If you are a property owner who has had a construction lien filed against your property, you may have defenses allowing you to discharge the lien at the lien claimant’s expense. Liens against property are problematic because they can prevent transfers of the property or impede your ability to obtain a mortgage. This article will explore some of the defenses available in the event a construction lien has been claimed against your property.
For most residential construction contractors, the risk of non-payment is a threat that, if realized, can cease the day-to-day operations of the business. Non-payment usually stems from a dispute between the owner and general contractor (“GC”) regarding the quality of the work. Regardless of whether you are a GC or subcontractor, the filing of a construction lien is a powerful weapon against non-payment. In the residential construction context, the filing of a construction lien has additional requirements above and beyond that of commercial construction. This article will discuss the added requirements necessary to validly record a residential construction lien claim.
As a full service law firm, Scura, Wigfield, Heyer, Stevens & Cammarota LLP provides legal services and advice to both established corporate entities and start-up companies. One of the most common questions that individuals looking to launch a start-up company ask is: What type of business entity should I form? Our firm has extensive experience with Limited Liability Companies, C-Corporations, S-Corporations, Partnerships, and Sole Proprietorships. Notwithstanding, the most common types of business entities are LLCs and Corporate Entitles, C-type and S-type. This blog will focus on the legal issues related to the two most common business entities. Lastly, please speak with a tax professional prior to forming a corporate entity to determine which tax classification is best for your business purposes.
For most nonresidential construction subcontractors, the risk of non-payment on a job is a threat that, if realized, can cease the day-to-day operations of the business. Non-payment usually stems from a dispute between the general contractor and the subcontractor regarding the quality of the work. If you are a subcontractor, this article will explain your rights to lien property in efforts to ensure compensation for the work you have performed. Please note, the contents of this article only apply to liens involving non-residential construction contracts.
Many business owners find themselves in a situation where they are saddled with debt and can see no way out. These businesses may even own real property facing foreclosure. An insolvency proceeding through the bankruptcy court or an assignment for the benefit of creditors through the State Court may be the answer to your problems.
If you file personal bankruptcy and you own a business you have to be careful on the impact the bankruptcy will have. The first thing that has to be determined is the type of ownership structure, i.e., sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership or limited liability company. Next, you want to have an idea of the rough value of that business interest. To be sure, you want to be able to continue to operate and protect your ownership interest in the business if you file a bankruptcy.
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are no different than other debt and are dischargeable in business bankruptcy. A misperception exists that SBA loans are not dischargeable. SBA loans are entitled to no special priority under the Bankruptcy Code. SBA loans are backed by the government so that when there is a default the loan is insured as to the bank that gave the loan to the borrower. Because the loan is insured, however, does not mean that the borrower cannot wipe it out in a bankruptcy.
Have you ever wondered how referrals work in law firm in New Jersey? Check out how the New Jersey Court Rule allows division of fees to avoid business disputes.
Business Bankruptcy & Licensee Rights
The rights afforded to a licensee under Section 365(n) trump "free and clear" sales under Section 365(f). This was the holding in a recent decision by Judge Kaplan in the Crumbs Bake Shop bankruptcy case; case number 14-24287. A court order allowing the sale of a bankrupt business free and clear of all liens will not reject or terminate a licensee's rights.
An innovative idea or untapped market niche does not automatically translate into commercial success. If you are forming your own business, it must be built upon a proper foundation. The choice of entity and the structuring of ownership agreements are critical elements that are often overlooked or set up improperly. This is how a business litigation or business planning lawyer can help.
