Business Law Services
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Practical Legal Support for Growing Businesses
At Alpine Legal Services, we provide comprehensive business law services for companies of all sizes, from startups to established organizations. Our team assists with incorporations, dissolutions, shareholder and partnership agreements, as well as corporate record keeping and annual report filings to ensure your business remains compliant and properly structured.
We also offer legal guidance for commercial borrowing and lending, buying or selling a business, amalgamations, and the drafting and review of commercial leases and contracts. In addition, we advise on employment law matters, including employment agreements, terminations, and workplace investigations, helping businesses navigate sensitive issues with confidence.
Beyond day-to-day operations, we support businesses with broader compliance requirements such as privacy policies, terms and conditions, and industry-specific obligations. Our lawyers can also assist with minor business disputes and human rights tribunal matters, providing practical advice focused on resolution and risk management.
Answers About Business Law
Below are answers to common questions about our business law services. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions with clarity and peace of mind.
Business Law FAQs:
We assist businesses with a wide range of corporate and commercial matters, including:
- Incorporations and business structuring
- Shareholder and partnership agreements
- Buying or selling a business
- Corporate reorganizations and restructuring
- Contract drafting and review
- Commercial lease review and negotiation
- Ongoing corporate maintenance and annual records
- … and more!
We work with startups, small businesses, and growing companies all over British Columbia.
Incorporation may be beneficial if you want:
- Limited personal liability
- Potential tax advantages
- Greater credibility with customers, lenders, or investors
- Flexibility for growth, ownership changes, or future sale
Whether incorporation is right for you depends on your income, risk level, and long-term goals. We can help you choose the structure that makes sense.
- Sole proprietorship – simplest structure, but no separation between personal and business liability
- Partnership – shared ownership and responsibility between two or more people
- Corporation – a separate legal entity that limits personal liability and allows for more advanced tax and ownership planning
Choosing the right structure early can save time and money later.
A shareholder agreement sets out:
- Ownership rights and responsibilities
- Decision-making rules
- What happens if a shareholder wants to leave
- Buyout terms and dispute resolution
Even if you trust your business partners, a written agreement helps prevent costly disputes and misunderstandings.
Corporations must maintain proper records, including:
- Annual resolutions
- Director and shareholder registers
- Corporate minute books
Failure to maintain records can create problems during financing, a sale, or a tax review. We provide ongoing corporate maintenance services to keep your company compliant.
Yes, especially for important agreements such as:
- Commercial leases
- Supplier or service contracts
- Independent contractor agreements
- Purchase or sale agreements
A lawyer can identify risks, unclear terms, and unfavorable provisions before you sign.
Commercial leases often contain complex terms relating to:
- Rent and additional operating costs
- Personal guarantees
- Renewal options
- Assignment or subletting rights
- Repair and maintenance obligations
Having a lawyer review the lease can help you understand your obligations and negotiate better terms.
A business purchase or sale typically includes:
- Reviewing financial and legal records (due diligence)
- Negotiating the purchase agreement
- Structuring the transaction (share sale vs. asset sale)
- Handling financing, leases, and employee matters
- Closing the transaction and transferring ownership
Legal guidance helps reduce risk and ensures a smooth transition.
It’s best to seek legal advice:
- Before starting or incorporating a business
- Before signing major contracts or leases
- When bringing in partners or investors
- When buying or selling a business
- If a dispute or legal issue arises
Early advice can prevent costly problems later.
Yes. Alpine Legal Services Law Corporation focuses on practical, affordable legal solutions for:
- Startups and entrepreneurs
- Family businesses
- Owner-operated companies
- Growing small and medium-sized businesses
Our Chilliwack-based practice allows us to offer efficient service at competitive rates.
Yes. We assist clients in-person in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Hope, and remotely all throughout British Columbia. Many business matters can be handled remotely by phone or video.
Small Business Start-up FAQs:
The first step is choosing the right business structure. Your options typically include:
- Sole proprietorship
- Partnership
- Corporation
The right structure depends on your liability risk, expected income, tax considerations, and long-term goals.
Incorporation may be beneficial if you:
- Want limited personal liability
- Expect your business to grow
- Plan to bring in partners or investors
- Want flexibility for tax planning
- May sell the business in the future
We can help you determine whether incorporation makes sense for your situation.
A sole proprietorship is simple and inexpensive to set up, but you are personally liable for business debts and obligations.
A corporation is a separate legal entity that provides liability protection and allows for more advanced tax and ownership planning.
If your corporation has more than one owner, a shareholder agreement is strongly recommended. It sets out:
- Ownership and decision-making rules
- What happens if a shareholder leaves
- Buyout terms
- Dispute resolution
Having this agreement early can prevent serious conflicts later.
If you operate under a name other than your personal legal name or your corporation’s exact name, you will generally need a business name registration. We can help ensure your name is available and properly registered.
Depending on your operations, you may need:
- Client or service agreements
- Independent contractor agreements
- Partnership or shareholder agreements
- Website terms and privacy policies
- Supplier or vendor contracts
Clear contracts help protect your business and reduce disputes.
Yes. Commercial leases are complex and often favor the landlord. A legal review can help you understand your obligations, identify risks, and negotiate better terms before you commit.
Corporations must maintain:
- Annual corporate records and resolutions
- Updated director and shareholder information
- A corporate minute book
Proper maintenance is important for financing, tax matters, and future business sales.
It’s best to get legal advice:
- Before choosing your business structure
- Before incorporating
- Before bringing in partners or investors
- Before signing major contracts or leases
Early advice can prevent costly problems later.
Yes. We work with entrepreneurs in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Hope, and throughout British Columbia, including remote consultations.
Commercial Lease FAQs:
A commercial lease is a contract between a landlord and a business tenant that sets out the terms for renting commercial space, including rent, operating costs, maintenance obligations, and the length of the lease.
Commercial leases are often long and complex, and many terms favor the landlord. A lawyer can help:
- Identify hidden costs and risks
- Explain your obligations
- Negotiate more favorable terms
- Avoid costly surprises later
Many leases require tenants to pay additional costs such as:
- Property taxes
- Insurance
- Maintenance and repairs
- Common area expenses (CAM)
- Utilities
Understanding the total occupancy cost is critical before signing.
Many landlords require the business owner to personally guarantee the lease. This means you may be personally responsible for rent and damages if the business cannot pay.
Key terms to review or negotiate include:
- Lease length and renewal options
- Rent increases
- Tenant improvement allowances
- Assignment or subletting rights
- Early termination options
- Exclusivity or permitted use clauses
In a triple net lease, the tenant pays base rent plus a share of property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. These leases are common in commercial properties in the Fraser Valley.
Only if the lease allows it. Some leases restrict assignment or give the landlord broad discretion to refuse. This clause is important if you plan to sell your business or relocate.
Commercial leases may require tenants to handle:
- Interior repairs
- HVAC systems
- Structural components in some cases
These obligations can be costly if not clearly understood.
Before you sign. Once signed, the terms are legally binding and difficult to change.
Yes. Alpine Legal Services Law Corporation assists commercial tenants in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Hope, and across BC, with in-person and remote consultations available.
Call To Ask Questions
778-800-6075
Legal Guidance That Supports Long-Term Success
We help ensure your business is set up correctly from the start and supported throughout its operations, allowing you to focus on growth while we handle the legal details. Our approach is collaborative, transparent, and tailored to your specific business goals.
By taking the time to understand your operations and challenges, we deliver legal solutions that are both strategic and practical, helping reduce risk and support sustainable success at every stage of your business.
- Business-Focused Legal Advice
- Clear, Practical Solutions
- Ongoing Compliance Support
- Trusted Local Legal Team
Trusted by Clients Across the Fraser Valley
As one of the highest-rated lawyer and notary firms in the Fraser Valley, our clients choose Alpine Legal Services Law Corporation for our professionalism, approachability, responsiveness, and ability to make the legal process smooth from start to finish. We do not pay for reviews, and we do not offer discounts for reviews; our reviews are genuine and reflect our commitment to excellence and long-term client relationships. We are proud to have the trust and support of the local community.
Posted on Joel SidaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent communication and expertise in the Real Estate side that I deal with. Highly recommendedPosted on colleen crippsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and everything went smoothly.Posted on Amal-Sher KurbanovTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fast and good service, will recommend using themPosted on GeoffTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Used Alpine service for recent purchase of new house. Excellent work answer all my questions and closure went smoothly. Would recommend to others needing assistance.Posted on Melissa ChestertonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Easy and seamless real estate transaction.Posted on Diane LavigneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. so happy I picked this notary..the bestPosted on teresa williamsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We just refinanced our home and used Alpine Legal Services. We were very pleased with their service. Ana was very professional and reviewed all the documents that we needed to sign. Everything was completed with ease and precision. It was a pleasure dealing with this firm.
Get Trusted Business Legal Support
Whether you’re starting a new venture or managing ongoing legal needs, Alpine Legal Services is here to help. Contact our team today to discuss your business law requirements and receive clear, practical legal guidance you can rely on.
