How to Choose a Business Entity

How to choose a business entity

Before starting a business, it is vital to carefully choose which form of business entity you want to establish. There are many factors to take into consideration, including the type of business, what your day-to-day operations will involve, the level of personal risk and tax liability, to name a few. Seeking the counsel of an experienced corporate business attorney to advise you on the options that are available to you, help you choose wisely and assist you in setting up your business entity can make the process much easier and ensure that you strike the right balance between the benefits and legal protections different entities offer.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Business Entity

Considering federal, state and local legal and tax considerations when you form a business entity is essential. The type of entity you choose affects –

  • your personal liability,
  • your capacity to raise capital for your company,
  • the amount you will pay in taxes, and
  • the type of paperwork you must file to create and maintain your business entity.

You should decide on a business entity before you register your business with the state. A small business legal advisor who is well-versed in the laws and regulations surrounding the formation of business entities in Pennsylvania can provide invaluable guidance that will protect your rights and ensure you choose an entity that meets your unique needs. Once you have chosen a business entity, he or she can help you obtain a federal tax ID number, assist you with registering a business in PA, and file all other required paperwork. Failing to properly register your business can result in serious tax consequences, unintended dissolution and other problems down the road.

There many different factors that should be taken into account before you choose your business entity:

  1. The degree of control-How much control do you want to have when it comes to investing, day-to-day operations and other business-related issues? The size, financing needs, complexity of the business and other issues should be taken into account when thinking about the degree of control you want to have over your business.
  2. The cost of a business entity-How much will your chosen business entity cost to establish? It’s important to be aware of government fees, regulatory costs and other fiduciary concerns.
  3. Your ability to raise capital-How will you raise money for your business? The ways you can raise cash for your business vary depending on the type of entity you choose.
  4. Personal liability– Which entity will best help you avoid personal liability? Some forms of ownership provide protection from personal liability for business owners.
  5. Federal, state and local taxation-What are the tax advantages and disadvantages of each business entity? The size and type of the business play an important role in this decision. It’s also important to keep business succession plans in mind.
  6. Profit division– How will you divide the profits generated by your business? There are several different ways to divide profits that can also have an effect on your ability to raise capital.
  7. Business succession planning-How do you plan to continue or pass on your business when you retire or if a sudden illness, injury or death should occur? Do you want to transfer business ownership to a family member or someone else? The type of business entity you choose can have a significant impact on these intentions being carried out according to plan.

Types of Business Entities in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there are a few types of business entities to choose from, including:

  • Sole Proprietorships
  • Partnerships
  • Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies

Sole Proprietorships

A sole proprietorship is owned by one individual and gives that person total control of his or her business. A sole proprietor is also entitled to all profits from the business.

Types of Business Entities: Watch Attorney Vince Carosella
Jr. Share Key Information for New Business Owners

While it does present a few advantages, sole proprietorship is typically unsuitable for a business that needs outside sources of capital for rapid growth.

Complete control of your business and profits can come with a cost. As a sole proprietor, you will be personally liable for all facets of the business, including creditor claims, damages from lawsuits and paying all taxes owed by the business.  If you have substantial personal assets, sole proprietorship is most likely not the best option for your business entity.

Federal taxes due are paid through the owner’s personal income tax return, and are subject to federal self-employment tax, which varies depending on your income.  In Pennsylvania, sole proprietors must pay state income tax and local wage taxes on income from the business as well.

If a sole proprietor wants to sell a business, potential buyers may not want to pay as much as they would for a business entity such as a corporation, particularly when a business has built a good name for itself over time. Having an effective business exit strategy in place at the very beginning can help you decide how you would want to sell your business when it’s time. Family business transition planning can also help you decide how you will handle passing your business assets on to your loved ones in the event of your death.

Partnerships

In Pennsylvania, the profit and losses from a partnership pass directly into the partners’ personal incomes. Depending on the type of partnership, you may be fully personally liable for your business’s debts. Some partnerships offer limited liability, which can protect your assets from certain kinds of debt.

General Partnership (GP)

General partnerships are a fairly simple business entity, but do not offer liability protection. All earnings, losses, and various business expenses are included in a GP partner’s personal income.

Limited Partnership (LP)

Limited partnerships work well for companies that need capital without added executive complications. LPs include limited partners, who invest in the company but do not have any managerial involvement. They are not liable for the company’s debts beyond their capital investment. Just like with general partnerships, they pay taxes on their income on personal returns.

Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP)

Business owners who want to limit their personal liability, raise capital, and retain direct control over their business may create limited liability limited partnerships. LLLPs offer liability protection to limited partners for any business debts outside their investment. General partners enjoy protection from certain types of business debts.

A business contract attorney can help you choose which type of partnership is best for you and create an effective small business partnership agreement to ensure that all of your legal bases are covered.

Corporations

There are a few different types of corporations, but they are all business entities that are separate from their owners. Corporations can make a profit, be taxed, and can be held legally liable. Regular C corporations are typically a good choice for medium- or higher-risk businesses, those that need to raise money, and businesses that plan to “go public” or eventually be sold. Corporations have an advantage when it comes to raising capital because they can raise funds through the sale of stock, which can also be a benefit in attracting employees. When forming a corporation, your business attorney can help you come up with business succession planning strategies that address issues surrounding the sale or transfer of your business.

Corporations pay income tax on their profits. In some cases, profits are taxed twice — first, when the company turns a profit, and again when shareholders claim dividends on their personal tax returns. Corporations offer the strongest protection from personal liability, but the cost to form a corporation is higher than other business entities.

S corporations are designed to avoid this type of double taxation. S corporations allow profit, and some losses, to be passed directly to the owners’ personal income without being subject to corporate tax rates. They must file with the IRS to get S corporation status, which is a different process from registering with the state. Special limits are placed on S corporations and strict filing and operational processes must be followed.

Often called 501(c)(3)s, nonprofit corporations are formed to serve charitable, educational or religious purposes. Because their work benefits the public, nonprofits may receive tax-exempt status. Nonprofits must file with the IRS to get tax exemption and follow stringent rules about what they do with any profits they earn.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC lets you take advantage of the benefits of both the corporation and partnership, and protects you from personal liability in most cases.

An LLC allows you to avoid paying corporate taxes, and profits and losses can be passed through your personal income. However, owners of an LLC must pay self-employment tax contributions toward Medicare and Social Security. Medium- or higher-risk businesses, owners with significant personal assets, and those who wish to avoid paying corporate taxes can benefit from choosing an LLC.

The experienced business and contracts attorneys at Carosella & Associates provide legal help for small businesses in Chester County. We offer the exceptional legal counsel and support you need throughout the process of forming a business entity so you can focus on creating a successful, thriving business.

Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Chester County

From doing time in prison, to time paying costly fines, a felony conviction can have damaging consequences. Having an experienced local criminal lawyers  in your corner is essential to protecting your rights and helping you work toward the best possible outcome in your case.

DUI/DWI

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to criminal charges that have serious repercussions for you and your family. Depending on the type of charges you are facing, you may incur thousands of dollars in fees, a felony conviction and prison time. The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles may also take administrative action against you, which can include license suspension or revocation, costly fees, and mandatory drug & alcohol treatment and education.

Pennsylvania DUI laws are complex, and hiring criminal lawyers who specialize in DUI/DWI defense is essential to make sure you get the most effective legal representation for your case. Carosella Attorneys are well-versed in issues of enforcement and judicial procedures, sobriety tests and other factors that may affect your charges. Can mean the difference between doing jail time and having charges reduced or dismissed.

Traffic Tickets

Many people think that getting a traffic ticket comes with minimal consequences, but driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, and offenses such as failing to stop for a school bus with red flashing lights can have more serious repercussions than you may think.  When you pay a traffic ticket you are admitting to violating a traffic offense and any related penalties. Our knowledgeable traffic ticket attorney can advise you on how to take steps to contest a traffic ticket and help you avoid hefty fines, points on your driver’s license, revocation of your license and additional penalties.

Domestic Abuse

Unfortunately, domestic violence is a common problem that includes a wide variety of different charges such as threats of violence, assault, battery, child abuse, elder abuse, and stalking. The penalties for domestic abuse can vary widely depending on the physical and emotional harm inflicted criminal history of the accused, age of the victim and other factors.

Whether you are a victim and need to file a Protection from Abuse petition or have been charged with domestic abuse, we are familiar with the local criminal courts and can provide the representation you need to ensure your rights are protected. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides help for victims of domestic violence at 1-800-799-7233.

Felony Charges

If you have been charged with a felony, it is essential to engage the counsel of a skilled criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in representing and advocating for clients in the criminal court. Depending on the charges, the complex jury trial process can take several months to more than a year. Having an experienced attorney in your corner who will create a well-developed defense can help you work toward the best possible outcome in your case.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, our experienced Chester County criminal defense lawyer at Carosella & Associates can help you understand your rights and ensure that your interests are protected.

How to Back out of a Real Estate Contract the Right Way

How to Back out of a Real Estate Contract the Right WayWhether you are buying or selling property, sometimes real estate deals just don’t work out. Although most real estate purchase and sale agreements drafted by real estate attorneys contain provisions that legally allow you to terminate a deal based on certain contingencies, breaking a contract must often be done delicately. These tips for terminating a real estate contract the right way can help you avoid hard feelings between buyer and seller and make the process much less stressful.

1. Hire a real estate lawyer. Before you even begin the process of buying or selling property, seeking the counsel of an experienced real estate lawyer in PA is vital. Having an attorney in your corner who will properly draft contracts and advise you on the best course of action regarding your real estate transaction is an invaluable resource and will ensure that your rights and interests are protected.

2. If you’re a buyer, know your options regarding termination of the contract. Real estate purchase and sale agreements include contingencies for procuring financing; clean home inspections, and disclosure of any existing problems with the property. If a buyer fails to get a mortgage secured by the date specified in the agreement; the home inspection shows that serious repairs are needed, or if it is revealed that the seller didn’t disclose major issues with the property, a prospective buyer can usually terminate the purchase agreement without a problem. If all contingencies have been met and the buyer terminates the purchase agreement, the seller may be able to keep the buyer’s earnest money deposit.

3. Include a “kick-out” clause.  Adding this type of clause to a real estate purchase and sale agreement protects both the buyer and seller. If buyers need to sell their current home before purchasing another, the “kick-out” clause allows the seller to keep showing his or her home while the buyer’s home is for sale. If the seller receives another offer, the sale and purchase agreement can be terminated. Conversely, if a seller needs to find a new home and is unable to do so in a specified amount of time, the contract can be terminated. Contact a skilled contracts lawyer near you who understands the ins and outs of drafting a solid sales agreement.

4. Understand grounds for termination as the seller. The importance of having an experienced real estate attorney include stipulations that provide outs for the seller cannot be understated. Ideally, in a real estate sale and purchase agreement a seller has agreed to the price that has been offered and has accepted the terms and contingencies specified by the buyer; so it can often be more difficult for a seller to terminate a purchase and sale agreement gracefully and without repercussions.

5. If you need to back out, do so promptly. If you need to terminate a real estate deal, let the other party know as soon as possible. Backing out too late in the game can be considered breach of contract and lead to costly litigation and other problems.

Our West Chester real estate lawyers at Carosella & Associates can provide the experienced counsel you need to effectively bow out of a real estate contract.

Non-Compete Agreements – Things You Should Watch Out For

Non Compete Agreements - Things You Should Watch Out For | CarosellaIn today’s ever-changing business landscape, there is growing pressure on employees to sign non-compete agreements. More and more businesses are enforcing these types of agreements, even for non-corporate jobs such as dog trainers or yoga instructors. If you are looking for a new job or your current employer is requiring you to sign a non-compete agreement, seeking the counsel of experienced contracts lawyers can ensure that your interests are protected.

What is a non-compete agreement?

Sometimes called a covenant not to compete, a non-compete agreement is a contract in which an employee agrees not to open a competing business or work for a competitor for a specific period of time in a defined area after his or her employment ends. There are different scenarios in which you may be asked to sign a non-compete agreement, including: before you start a new job, when you are offered a raise or promotion, and before getting severance pay if you quit or are fired.

There are a few important things to keep in mind before signing any non-compete agreement, and a skilled non-compete lawyer can help you determine whether or not the terms of the contract are in your best interest.

Non-Compete Terminology

General non-compete agreements or covenants not to compete typically cover the following three aspects in the contract:

Standard non-compete agreements prohibit employees from working for competing businesses within a specific period of time in a demarcated geographical area.

Non-solicitation agreements prohibit employees from poaching customers, coworkers and/or vendors of the former employer.

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) forbid employees from using or sharing information that the former employer wants to keep confidential, and may include product design, advertising strategies, mailing lists and other proprietary information.

Is your non-compete agreement reasonable?

Although employers have a right to protect their businesses, non-compete agreements can go too far and impede your ability to make a living if you decide to leave the company. Courts will not honor provisions that they deem “unreasonable; and when it comes to negotiating a non-compete agreement, there are a few specifics that should be closely examined before you sign.

The Specified time period. Depending on the type of work you do, the time period in which you’re bound to honor the agreement can vary. Courts may consider six months for a dog trainer reasonable, but five years could be considered appropriate for a CEO.

The non-compete area. A 20-mile radius might be reasonable for a hairstylist, but if you’re a sales manager, the prohibited geographical area could cover a few states.

The impact on your livelihood. Make sure to consider whether or not the agreement will force you to relocate or impede your ability to make a living. Some courts weigh in on this, but there is no guarantee that a judge will rule in your favor.

It may be tempting to sign a non-compete agreement on the spot, but jumping the gun can have grave consequences down the road. Take the contract to experienced business lawyers for review. Our West Chester business attorneys at Carosella & Associates will make sure everything is in order and help to ensure that your interests are protected.

Full Financial Disclosure in a Divorce. What does it mean?

What Does Full Financial Disclosure mean in a Divorce | CarosellaA key element at the start of any divorce proceeding, full financial disclosure is an accounting of each spouse’s assets, debts, income and expenses. Pennsylvania has specific procedures that must be followed for full financial disclosure so that each party has comprehensive knowledge of the other’s financial circumstances in a divorce.

Why is Full Financial Disclosure Required?

Courts require spouses to disclose their finances to determine equitable property division and support awards and prevent unfair settlements. Even if a couple reaches an agreement on their own, the court will review debt and asset division, child support, and alimony to ensure fairness.

How can a Divorce Attorney help?

Gathering financial documents can be overwhelming and time consuming. It is not uncommon for one spouse to handle most of the financial issues in the marriage, which can leave the other with limited knowledge of the couple’s financial situation or where financial documents and information are stored.

An experienced divorce lawyer will guide you through this process and help you gather all of the required financial information. If you find it difficult to collect information on your spouse’s finances, your attorney will obtain it though the discovery process. Typically, you and your spouse will be required to present:

  • Tax Returns
  • Pay Stubs
  • Proof of any other income such as social security, public assistance and child support or alimony
  • Account statements for all bank accounts, including joint and separate accounts
  • Individual and joint credit card statements
  • Itemized lists of personal property such as jewelry, furniture and other items
  • Stocks, bonds and other assets
  • All retirement and pension accounts such as IRA and 401(k)
  • Deeds, leases and title to property
  • Motor vehicle titles
  • Loan statements for mortgages, student loans, automobiles and personal loans
  • All insurance policies, including: health, dental, life, homeowners’, and auto
  • A list of monthly expenses and bills

Seeking the counsel of a skilled divorce attorney in Pennsylvania will ensure that you adhere to all the disclosure requirements for your particular case. A divorce lawyer can also help you with any updates and changes that must be made to your financial disclosure statement during divorce proceedings.

Challenging a Financial Disclosure Statement

The information contained in a financial disclosure statement is completed with the declaration that the content in the document is true and correct under penalty of perjury. Each spouse has the right to challenge a financial disclosure statement that has been submitted to the court, and failing to accurately complete a full financial disclosure statement can lead to being held in contempt of court and monetary sanctions.

Our West Chester divorce attorneys can guide you through the divorce process and ensure that your financial disclosure is accurate and your interests are protected.

What happens after a Felony Conviction?

What happens after a Felony Conviction | Carosella

 

From doing to time in prison time to paying costly fines, a felony conviction can have damaging consequences. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner is essential to protect your rights and help you work toward the best possible outcome in your case.

The most common types of crimes that may result in felony charges include:

  • Theft
  • Arson
  • Assault
  • Rape
  • Murder

Felony Conviction Penalties

Felony convictions typically come with heavy penalties such as incarceration in state or federal prison and hefty fines. The court may also require you to pay restitution to a victim, the victim’s family or state. Individuals who have been convicted of felony murder may even face the death penalty.

Probation and Parole

Not all felony convictions lead to time in prison–penalties for some felony crimes can include probation or parole. To qualify for probation or parole, factors such as past criminal history and time served in jail awaiting trial are taken into consideration.

Probation is the suspension of jail time. However, it is vital to understand that probation does not mean you are permitted to do whatever you like. The court places certain conditions on you when you are on probation, which may include maintaining employment, drug testing and counseling. It is also important to keep in mind that any violation of the terms of your probation may result in severe penalties, including returning to prison.

Parole is the conditional release of a convicted party before his or her full prison sentence has been served. A parolee must also follow strict conditions, and any violation of the terms of your parole can send you back to prison. If you have been convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania, a skilled Chester County felony lawyer may be able to help you negotiate probation or parole as an alternative to serving time in prison.

Felony Conviction Appeals

Appealing a criminal conviction can be difficult but it is possible to get a conviction overturned. In order to get a felony conviction reversed, you must prove that an error was made in the criminal justice process during your initial trial. Because the appeals process is very complex, it should be handled by knowledgeable criminal lawyers who have extensive experience in felony conviction appeals.

Expungement

Criminal convictions stay on your record for life and can limit employment opportunities, prevent you from securing housing and cause myriad other inconveniences that negatively affect your life. Expungement of your criminal record can make it easier to overcome these obstacles.

Expungement is a process in which eligible criminal convictions or arrests are removed from your record in the eyes of the law. If you are considering expungement, consulting with a criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in the law and rules surrounding expungement in your state is essential.

Our experienced criminal defense lawyers in Chester County, Delaware County and Montgomery County, PA can explain your legal options, discuss possible strategies and advise you on the best course of action to take after a felony conviction.

What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Lawyer

What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Lawyer | CarosellaBeing charged with a crime can have grave long-term repercussions for you and your family. Finding an experienced criminal defense attorney who will best fit your needs and fight for your rights can make all the difference when it comes to winning or losing a criminal case. To ensure you obtain the best legal representation possible, there are a few important things to consider before hiring an attorney.

Look For Experience

Criminal law is complex, and having criminal lawyers who are skilled at handling cases similar to yours is an invaluable advantage. Many lawyers specialize in particular types of offenses such as DUI, drug offenses, and white-collar crimes such as embezzlement. There are a few questions you can ask to get a feel for a criminal defense attorney’s level of experience, including:

  • Which law school did you attend?
  • How many years of experience do have in criminal court?
  • Have you represented individuals who have been charged with the same or a similar crime?
  • How much of your practice involves representing people charged with this type of crime?
  • How many cases have you litigated in the court where my case will be assigned?

If a lawyer declines to discuss his or her specific experience or gives vague answers, look for someone else.

Go Local

Hiring an attorney with experience in the court where your case is pending can also give you a leg up when it comes to your defense. Although state law is the same in each Pennsylvania court, procedures do vary from county to county. Attorneys who are used to working in a particular area often know the district attorneys, clerks, local law enforcement and judges and how they operate in court. For example, if you have been charged with a felony in West Chester, a Chester County felony lawyer will most likely knows the ins and outs of negotiating with prosecutors and the court procedure there.

Get Personal

Your criminal defense lawyer speaks for you. No matter how stellar an attorney’s reputation may be, if you don’t feel comfortable with the person it is probably best to find another lawyer to represent you.

Ask yourself these questions when considering whether to hire a particular criminal defense lawyer:

  • Is the attorney someone I trust and can speak with openly?
  • Does he or she explain things in a way that I can understand?”
  • Does the lawyer see me as a partner involved in the decision-making process?
  • Does he or she express personal concern for my overall situation and possess a sincere desire to help?
  • Does the lawyer seem to be a person who engenders trust in prosecutors, judges and jurors?

Facing criminal charges can be stressful and the end result can have a significant impact on your future.  Whether you have been charged with a felony or are seeking expungement of a prior conviction, our experienced criminal lawyers in Chester County, Delaware County and Montgomery County, PA  will provide you with the personal attention you need and fight for your rights in court.

Do you Need a Probate lawyer? Probate made Easy

In Pennsylvania, you are not required to hire a lawyer for probate, but the process can be complex and time-consuming. To ensure all your legal bases are covered and required petitions and forms are filed in a timely manner, seeking the counsel of experienced probate and estate lawyers can be extremely helpful. There are a few things to consider when deciding whether to hire an attorney, such as the lack of a will, size of an estate and guardianship of minor children.

 

How Do I Start The Probate Process?

 

To initiate the probate process, a petition must be filed with the Pennsylvania Register of Wills in the county where the decedent resided. For example, if your loved one lived in Media, hiring Delaware County lawyers who are familiar with the local courts may help make the process run more smoothly. Jointly owned assets, certain types of trusts and assets such as life insurance or IRA’s with beneficiary designations may not have to go through probate. A knowledgeable attorney can advise you on which assets must be included in probate.

 

Common Issues Involved In Probate

 

Even if a will is deemed valid, a beneficiary may attempt to contest it during the probate process. If a valid will is not in place at the time of a decedent’s passing, the probate process can be complicated. The estate must pass through Intestacy laws, and property is given to those who are entitled to it under the Pennsylvania Intestacy statute (typically the surviving spouse and children of the decedent); not according to the decedent’s wishes.

 

If there is no executor, an administrator will be appointed by the probate court to handle the estate. It is vital to keep in mind that the court also has the authority to designate a guardian for minor children if there is no will. Creating a will with a practiced attorney for wills and trusts can ensure that your legacy lives on and your children are taken care of according to your wishes.

 

Depending on the complexity of an estate, probate may involve extensive administrative paperwork and litigation. It is essential to understand exactly which fees and taxes must be paid, and when. The probate process is very time-sensitive, and a skilled attorney will make sure all deadlines are met to keep the process running smoothly.

 

There are additional circumstances that may affect probate, including:

 

  • Complicated tax situations, such as unpaid taxes
  • Ambiguities in a will
  • Disputed claims by beneficiaries
  • Someone contesting an executor’s appointment
  • Issues with disputed debts or unfinished contracts
  • Property bequeathed to minors who do not have an appointed guardian or trustee
  • The estate’s assets do not cover all debts
  • Out-of-state property included in the estate
  • A very large estate with diversified assets

 

Estate planning lawyers can take some of these burdens off of an executor’s or administrator’s shoulders. The process of sorting out an estate can be very emotional, and creating wills and trusts ahead of time can help your family avoid unnecessary conflict and stress. To learn more about estate planning and probate, contact our experienced Delaware and Chester County lawyers to schedule a consultation today. 

Your Trusted Advisers for all Small Business Legal Matters

Having an attorney you can rely on is essential for open communication and to build trust. From business succession planning to intellectual property law, the skilled attorneys at Carosella & Associates have extensive experience in many facets of business law, and our business lawyers will work hard to protect your interests and help your small business thrive.

Our Legal Services

To protect both your personal and business interests, legal assistance with the drafting of documents such as corporate by-laws, stockholders agreements, and other types of contracts is vital. Our business lawyers are experienced in drafting documents such as license and royalty agreements, trademark and copyright registration, the sale and transfer of intellectual property and more.

 

Our attorneys provide many different professional legal services for businesses, and can assist you with:

 
Small Business Legal Services by Carosella and Associates

  • Bankruptcy litigation
  • Commercial and residential real estate and zoning issues
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Formation of business entities and partnerships
  • Intellectual property law
  • Business succession planning
  • Litigation avoidance strategies
  • Nonprofit corporations
  • Construction
  • Estate planning

 

Litigation Avoidance Strategies

Regardless of your organization’s size or reputation, managing your business requires practical solutions. One of the most important services we provide is to help clients incorporate litigation avoidance strategies into their business planning, which can help you prevent legal problems before they start.

Settlement and Litigation

Sometimes legal issues are impossible to avoid, and our attorneys are committed to using their skills and experience to provide our clients personalized, professional legal representation. The business lawyers at Carosella & Associates, P.C. have successfully negotiated and settled thousands of cases for businesses in many different types of matters.

 

Providing counsel, outlining options, suggesting strategies, reviewing documents and protecting your interests are critical elements of our legal services. Regardless of the legal issues you may be facing, we can create and provide your small business with a Customized Business Litigation Plan that includes: a Case Budget; a Litigation Plan; a Discovery Plan; a List of Alternative Options; and an Estimate of Time, Costs and Options at every stage. Our attentive legal team will listen to your concerns and use our combined legal skills to provide advice in sensible terms that are easy to comprehend.

Legal Professionals You Can Trust

Our practiced and professional legal staff is committed to client confidentiality. We value the trust our clients put in us, and believe in using objective and independent judgment consistent with the highest ethical standards. In addition to offering legal counsel in business matters, our firm’s attorneys offer specialized assistance in the areas of estate planning, wills & trusts, probate, bankruptcy, family law, immigration, real estate and criminal matters as well.

 

Helping you find the right solutions for your business and protecting your interests is our top priority. Carosella & Associates’ experienced lawyers are dedicated to providing quality legal services that meet our small business clients’ needs. Our responsive team of legal professionals will be there for you when you need us. If you are in need of diligent, conscientious and practical legal services, please contact our lawyers in West Chester, PA or Montgomery county today!

What can Lawyers do to Help Victims of Domestic Violence? A lot.

Victims of domestic violence often feel helpless, trapped and alone. They may stay with an abuser due to of a lack of resources, issues of custody or fear of retribution if they leave. Enlisting the counsel of an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of the court system can help you break the cycle of violence and be an advocate for you and your family.

What can Lawyers do to Help Victims of Domestic Violence? Carosella & Associates

If you are a victim of domestic violence, you are not alone. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetime.

A domestic violence attorney can assess your case and help you determine the best course of action to take. Before your consultation, sit down and write a list of things you’d like to discuss and questions to ask. If possible, it may also help to write down all incidences of violence, the circumstances and dates that they occurred. Be open and honest with your lawyer. Your attorney is there to advocate for you and needs to know the facts of the case to make strategic decisions, such as specific evidence to present or selecting witnesses to testify on your behalf.

A domestic violence attorney can help in many ways, including:

Get a  temporary or permanent protective order in place. In Pennsylvania, victims of domestic violence can seek a protection from abuse order that may prohibit the abuser from making contact or coming within a certain distance of the victim. In certain situations, a protective order can also require that the abuser move out of a home shared with the victim. Each county has its own filing procedure, so having an attorney who is familiar with the local courts can be a lifesaver.

File a domestic violence lawsuit. Your lawyer can file a civil lawsuit that allows you to recover any medical expenses, financial loss, or pain and suffering caused by your abuser..

File for divorce. If the perpetrator is a spouse, a family law attorney can assist you through the divorce process, including seeking spousal support and receiving your share of marital assets.

Get custody of your children. If the abuser is also a parent of your children, an attorney can help you get custody as well as child support from the other parent.

Represent you in court. A domestic violence attorney will file required documents and be your advocate in court.

Communicate with the defendant (or his or her attorney). Your lawyer will also communicate and negotiate with the defendant throughout the legal process so you do not have to deal with any more abuse or conflict.

Suffering abuse at the hands of a loved one is a  traumatic and life-changing experience. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys located in West Chester will be there to support you every step of the way, fight for your rights and help you protect your family.

 

If you or someone you love is a victim of domestic abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).