There are many things a business owner can do from the get-go to improve their chances of a favorable outcome in the debt collection process. The most important tip is to start out on the right foot. Get a contract before you start work for any client- regardless of how small the transaction may be. Now when I say, get …
Do I Really Need to Buy “Extra” Title Insurance for Commercial Real Estate Purchases?
The four most popular “Extra Coverage” options in Title Insurance are: Rights of parties in possession (this exception would include, for example, the rights of a tenant with an unexpired lease term) Encroachments, boundary issues, and other matters that an accurate survey would disclose any easements not shown by the public records, and Construction and worker’s compensation liens If you …
What To Do When “Equal Participation” Equals Deadlock
Absent language to the contrary in an Operating Agreement, “equal participation” means all partners have equal rights and authority to participate in the management of the business. This means each partner has one equal vote when it comes to decision making. Obviously, this can get tricky when you have an equal number of partners. So, what do you do when …
Non-Competes and Franchise Agreements in New Mexico
I cannot tell you how many franchisees I know come to me a couple years after having signed an agreement desperate to get out of it. Franchisors love to make fantastic promises about growth and potential, but when you look at the fine print, what you’ll learn is they place all the risk on the franchisee – and make it …
PTO in New Mexico
Do you think that because your employee handbook specifically states that if your employee quits, they forfeit unused vacation time? Well, in New Mexico, depending on how you award your employees their time off, you could be wrong. What is an Administrative Code? The New Mexico Administrative Code states that vacation pay and other forms of pay for time that …
New Expungement Law Now in Effect in New Mexico
Recently a new Expungement law has gone into effect in New Mexico. Potentially thousands of people could qualify for having their record erased or expunged. KOB 4 in Albuquerque reached out to us regarding Expungement in New Mexico and our top Expungement Attorney, David Richter sat down with them to discuss what has changed. What is Expungement? Expungement in the …
What is the Right Tax Status for Your Company?
When confronted with this question, I usually respond with, “Please ask that question to your CPA or Accountant.” After all, a good CPA or Accountant, who understands the needs of your business, is going to be able to make a good recommendation and help you minimize your tax exposure (legally). Read more in this article, Accountants vs. Lawyers: Using the …
Celebrating KOATS for Kids!
At Business Law Southwest, we are all about giving back to the community. On Dec 11, we invited some of our downtown business neighbors over to join us in gathering up donations. It was a tremendous success! Learn more about KOATS for Kids here.Find a drop off location near you here. Ready to speak to an Attorney?Contact us or give us …
Election Year Political Pitfalls for Nonprofits
With 2020 and the upcoming November Presidential election quickly-approaching, political chatter will definitely be in the air—from co-workers discussing the debates at the water cooler to family members posting their views on Facebook. Although the first amendment protects our rights to express our views as individuals, non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations must be careful, as they cannot legally engage in the same …
Expungement of a Criminal Record
Effective January 1, 2020 A comprehensive new expungement law authorizes courts to limit public access to non-conviction records one year after disposition if no other charges are pending, and to most convictions for felonies, misdemeanors and municipal ordinances after varying waiting periods. Specifically, the law allows for expungement in the following circumstances: Expungement of Criminal Records due to identity theft. …
