“A verbal contract isn’t worth the paper its printed on.”
--Samuel Goldwyn

•SMALL BUSINESSES

Self-employment and starting your own business is—for some people—a part of The American Dream. However, it is not enough in today’s business world to be a diligent worker and skilled in your chosen business, trade or profession. There are a host of legal questions and requirements unique to the small business-person. Should I engage in my business as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC)? How do I protect my trade name? What are my obligations for registering my business with the government? How do I obtain my state and federal identification numbers? Are there any special licensing or registration requirements for my trade or profession? Are there any zoning or other governmental regulations which affect where I can locate my business?

At Lane and Lane, Attorneys at Law, we have experience representing many types of businesses and professions: “Mom and Pop” grocery stores and restaurants, physicians and optometrists, landlords of residential and commercial rental properties, home heating oil companies, and merchants, tradespeople and professionals of nearly every kind. They all have one thing in common: regardless of their size or nature, these businesses are all managed by an individual or small group of persons who are willing to work very hard to make their dreams come true for themselves and their families. As a family-owned small business, at Lane and Lane we understand the goals and motivations driving these entrepreneurs, and we have the legal and business skills necessary to help them achieve their goals.

•OTHER AREAS OF PRACTICE

No lawyer or law firm can possibly be expert in all areas of the law. At Lane and Lane we elected to limit our law practice to areas of concern to the average individual, family and small business-person. In addition to the areas of law outlined elsewhere on this website, we occasionally assist clients with problems in other areas of the law, such as divorce and motor vehicle and criminal charges. Our free one-half hour consultation can help you—as well as us—decide whether our firm can help you with your particular issue or problem. If we cannot handle your matter for you, we are always happy to recommend other attorneys whose particular fields of expertise fit your precise needs.