Buying a Small Business in Vermont and What to Know Before You Sign
June 17, 2026

Buying an existing business can be an appealing alternative to starting one from scratch. The customer base, employees, equipment, vendor relationships, and operating history may already be in place. But a business that looks successful from the outside can come with obligations and risks that are not immediately apparent.


Before signing a purchase agreement, buyers should understand exactly what obligations may come with the transaction and whether the business is in the financial and legal position the seller has represented.


Look Beyond the Financial Statements


Financial records are an important part of evaluating a potential acquisition, but due diligence should extend well beyond revenue and profitability. A buyer should review the business's tax records, debts, pending or threatened litigation, insurance coverage, licenses and permits, and any liens or other claims involving business assets.


Existing contracts also deserve careful attention. Agreements with customers, vendors, suppliers, lenders, and other third parties can have a significant impact on the value of the business. Some contracts may be transferred to a new owner, while others require consent or contain provisions allowing the other party to terminate the agreement after a change in ownership.


If the business operates from leased property, the commercial lease can be equally important. Buyers should understand how much time remains on the lease, renewal options, rent increases, maintenance obligations, and whether the landlord must approve an assignment or a new lease.


Vermont buyers should also be aware of state-specific obligations that can arise in connection with a business transfer. For example, Vermont law includes notice requirements involving certain bulk transfers of business assets and provisions that may affect a buyer that continues the operations of an existing employer.


Know the Value of What You Are Buying


Employees can be one of a business's most valuable assets, particularly when customer relationships or specialized knowledge depend on particular people. Before closing, buyers should understand the existing workforce, compensation and benefits, employment agreements, accrued obligations, and any ongoing employment disputes.


In Vermont, acquiring and continuing an existing business can also have implications for unemployment insurance. Under certain circumstances, an acquiring business may be treated as a successor employer, and the predecessor's experience-rating record may transfer to the successor.


Buyers should also identify precisely which physical and intangible assets are included in the purchase. Depending on the business, that might include equipment, inventory, vehicles, intellectual property, websites and domain names, customer information, trade names, or other valuable rights. It is important to determine not only that the seller possesses these assets, but also whether they are subject to liens or security interests that need to be addressed before closing.


Asset Purchase or Equity Purchase?


One of the most important decisions in structuring an acquisition is whether to purchase the assets of the business or the ownership interests in the company itself. In an asset purchase, the buyer generally purchases specifically identified assets and assumes only the liabilities identified in the agreement, subject to applicable law. This structure can give the parties greater ability to define what is — and is not — part of the transaction.


In an equity purchase, the buyer purchases ownership of the existing company. The business entity continues to own its assets and remain subject to its contractual obligations and liabilities. That makes a careful investigation of the company's history particularly important. Neither structure is automatically better. Tax consequences, contracts, licenses, liabilities, financing, and the buyer's plans for the business can all influence how a transaction should be structured.


Contact Deppman Law PLC 


Purchasing a business is a significant investment, and issues discovered after closing can be far more difficult and expensive to address than those identified during negotiations. An attorney can help evaluate the proposed transaction, conduct legal due diligence, identify potential risks, and prepare or review the agreements necessary to protect the buyer's interests. If you are considering buying a business in Vermont, contact Deppman Law PLC to learn more about the acquisition process and the steps you can take before signing.

Buying a Home With Someone You’re Not Married To

July 16, 2026
Buying a home with a partner, friend, or family member can make homeownership more attainable and allow two people to invest in property together. But when co-owners are not married, many of the legal protections and rules that apply to married couples do not necessarily apply in the same way. Before purchasing a home together, it’s important to think beyond the down payment and mortgage. Considerations such as how expenses will be divided and what happens if one person's circumstances change are much easier to address before closing than after a disagreement arises. Decide How You Will Own the Property One of the first decisions co-buyers will need to make is how title to the property will be held. The form of ownership can affect each person's rights in the property and what happens to an owner's interest if that person dies. The deed should also accurately reflect the ownership arrangement the buyers intend. A 50/50 split may make sense when both people are contributing equally, but that may not always be the case. One buyer might provide most of the down payment while the other contributes more toward the monthly mortgage or improvements to the property. Those differences should be discussed before the purchase. Simply contributing more money does not necessarily mean that a person will automatically receive a greater ownership interest or be entitled to reimbursement later. Buyers should understand how their contributions relate to their legal ownership and document their intentions accordingly. Plan for the Costs of Owning the Home The purchase price is only the beginning of the financial relationship between co-owners. Mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities, routine maintenance, and major repairs all create ongoing obligations. A written agreement can establish how those expenses will be divided and how decisions about the property will be made. It can also address less predictable situations. If the roof needs to be replaced, for example, are both owners responsible for half? What if one owner pays for a significant renovation that increases the property's value? What happens if one person temporarily cannot contribute toward the mortgage? Working through these questions in advance can prevent uncertainty about whether a payment was intended as a shared expense, a loan, or an additional investment in the property. Co-owners should also understand that ownership of the home and responsibility for the mortgage are separate issues. The names appearing on the deed determine ownership, while the loan documents determine who is legally responsible for repaying the mortgage. The way those documents are structured can have significant consequences for both parties. Consider What Happens If One Person Wants Out It may feel uncomfortable to discuss the end of a living arrangement while preparing to buy a home together, but it is one of the most important conversations unmarried co-buyers can have. Circumstances change. One person may want to relocate, experience a financial setback, enter a new relationship, or simply decide that joint ownership no longer works. Without an agreement, the owners may disagree about whether the property should be sold, whether one person can buy out the other, or how the home's value should be determined. A co-ownership agreement can establish a process before those issues arise. It might address how a buyout will work, how the property will be valued, how sale proceeds will be divided, and what happens if the owners cannot agree about whether to sell. The agreement can also address what should happen if an owner dies and how that person's interest in the property will be handled. Contact Deppman Law PLC  Buying a home together is a significant financial commitment, regardless of the relationship between the buyers. Taking the time to establish a clear ownership arrangement and put expectations in writing can help protect both parties and reduce the potential for disputes later. If you are considering purchasing Vermont real estate with a partner, friend, or family member, contact Deppman Law PLC for guidance on structuring the purchase and creating a co-ownership agreement that addresses your needs.

Avoiding Family Disputes Through Estate Planning

May 11, 2026
One of the most common misconceptions about estate planning is that it is only about deciding who receives your assets after you pass away. While distributing property is certainly an important part of the process, a well-crafted estate plan can serve another equally valuable purpose — helping prevent family disputes. Unfortunately, disagreements among family members are not uncommon after a loved one’s death. Questions about inheritances, decision-making authority, and personal property can quickly create tension, even among close relatives. In some cases, these conflicts can lead to lengthy legal battles that drain both financial resources and family relationships. The good news is that thoughtful estate planning can significantly reduce the likelihood of these disputes and provide clarity during an already difficult time. Create a Clear and Comprehensive Estate Plan One of the leading causes of family conflict is uncertainty. When estate planning documents are outdated or nonexistent, surviving family members are often left to interpret what they believe their loved one would have wanted. A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a will, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and, in some cases, a trust. These documents clearly outline your wishes and establish who is responsible for carrying them out. The more clearly your intentions are documented, the less room there is for confusion, disagreement, or competing interpretations. Keep Your Documents Up to Date Even the best estate plan can create problems if it no longer reflects your current circumstances. Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary, or significant changes in assets should prompt a review of your estate planning documents. Outdated plans can unintentionally exclude loved ones or leave assets to individuals you no longer intend to benefit. Regular reviews help ensure that your plan remains aligned with your wishes and reduces the likelihood of surprises that can trigger family disputes. Choose the Right People for Key Roles Estate planning involves more than deciding who inherits your assets. It also requires selecting individuals to serve in important fiduciary roles, such as executor, trustee, agent under a power of attorney, or healthcare decision-maker. These responsibilities can be demanding and sometimes place family members in difficult positions. When choosing individuals for these roles, consider their reliability, organizational skills, ability to communicate effectively, and willingness to carry out your wishes. Selecting the right person can help prevent misunderstandings and build confidence among family members that your affairs will be handled fairly and responsibly. Be Thoughtful About Unequal Distributions Many people assume that assets must be divided equally among children or other beneficiaries. In reality, there may be valid reasons to leave different amounts to different individuals. However, unequal distributions can sometimes create resentment if family members do not understand the reasoning behind them. If your estate plan includes unequal gifts, consider discussing your intentions with your family or including a written explanation as part of your planning process. While these conversations may feel uncomfortable, they can often prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of challenges after your death. Address Family Businesses, Real Estate, and Personal Property Certain assets tend to create more conflict than others. Family businesses, vacation homes, farms, and sentimental personal property often carry emotional value that goes beyond their financial worth. A thoughtful estate plan should address how these assets will be managed, divided, or transferred. Clear instructions can help avoid disputes over ownership, use, maintenance responsibilities, or future sales. Taking the time to plan for these issues now can save your loved ones from difficult decisions later. Consider Using a Trust For some families, a trust can provide additional structure and protection. Trusts can establish clear rules for managing and distributing assets, reduce court involvement, and provide ongoing oversight through a designated trustee. Trusts can be particularly useful in blended families, situations involving minor children, or circumstances where beneficiaries may need assistance managing inherited assets. By clearly outlining how assets should be handled, a trust can reduce opportunities for conflict and help ensure your wishes are followed. Communication Can Make a Difference While estate planning documents are essential, open communication can also play an important role in preventing disputes. Family members are often less likely to challenge decisions when they understand the reasoning behind them. You do not need to disclose every detail of your estate plan, but discussing your general goals and intentions can help manage expectations and reduce the likelihood of surprises. Contact Deppman Law PLC Estate planning is about more than transferring assets—it is about protecting your loved ones and helping preserve family harmony for years to come. A carefully designed estate plan can provide clarity and minimize the risk of costly disputes. If you would like to create or update an estate plan that reflects your wishes and protects your family, contact Deppman Law PLC today . Our team can help you develop a comprehensive plan tailored to your unique circumstances and long-term goals.