When forming a new business, it is essential to have a written agreement that outlines the legal and operational details. In the case of a limited liability company (LLC), this agreement is called the operating agreement. The operating agreement is a crucial document that governs the management, membership, and operation of the LLC. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at what a business operating agreement looks like.
Cover Page
The operating agreement typically starts with a cover page that contains the name of the LLC, the date of its formation, and the names of its members. It may also include other information, such as the purpose of the LLC and its principal place of business.
Table of Contents
The operating agreement should have a table of contents that lists the sections of the agreement and their page numbers. This helps readers to quickly locate the information they need.
Introduction
The introduction of the operating agreement should provide an overview of the LLC, its purpose, and how it will be managed. This section may also include the state laws that govern the LLC.
Membership
The membership section of the operating agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of the members. It includes information such as how new members can be admitted, how members can transfer their ownership interest, and how members can withdraw from the LLC.
Management
The management section of the operating agreement outlines how the LLC will be managed. It includes information on the powers and duties of the members and managers, as well as how decisions will be made and meetings will be conducted.
Capital Contributions
The capital contributions section of the operating agreement outlines the amount of money or property that each member will contribute to the LLC, as well as when and how these contributions will be made. It also covers the distribution of profits and losses among the members.
Dissolution
The dissolution section of the operating agreement outlines the process for dissolving the LLC. It includes the circumstances under which the LLC will be dissolved, how the assets will be distributed, and how debts and liabilities will be addressed.
Amendments
The amendments section of the operating agreement outlines the process for changing the agreement. It includes the procedures for proposing and approving amendments, as well as how amendments will be recorded and communicated to the members.
Signatures
The operating agreement should be signed by all members of the LLC. This confirms their agreement to the terms outlined in the document.
In conclusion, a business operating agreement is an essential document that outlines the legal and operational details of an LLC. It is crucial to have this agreement in place to govern the management, membership, and operation of the business. Understanding what a business operating agreement looks like is an essential first step in creating a rock-solid foundation for your LLC.