Legal Considerations for Business Startups
September 17, 2023

Starting a new business venture is an exciting endeavor, but it also comes with a multitude of legal considerations. At Deppman Law, we understand that navigating this legal landscape can be daunting. To help, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that outlines critical legal steps and considerations for launching your new commercial venture in Vermont.

 

Top 10 Legal Steps and Considerations for New Businesses

 

Choose the Right Business Structure

 

Selecting the appropriate legal structure for your business is an important first step. Vermont offers several options, including sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, and corporation. Each structure has its own implications for liability, taxation, and regulatory requirements. Consulting with a commercial lawyer can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.

 

Register Your Business

 

Once you've chosen a business structure, you'll need to register your business with the Vermont Secretary of State's office. This involves filing the necessary paperwork, paying applicable fees, and obtaining the required licenses and permits. Compliance with state and local regulations is essential to avoid legal complications down the road.

 

Draft Solid Contracts

 

Contracts are the backbone of any business. Whether you're entering into agreements with vendors, employees, or customers, well-drafted contracts are crucial. Seek legal counsel to ensure that your contracts are clear, comprehensive, and protective of your interests.

 

Intellectual Property Protection

 

If your business involves unique products, services, or branding, consider trademarking your intellectual property. Protecting your trademarks and copyrights not only safeguards your brand but also provides legal recourse against infringement.

 

Employment Law Compliance

 

Hiring employees involves compliance with various employment laws. Understanding wage and hour regulations, non-discrimination laws, and workplace safety requirements is essential. Additionally, creating an employee handbook that outlines company policies can help mitigate potential disputes.

 

Tax Obligations

 

Vermont has its own tax requirements and obligations for businesses. Understanding state and federal tax laws, sales tax, payroll taxes, and income tax is crucial for compliance and financial planning. Consulting with an experienced tax attorney can help you navigate this complex landscape.

 

Financing and Funding

 

Whether you're seeking funding from investors, loans, or grants, it's essential to understand the legal aspects of financing. This includes the terms of investment agreements, loan contracts, and compliance with securities laws if you're issuing shares or ownership interests.

 

Regulatory Compliance

 

Different industries may be subject to specific state and federal regulations. Depending on your business type, you may need licenses, permits, or approvals from regulatory agencies. Ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations is essential to avoid legal issues.

 

Protecting Personal Assets

 

In some business structures, personal assets can be at risk if the business faces financial difficulties or legal challenges. Consider the level of personal liability protection offered by your chosen business structure and consult with an attorney if necessary.

 

Exit Strategy

 

Planning for the future includes considering your exit strategy. Whether you plan to sell your business, pass it on to a family member, or dissolve it, having a clear strategy in place ensures a smoother transition.

 

Contact a Vermont Commercial Lawyer Today

 

Starting a business in Vermont is an exciting journey. Having a legal partner like Deppman Law by your side can make it a smoother and more secure process. Benj and Lesley are here to guide you through every legal consideration, ensuring that your business venture is built on a solid legal foundation. If you're ready to take the next step, contact Deppman Law today for legal guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals.


June 20, 2025
Estate planning may sound like something only the wealthy or elderly need to worry about, but in truth, it’s an essential part of life planning for every adult—regardless of age, wealth, or family structure. Whether you're a small business owner in Montpelier, a retiree in Middlebury, or a young parent in Burlington, having a clear and legally sound estate plan can protect your loved ones, preserve your assets, and provide peace of mind. In Vermont, as in most states, there are five core documents that form the foundation of a comprehensive estate plan. Each plays a specific role in ensuring your wishes are respected and your affairs are handled according to your preferences—both during your lifetime and after your death. Here’s a closer look at the five essential estate planning documents every Vermonter should have: 1. Last Will and Testament A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. It outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death and names an executor to manage your estate. If you have minor children, your will is also the document where you nominate a guardian for them. Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to Vermont’s intestacy laws—which may not reflect your wishes. This process can be time-consuming, emotionally draining for your family, and lead to unintended outcomes. Even if your estate is modest, a will ensures clarity and can help your loved ones avoid unnecessary legal complications during an already difficult time. 2. Durable Power of Attorney A durable power of attorney (POA) allows you to name someone to handle your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. This could include paying your bills, managing investments, filing taxes, or making other important decisions on your behalf. In Vermont, a POA remains in effect even if you become mentally or physically unable to manage your own affairs—hence the term durable. Without a POA, your loved ones may have to go through a costly and time-consuming court process to gain the authority to act on your behalf. Choosing a trusted agent now can spare your family considerable stress later. 3. Advance Directive for Health Care Also known as a health care proxy or medical power of attorney, an advance directive allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and end-of-life care. Vermont has a specific form for advance directives, and completing one ensures your health care wishes are known and legally binding. Without this document, important medical decisions may fall to someone who doesn’t know your preferences—or disagreements among family members could create unnecessary tension. 4. HIPAA Authorization The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects the privacy of your medical records, but it can also make it difficult for loved ones to access information in an emergency. A HIPAA authorization allows you to name individuals who can access your medical records and communicate with your doctors. This is especially important if you have multiple family members who may need to coordinate your care or advocate on your behalf. Without this document, your loved ones may be left in the dark at a time when fast, informed decisions are critical. 5. Revocable Living Trust (Optional, But Strongly Recommended) While not every Vermonter needs a revocable living trust, it can be a powerful tool—especially if you own real estate, have a blended family, or want to avoid probate. A revocable living trust allows you to transfer ownership of your assets into a trust during your lifetime, with instructions for how they should be managed and distributed. You retain control of the assets while you're alive, and after your death, they can be distributed without going through the Vermont probate process. A trust also provides greater privacy, flexibility, and control, and can be particularly helpful for managing out-of-state property or planning for incapacity. Take Control of Your Legacy Estate planning isn’t just about preparing for the unexpected—it’s about making intentional decisions that protect your family, safeguard your assets, and reflect your values. At Deppman Law PLC, we help individuals and families throughout Vermont create customized estate plans that meet their specific needs—no matter how simple or complex. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to update existing documents, we’re here to guide you through every step with care and clarity. Contact Benj or Lesley today to schedule a consultation and begin building your estate plan with confidence.
May 18, 2025
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