Private Business Law - Manage Risks

Planning for the risks that may impact your business makes good business sense. Sometimes the best way to protect yourself is to be familiar with potential trouble spots.

The Challenges of Land Use & Zoning: How to Put Your Best Foot Forward
By Tad Harris
Dealing with zoning issues can be challenging whether you are a land owner or developer seeking approval of a subdivision or planned unit development (“PUD”) plat or a zoning waiver from a local Planning Commission, or if you are a neighbor or community group in opposition to the development.

Involuntary Bankruptcy Considerations for Partnerships and Joint Ventures
By D. Hiatt Collins
When business partnerships fall on financial hard times, the relationship between the partners may sour and cause disagreement over the course the business should take. These disagreements can include whether the partnership should file for bankruptcy or attempt to ride out the difficulties.

Special Priority for Sellers of Goods in Customers’ Bankruptcy Cases
By Linda Whitlow Knight
A vendor will find itself in an unpleasant situation when a customer files a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case and has purchased, but not paid for, a substantial amount of goods. All may not be lost, however. The vendor may receive special treatment under the Bankruptcy Code.

Navigating the Rules and Regulations of Tennessee’s Boards and Commissions: Protect Your Company from Adverse Decisions
By Matthew Scanlan
Although the media focuses on changes to Tennessee Law, changes to the state’s rules and regulations by the various agencies in state government can be just as beneficial or damaging to a business. Often state agencies make changes to rules that they perceive as minor, which can result in enormous costs for regulated industries.

Bad Beneficiary Designations Can Undo Good Estate Planning
By Andra J. Hedrick
Most people understand the importance of having a will or trust to dispose of property at death. But many people are not as careful concerning beneficiary designations made on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other assets.

Know Your Rights When Buying a Vacation Home
By Marcy Shelton
One of the perks of running a successful business is the opportunity to purchase a vacation home where you can escape and recharge. Know your rights if you want to purchase property in a new planned development in another state.

Living Trusts Not Always Better Than Wills
By Andra J. Hedrick
A living trust, which is also sometimes called a “revocable trust” or a “revocable (living) trust,” is often touted these days as a good alternative to a will. Before you jump at creating a living trust, consider the pros and cons.

When Your Commercial Tenant Files Bankruptcy
By Thomas H. Forrester
What are your rights as a landlord of commercial space when a tenant has filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition? This article sets out a few of the issues you will need to consider.

Why Mediation Works
By Gareth Aden
The best trend to come of our courts in the last decade is a process called “mediation,” and it is revolutionizing our civil dispute system.

What to Do If Your Business Is Sued
By Scott Derrick
Being served with legal papers is never a pleasant experience. Knowing how to react and what steps to take can help make the process more bearable and improve the outcome in your favor.

Essential Terms for Purchase Orders, Invoices, and Other Materials
By Phillip P. Welty
So many times, businesses sell their products or services with little or no written contract in place to protect the seller in the event of a default in payment or some other problem with the sale. Find out what terms are needed to reduce your business' exposure to liability or loss.

Reduce Your Chances of Being Audited
By Lee Marsden
What’s more dreaded than paying taxes? An IRS audit. Small business owners are particularly at risk for audits, which can be expensive and time consuming. To avoid an audit, you need to know what the IRS looks for.