Corporate Law & Business Law
WPJ&K has been practicing business law for over 35 years.
Our clients include many small and medium sized businesses in both the Hamilton area and throughout Southern Ontario.
Our services in this area include:
- Incorporations (including for both business and professionals)
- Shareholder agreements
- Partnership agreements
- Asset and share sales & purchases
- Corporate reorganizations
- Rollovers pursuant to the Income Tax Act
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating all types of commercial agreements
- Maintenance of corporate minute books
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I use a lawyer to incorporate?
Many people believe that setting up a corporation begins and ends with filing Articles of Incorporation. In fact, much more is involved. A lawyer will ensure that the incorporation includes proper Articles of Incorporation, by-laws, resolutions and share certificates.
Q. After I have incorporated, what are my ongoing responsibilities?
Corporations, large and small, public and private, are required to have annual directors and shareholders meetings. In private, closely held corporations, this requirement is covered off by annual written resolutions, in which financial statements are approved, directors and officers are elected and appointed for the coming year, and most importantly, dividends and bonuses are declared.
Q. What is the importance of a minute book?
The corporate documents of a minute book are kept in a minute book. That includes the documents prepared at the time of incorporation, as well as the annual resolutions. A proper, up to date minute book will be required if a corporation faces an audit from various government ministries and departments (including Canada Revenue Agency) or if the corporation is eventually sold.