementing safeguards to ensure the money isn’t spent too quickly. Both beneficiary trusts and marital trusts can be revocable trusts, meaning you can terminate the trust during your lifetime if you change your mind. However, the trusts become irrevocable upon your death. You can use either type of trust, or both, according to your needs and the goals you want to accomplish.

Texas Inheritance Laws Without a Will

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:34:57 +0800

A will is an important part of ensuring that your property is distributed according to your wishes after your death. If you die without a will in Texas, your property will be divided based on a set of probate rules that prioritize heirs based on their legal relationship to you. If you leave a surviving spouse, the amount she will be entitled to will depend on how the property is classified, and whether you left any children.

How to Start a Non-Profit Organization for At-Risk Youth

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:34:57 +0800

Starting a nonprofit for at-risk youth can be as complex as starting a for-profit enterprise. Although it may be tempting to focus solely on the organization's mission, the business aspects of starting a nonprofit are equally important. Early mistakes can have long-term consequences on the organization's ability to fulfill its charitable purpose.

How to Force an Executor to Settle an Estate in Maryland

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:04:11 +0800

It may be necessary to force an executor to settle an estate if he fails to perform any portion of the probate process. If the will of a Maryland decedent (deceased individual) is not presented to the Maryland Register of Wills or Maryland Orphans' Court by the named executor, Maryland probate law allows anyone with a legal interest in the will to petition the Maryland Orphans' Court to initiate probate. Any interested person may also petition the court to resolve any question or dispute about the probate process along the way.

How to Force an Executor to Execute a Will in Oklahoma

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:04:11 +0800

Oklahoma law requires anyone in possession of a will, such as the named executor, to present it to the court within 30 days of the testator's (will maker) death. If the will is not presented within the 30-day window, Oklahoma law allows any heir, beneficiary or other interested party to compel presentation of the will, which begins the probate process and effectively forces the executor to execute, or probate, the will.

Types of Living Trust

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:04:11 +0800

A trust is a legal instrument, created by a settlor, in which property is held by a trustee for the benefit of another party, known as the beneficiary. Trusts can be living -- effective during the settlor's lifetime; or testamentary -- part of the settlor's will and effective only after his death.

Rules for Contests in Nonprofits

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:04:10 +0800

Contests are a popular way for nonprofits to raise funds, promote their mission and collect new names for their mailing lists. Although a complex array of state, federal and even international laws imposes limits on contest activity, nonprofits also enjoy certain legal advantages. A well-designed set of rules is not only essential, it can also help a nonprofit avoid substantial problems.

Filing for Separation Vs. Divorce in Massachusetts

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:04:06 +0800

In Massachusetts, courts do not recognize or grant couples legal separations. If spouses choose to divorce, the court enters a judgment of divorce that legally ends the marriage. Some couples decide not to divorce, but to live apart instead for religious reasons, personal preference or in an attempt to work out the marriage. In such cases, Massachusetts law allows the court to enter a separate support judgment that includes spousal support and certain other terms, while not actually giving legal status to the separation.

How to File for Retroactive Divorce

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:04:05 +0800

A retroactive divorce is called divorce nunc pro tunc. The Latin literally means "now for then"; that is, the court will correct now what should have been done correctly earlier. State law typically allows such a decree only when the court meant to enter a divorce but, due to clerical errors, the divorce was not actually entered. In this situation, the court can correct the error. The official date for the divorce can be made retroactive to the date it should have been entered.