Partnership and Incorporation Lawyer Edmonton

There are three kinds of partnerships in Canada: General, Limited, and Limited Liability Partnerships. Understanding the legal aspects of a partnership is crucial to establishing a solid foundation for your business. Legal aspects include defining the respective roles of the partners, responsibilities, profit sharing, liability, and dispute resolution. A partnership incorporation lawyer plays an essential role in this process. At Forum Law, we offer expertise in drafting partnership agreements, ensuring compliance with regulations, and addressing potential legal contingencies. Our team of partnership incorporation lawyers’ guidance will ensure clarity, reduce the risk of misunderstandings, and safeguard partners’ interests. This guidance supports a well-structured and legally sound partnership that promotes trust, stability, and successful collaboration in your business venture.

Understanding Partnership Incorporation

Partnership incorporation refers to the formal legal process of establishing a business partnership between two or more individuals under a specific legal structure recognized in Alberta. This process involves registering the partnership and defining the terms, responsibilities, rights, and obligations of the partners in a legally binding partnership agreement. The importance of partnership incorporation lies in providing a structured framework that outlines roles, profit distribution, decision-making, and liability sharing among partners. It offers legal recognition, stability, and transparency, while reducing the risk of disputes and enhancing the partnership’s credibility.

An incorporated partner is an individual who becomes part of a legally recognized partnership entity. This means that the partnership itself is treated as a distinct legal entity from its partners. Incorporated partners enjoy certain benefits, such as limited liability, where their personal assets are shielded from the partnership’s debts and obligations. They also have the ability to own property, enter contracts, and engage in legal proceedings in the partnership’s name. Incorporating a partnership allows businesses to combine the advantages of partnership, such as income tax planning and shared expertise, with the legal protections associated with a formal corporate structure.

Limited Liability Partnerships in Edmonton

A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a unique business structure that combines the advantages of both partnerships and corporations. In an LLP, partners enjoy limited liability, shielding their personal assets from the debts and obligations of the partnership. Unlike traditional partnerships, where partners may be personally liable for the actions of others, LLP partners are generally protected from such liability.

On the other hand, a Limited Partnership (LP) includes both general partners who have unlimited liability and limited partners whose liability is confined to their investment in the partnership.

The key distinction between LLP and LP is in the liability and management. In an LLP, all partners benefit from limited liability, similar to shareholders in a corporation, while retaining active participation in management. In an LP, general partners manage the business and face unlimited liability, whereas limited partners have reduced liability but limited involvement in management.

Benefits of forming an LLP include the protection of personal assets, pass-through taxation, and flexibility in management. However, potential drawbacks may involve higher administrative complexity compared to general partnerships, potential conflicts among partners, and liability limitations that may not cover certain scenarios. Businesses considering an LLP should carefully weigh these factors and seek legal expertise to determine if this structure aligns with their goals.

What is a partnership lawyer?

Incorporating a business in Edmonton involves several steps and offers numerous benefits. The process typically includes:

1. Choose a Business Name: Select a unique and suitable name for your corporation that complies with legal requirements. This includes obtaining a Trademark search and a NUANS report to ensure there is no other corporation with an identical name or a name that is too similar to your proposed corporation name;
2. Articles of Incorporation: Prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation with an appropriate Alberta registry agent or service provider. This document outlines key details about your corporation, such as its name, address, share structure, and purpose;
3. Appoint Directors: Designate individuals who will oversee the corporation’s operations and make important decisions;
4. Share Structure: Define the ownership structure by allocating shares among the owners (shareholders);
5. Bylaws: Draft internal rules and regulations that govern the corporation’s operations and decision-making processes; and
6. Business Number: Obtain a unique business number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax purposes.

Benefits of incorporating a business in Edmonton include:

1. Limited Liability: Shareholders’ personal assets are generally protected from the corporation’s liabilities, minimizing personal risk;
2. Tax Advantages: Corporations can access potential tax benefits, such as income splitting, tax deferral, and deductibility of certain expenses;
3. Separate Legal Entity: A corporation is a distinct legal entity from its owners, facilitating legal transactions, contracts, and property ownership;
4. Ease of Raising Capital: Corporations can raise capital by issuing shares to investors, attracting potential funding for growth;
5. Credibility: Incorporation lends credibility to your business, enhancing its reputation and signaling professionalism to clients, suppliers, and partners;
6. Perpetual Existence: A corporation enjoys continuous existence, unaffected by changes in ownership or management;
7. Employee Benefits: Corporations can provide various employee benefits, such as stock options, retirement plans, and health benefits; and
8. Transfer of Ownership: Shares can be easily transferred or sold, allowing for smooth transitions in ownership.