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Create state-specific LLCs, partnerships, and business agreements in minutes. Attorney-reviewed templates for all 50 states to protect your personal assets and business relationships.
File your Articles of Organization and customize your LLC Operating Agreement (manager- or member-managed) for your state.
Select the document type that matches your business formation or partnership needs
Form a Limited Liability Company to protect your personal assets. State-compliant Articles of Organization and customized Operating Agreements for all 50 states.
3 forms available
Formalize business relationships and protect your interests. Define profit sharing, roles, and exit terms for ongoing businesses or one-time projects.
4 forms available
Create legally binding agreements for business relationships. General contracts and service agreements for sales, advertising, and vendor relationships.
3 forms available
Operate under a trade name and manage business assets. Documents for registering fictitious business names and property management.
2 forms available
One or more designated managers run daily operations. Other members are passive investors.
All members participate in running the business and making decisions together.
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) provides personal liability protection—your personal assets are generally protected from business debts and lawsuits. A general partnership does not offer this protection; partners are personally liable for all business obligations. LLCs also have more flexibility in management structure and profit distribution. For most new businesses, an LLC is the preferred choice due to liability protection. Start your LLC with our LLC Articles of Organization and LLC Operating Agreement templates.
Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation) is the document you file with the state to legally create your LLC—it's a public record that includes basic information like your LLC's name and registered agent. An Operating Agreement is an internal document (not filed with the state) that governs how your LLC operates—ownership percentages, management structure, profit sharing, and decision-making procedures. Most LLCs should use both: our LLC Articles of Organization to form the LLC with the state, and either a Manager-Managed or Member-Managed Operating Agreement to define ownership and management.
While not legally required in all states, an Operating Agreement is strongly recommended for every LLC. It defines ownership percentages, profit distribution, management structure, voting rights, and what happens if a member leaves or the LLC dissolves. Without one, your LLC will be governed by default state laws, which may not align with your intentions. Banks and investors often require an Operating Agreement, and it's essential for multi-member LLCs to prevent disputes. Create an Operating Agreement that matches your management structure: Manager-Managed or Member-Managed (both state-specific).
A Joint Venture Agreement is best for a specific, limited project or business opportunity with a defined end goal—once the project is complete, the joint venture ends. A Partnership is better for an ongoing business relationship with no predetermined end date. Joint ventures allow each party to maintain their separate business identities while collaborating on a specific venture. For one project with a defined end, use a Joint Venture Agreement. For an ongoing business relationship, use a Partnership Agreement.
A DBA (Doing Business As), also called a fictitious business name or trade name, allows you to operate your business under a name different from your legal name or registered business name. For example, "John Smith" could operate as "Smith Consulting" or "ABC Corp" could operate as "Quick Print Services." Most states require you to register a DBA with the county or state before using it. This is not a separate legal entity—it's simply a registered trade name. To register and operate under a trade name, use our Conduct of Business Under Fictitious Name (DBA) form.
This document requires business partners to have their spouses sign prenuptial or postnuptial agreements that protect the business. If a partner divorces, without such protection, a spouse could claim ownership of part of the business as marital property. This agreement ensures all partners are equally protected and that the business won't be disrupted by a partner's divorce. It's increasingly common in professional practices, family businesses, and startups with significant equity. If you want to ensure spouses cannot claim ownership in the business, use our Business Partners Prenuptial Agreement.
Yes, you can form an LLC in any state, regardless of where you live or operate. Delaware and Wyoming are popular choices due to business-friendly laws. However, if you conduct business in your home state, you'll likely need to register as a "foreign LLC" there as well, which means paying fees in both states. For most small businesses, forming in your home state is simpler and more cost-effective. If you decide to form in your home state, start with our state-specific LLC Articles of Organization and matching Operating Agreement.