Legal questions keep new founders up at night because they feel like gates: get them wrong and everything after falls down. In practice, the first legal moves are simpler than they feel. Here's the plain-language version of what founders ask most. (General information only — not legal advice for your specific situation.)
"Do I need to form an LLC?"
Maybe, maybe not. A sole proprietorship is the default — you can start today with no filings. An LLC can separate your business debts from your personal assets and can make taxes simpler as you grow, but it comes with filing fees and ongoing paperwork. The right answer depends on your risk, your partners, and your plans for growth. That trade-off is exactly the kind of thing worth asking an attorney directly rather than guessing from an internet forum.
"Do I need contracts?"
Yes — and often they can be short. "Work in writing" protects both sides: what you'll deliver, when, and for how much. A one-page agreement you both read is worth more than a template you never understood. If money, intellectual property, or long commitments are involved, have a professional look before you sign, not after.
"Can I use this name for my business?"
Before you print a single business card, check whether the name is already taken — the state's business registry and a basic trademark search are the starting points. Renaming after you've launched is expensive; checking first is free.
"When should I actually hire a lawyer?"
A one-hour consult early is almost always cheaper than untangling a mistake later. Around here, you don't have to go far: Denise Tessier, Esq. of TessierLawFirm.com is speaking at Lake Wales Startup Night on October 21 — bring your questions and ask them in person.
- Before signing any significant contract or lease.
- When you take on a partner or co-founder.
- When you hire your first employee.
- When someone threatens to sue — or before you send anything sharp yourself.