Business Law and Civil Litigation FAQ

Civil litigation is a legal dispute between two or more parties seeking monetary damages. Those involved in civil litigation are seeking money rather than having the other party punished criminally.

When starting a new business, several key decisions must be made regarding the organization, financing, management, and operation of the business. First, research your business idea and prepare a business plan. Once you’ve decided to go ahead with your idea, you will need to determine the legal structure of your business and obtain financing for the start-up costs.

After your business is formed, it must be registered with your state or local government and obtain any permits and licenses required by your city or county. Certain industries require additional permits such as a seller’s permit or an alcohol license. Businesses must also register for state and local taxes and obtain an IRS tax identification number. After formation, it’s recommended the business establish policies and procedures for employment, operations, recordkeeping, and other important matters.

No, a written contract is not required to create all contracts. However, the Statute of Frauds requires certain contracts to be written in order to be enforceable, typically including contracts for the sale of goods over $500.