In Pennsylvania, the general rule is that corporations and other business entities, such as LLCs , partnerships, and associations, must be represented by a licensed attorney in court. This is because these entities are considered separate legal “persons” from their owners. There are exceptions to this rule, typically for magisterial district court, or in some very limited circumstances (often involving consent agreements or stipulations on non-complex matters). However, these exceptions are...

A local business owner called me recently because she saw a website marketing a product using the exact name of her business.  Her business is a registered limited liability company in Pennsylvania and she thought that would prevent others from using her business name in the sale or marketing of products.  This is a very common misconception, and I had to deliver some unhappy news to her.  I get why she was upset – she has poured her heart and soul into building a successful business. She...

In recent months, headlines have made a striking announcement: in the U.S. for the first time ever, more babies were born to women aged 40 and older than to teenage mothers. While delaying parenthood may be the new norm, delaying estate planning shouldn’t be. Many people wait to create a plan until they have children, assuming that’s when it becomes necessary, but estate planning isn’t just about preparing for kids. Here’s why getting started early matters, no matter your age or life stage. A...