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Back ASSET PROTECTION Preserving wealth can be difficult. Your assets can be affected by legal risks that you and your loved ones might be exposed to. We can help with creating planning strategies designed to protect your individual assets. HOW WE CAN HELP: Evaluate legal risks your assets are exposed to Design and implement a comprehensive asset protection plan Create a strategy to protect your assets for multiple generations Successful people know that preserving wealth is sometimes more difficult than creating it. The risk exposure of your assets is largely determined by financial and managerial decisions, but it can also be affected by legal risks you and your loved ones might be exposed to. Originally developed for professionals, business owners, and investors, asset protection services are now just as important for ordinary people seeking to preserve the wealth accumulated during their productive life. Widespread use of personal guaranties by banks and creditors has created overwhelming personal exposure for most business owners and investors. Several factors have increased the need for proper asset protection planning, including professional and personal liability, frequent abuses of the legal system, and aggressive tactics employed by unscrupulous creditors and other third parties. A proper asset protection analysis will evaluate present solvency issues and identify the best legal structure for allocating and holding your assets, using multiple tools and techniques available under law. Unfortunately, there are common misconceptions about the security of home equity, 401k, IRA, and 529 plans, insurance and annuity products, trusts, joint checking accounts, and various other assets and investment vehicles. For that reason, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with holding or transferring your assets without proper planning. While it is important to consider which assets can be placed beyond the reach of creditors, it is also critical to understand whether the assets will be afforded the same protections when transferred to your beneficiaries as a part of your estate. At Buschkin Law Firm, we will assess the risks and help you with the development and implementation of a comprehensive asset protection plan. We will show you how to protect your business, your property, and your personal assets for you and your loved ones. Contact If you are in the US or planning to come to the US and would like to schedule a consultation, let's connect. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE INITIAL CONSULTATION OR EMAIL US ‬ CALL US

Back ELDER CARE AND ESTATE PLANNING Many years ago, planning for the future meant retirement and estate planning. In recent years, planning for the future has taken on new meaning. It now includes planning for long-term care. This change in society is a result of an aging population Living beyond the normal retirement age as a result of advanced medical care, better nutrition, and increased exercise. In order to address the needs of this new paradigm, families need to consider the cost of long-term care and how they are going to pay for it. Our services cover Wills and Trusts, Asset Protection, Special Needs Planning, Medicaid, Adult Guardianship, Probate, Estate and Trust Administration. Our dedication to the areas of Elder Law and Estate Planning is founded in our appreciation of life and family values. Our process is tailored to the needs of our clients and is always focused on what is important to you. It is designed to ensure that you have an estate plan that actually works and your experience with our process is pleasant and stress-free. We believe in creating value for our clients through compassionate and competent representation in every matter we undertake. WHY CHOOSE US? Estate planning and elder law issues are ultimately about family. Whether you want to protect your family after you are gone, ensure the best care for your aging parents, or enforce the wishes of a deceased loved one, you want to work with attorneys who understand that families can be complicated and that every client deserves their utmost respect and undivided attention. At Buschkin Law Firm, we are committed to providing your family with the best possible estate planning legal services. When you work with us, you can expect: Care and compassion. We relate to our clients on a personal level and are always completely honest, straightforward, and authentic in our interactions. Responsiveness. We are committed to answering questions and responding to clients’ needs as quickly as possible, but we also take the time to get to know each of our clients and their families so that we can find the solutions that work best for them. The comfort that our work brings to our clients and their families is the passion that drives us to provide results-driven legal services with a personal touch. Making decisions about what you want for your family members, your home, and your assets should you become debilitated or die is extremely difficult and intensely personal. You need to work with attorneys you can trust to thoroughly explain your options and address your concerns with compassion and empathy. We provide a level of personal attention that is unmatched, treating our clients with the utmost respect and concern. Buschkin Law Firm makes an effort to look at your entire life to help you build a plan or litigate an issue in a way that meets your personal goals. We do not see estate planning and elder law clients in terms of single transactions, but rather as an opportunity to build a long-term relationship. SERVICES ESTATE PLANNING Planning is the key in preserving your assets. We help clients design and implement strategies that provide for the administration and disposition of assets during your life and in the event of incapacity or death. Read More SPECIAL NEEDS Beneficiaries with disabilities and special needs require special consideration in your estate planning. With the right planning, you can protect your most vulnerable loved ones in the event of your incapacity or death. Read More WILLS We can assist you with drafting a Will and help your family to safeguard the interests of your beneficiaries during the probate process. Read More ESTATE & TRUST ADMINISTRATION We work with family members who have been appointed trustee, executor, or personal representative of their loved one’s estate, as well as professional fiduciaries who serve in that capacity. Read More MEDICAID Long-term care can be financially devastating and deplete your life savings. We can help you create a plan that will allow you to stay in control of your life and protect your assets for the people you love. Read More ASSET PROTECTION Preserving wealth can be difficult. Your assets can be affected by legal risks that you and your loved ones might be exposed to. We can help with creating planning strategies designed to protect your individual assets. Read More PROBATE & PROBATE AVOIDANCE Protect your loved ones from the hardship of distributing your estate, or get help managing the estate of a loved one. Read More GUARDIANSHIP It’s always best to be prepared. Make tough times easier on your family by setting up advance directives. In an emergency, assign your own guardian. Read More Contact If you are in the US or planning to come to the US and would like to schedule a consultation, let's connect. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE INITIAL CONSULTATION OR EMAIL US ‬ CALL US

Back SERVICES IMMIGRATION LAW READ MORE FAMILY LAW AND DIVORCE LAW READ MORE ELDER CARE & ESTATE PLANNING READ MORE RESTAURANT LAW READ MORE REAL ESTATE LAW READ MORE FRANCHISE LAW READ MORE BUSINESS LITIGATION READ MORE BUY/SELL A BUSINESS READ MORE Contact If you are in the US or planning to come to the US and would like to schedule a consultation, let's connect. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE INITIAL CONSULTATION OR EMAIL US ‬ CALL US

Back REAL ESTATE ASPECTS OF FRANCHISING With our help, you'll be able to find the perfect location for your business. We are an expert team that can easily analyze and negotiate any lease or sublet agreement. We will make you aware of clauses that can cost you money over the term of your lease; tax clauses, common area maintenance clauses, percentage increases, and percentage overage clauses. We will advise you of the ramifications of these provisions and help you negotiate them. We will ensure that your right to assign or sublet is not overly restrictive. What about lease guarantees and “good guy” guarantees? We can help you protect yourself in these areas. We will help you negotiate your “work letter,” your construction contract, and your construction (or acquisition) financing loan agreement. Dollars count. Let us help you to save them. Contact If you are in the US or planning to come to the US and would like to schedule a consultation, let's connect. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE INITIAL CONSULTATION OR EMAIL US ‬ CALL US

Acerca de Back START-UP LAW We'll help you power up your start-up with expert legal advice At Buschkin Law Firm, we excel in assisting with business sales and purchases. Our expertise lies in working closely with your accountant to ensure tax efficiency and minimize liability exposure. We skillfully negotiate the most favorable terms for our clients, while also alerting them to any potential issues. Our commitment to building strong client relationships is a key factor in our ability to contribute to their growth and success. Entity Formation: Law firms can help start-ups select the appropriate legal structure, such as LLC, corporation, or partnership, based on factors like liability protection, tax implications, and ownership structure. Intellectual Property Protection: Start-ups often possess valuable intellectual property (IP) assets, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. A law firm can help with the process of registering and protecting these assets to prevent infringement and ensure exclusivity. Contracts and Agreements: Law firms can draft, review, and negotiate various contracts critical to start-ups, including customer agreements, vendor contracts, partnership agreements, employment contracts, and more. These documents help define the terms of business relationships and protect the interests of the start-up. Funding and Investment: For start-ups seeking funding, law firms can assist in preparing investment documents like term sheets and shareholder agreements, ensuring compliance with securities laws and regulations. Regulatory Compliance: Start-ups often operate in regulated industries. Law firms can guide them through the complex landscape of regulatory requirements, helping them stay compliant with laws related to data protection, consumer rights, industry-specific regulations, and more Licensing and Regulatory Approvals: Some start-ups require licenses or approvals to operate legally in certain industries. A law firm can help navigate the application process and ensure compliance. Exit Strategies: As start-ups grow, they may consider exit strategies like mergers, acquisitions, or IPOs. A law firm can provide guidance on the legal aspects of such transactions, ensuring a smooth transition and favorable terms. Contact If you are in the US or planning to come to the US and would like to schedule a consultation, let's connect. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE INITIAL CONSULTATION OR EMAIL US ‬ CALL US

Back AREA DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS Area Development Agreements provide a special challenge: What are the “criteria” that must be met in order to keep to the development schedule? What happens to existing locations if the remaining schedule is not met? Will they have protected areas and if so, what will they be? If a default occurs with respect to one of your units, will it affect your other (non-defaulting) units or not? Who will be obligated with respect to the Development Agreement and what will the extent of responsibility be? With our help, you can address all these and other issues in your Area Development Agreement. Contact If you are in the US or planning to come to the US and would like to schedule a consultation, let's connect. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE INITIAL CONSULTATION OR EMAIL US ‬ CALL US

Back FRANCHISE LAW Whether taking a proactive role in helping clients to prevent future disputes, representing members of an organization in a corporate dissolution, or handling complex business litigation in a state or federal court – Buschkin Law Firm prides itself on providing clients with uncompromising advocacy and respected professionalism in all aspects of legal representation. If you are looking to buy a franchise, then caution should be exercised before leaping into the opportunity so as to avoid potential risks. Understand the commitment you are undertaking and your rights and obligations as a franchisee. Buschkin Law Firm can help in all aspects of franchise law. If you are a potential franchisee, your business documents are key. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that they are valid, comprehensive and fair before you make a purchase decision. At Buschkin Law Firm, through meticulous contract review and negotiation, we will work to protect your interests. The trademark is the cornerstone of what you are buying with a franchise investment. Our Firm will check that the trademark is a live, valid, federally registered trademark. This process involves checking state records to ensure there will be no trademark infringement claim brought against you. We will also learn about the background of the people and company along with the franchisor’s litigation and bankruptcy disclosures, among other records. In addition, we will review the terms of the franchise agreement and explain the franchisor’s obligations to the franchisees and vice versa. At Buschkin Law Firm, we are prepared to put our experience and insight to work for you as you enter into the world of franchise ownership. Franchise law encompasses rules and regulations at both the state and federal levels. It is essential to have someone on your side who understands this complex network and the impact these laws may have on your business venture. When you come to us, we will provide comprehensive, personalized representation at every stage of the process. This includes setting up your legal entity for you and helping negotiate the commercial lease for your business. Franchise Disclosure Document Read More Franchise Rule Read More Contact If you are in the US or planning to come to the US and would like to schedule a consultation, let's connect. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE INITIAL CONSULTATION OR EMAIL US ‬ CALL US SERVICES SETTING UP A FRANCHISE SYSTEM Read More FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE ISSUES Read More BUYING A FRANCHISE Read More SELLING A FRANCHISE Read More FRANCHISEE ASSOCIATIONS Read More DISPUTE RESOLUTION Read More AREA DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS Read More PROTECTED MARKETING AREAS Read More REAL ESTATE ASPECTS OF FRANCHISING Read More STRUCTURING BUSINESS ENTITIES Read More

Back Immigrant Investor Program The EB5 visa offers US permanent residency in exchange for a minimum $900,000 investment in the United States. It is one of the fastest and most effective routes to a Green Card, which offers freedom to live, work, study or retire anywhere in America. The government makes 10,000 of these green cards available every year and, so far, the number of applicants has always been below the cap. The key advantage of this Visa is the speed with which you can get a green card. The downside is that it is a very complex legal area and the Visa petition requires extensive documentation. Also, the EB-5 Visa requires a substantial investment. Requirements & Eligibility There are 5 main criteria to get an EB-5 Visa. They are as follows: You must invest or be actively in the process of investing either $1,800,000 or $900,000 (the lower, $900,000 investment is permitted in rural or high unemployment settings, which are also known as “targeted employment areas,” or “TEA”) You must show that the funds come from a legitimate source The entire amount of the investment must be active or at risk (this means that you cannot just be thinking about buying a business, and you have to put up capital that could be lost) You must make the investment in a “new” or “existing business enterprise” (this allows you to create your own business or buy one); and You must demonstrate that the investment directly or indirectly results in the creation or preservation of ten full time jobs. If you can meet these criteria, you are well on your way to getting an EB-5 Visa. The process, though, is not simple, and you will need a qualified lawyer (and perhaps an accountant) to navigate through this complex area. When filing your petition you must apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) and submit a number of required documents including: immigration forms, personal financial information, business plans, a legal brief summarizing how you have met all of the elements of the statute, and other supporting evidence. CAPITAL INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS Capital means cash, equipment, inventory, other tangible property, cash equivalents, and indebtedness secured by assets owned by immigrant investors, if they are personally and primarily liable and the assets of the new commercial enterprise upon which the petition is based are not used to secure any of the indebtedness. All capital will be valued at fair-market value in U.S. dollars. Assets acquired, directly or indirectly, by unlawful means (such as criminal activities) will not be considered capital. Immigrant investors must establish that they are the legal owner of the capital invested. Capital can include their promise to pay (a promissory note) under certain circumstances. The minimum investment amounts by filing date and investment location are: A targeted employment area can be, at the time of investment, either: A Rural Area: any area other than an area within a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) having a population of 20,000 or more An Area with high unemployment: Where the new commercial enterprise is principally doing business and the area has experienced an average unemployment rate of at least 150% of the national average unemployment rate. JOB CREATION REQUIREMENTS An EB-5 investor must invest the required amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise that will create full-time positions for at least 10 qualifying employees. Direct investment: not located within a regional center, must itself be the employer of the qualifying employees. Regional center: can directly or indirectly create full-time positions by creating: Direct jobs that establish an employer-employee relationship between the new commercial enterprise and the persons it employs. Indirect jobs created as a result of the new commercial enterprise. Troubled business: investors may rely on job maintenance. Must show that the number of existing employees is, or will be, no less than the pre-investment level for a period of at least two years. Application Process There are a number of steps that investors must complete to get a green card through the EB-5 visa program. The process is complicated, but if you have the funds, this is an excellent way for someone and their family to get green cards and ultimately become U.S. citizens. Here are the 5 (five) key steps to get an EB-5 Visa: Step 1: Find The Appropriate Investment “Project” Individual investor must locate an investment project or business on their own Investors can invest through “Regional Centers” Regional Center Pilot Program: investors can act more as passive investors and contribute funds to government-recognized entities Step 2: Make a Capital Investment and Your Attorney Files an I-526 Petition Invest the required investment amount in the project that they have chosen Often made into an escrow account I-526 Petition: Prove creation of 10 full time jobs, usually supported by a comprehensive business plan Prove that the funds came from a legitimate source Step 3: Request for Information An EB-5 Visa petition is an extremely complex and document-intensive petition New enterprise: the exact nature or basis of the financial data or strategy may not be apparent Government often requests additional information from applicants after the I-526 has been filed Step 4: Apply For A Conditional Green Card (Part 1) One of requirements for EB-5 is hiring 10 full-time U.S. workers Government will issue you a conditional green card for two years At the end of the two years: prove that you have hired the required employees Eligible for this conditional green card once their I-526 petition has been approved Step 5: Removal of Conditions on the Green Card (Part 2) File an I-829 petition 90 days prior to the anniversary of the date that the applicant first received their conditional residency Government usually issues a permanent green card around 6 months Wait for “USCIS” and Department of State to schedule an interview Before getting “official” green card, it has conditions imposed for a two-year period COMMON QUESTIONS WHAT ARE PHYSICAL PRESENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR EB-5 INVESTORS? There is no 180-day rule. If you have a green card, you are expected to live here and pay taxes. You are allowed to be abroad for a few months with good reason. If you out for more than one year, the green card is technically terminated. For this reason, you should apply for a re-entry permit which authorizes absences of up to two years, if approved. HOW CAN I TRAVEL WITH MY EB-5 I-829 RECEIPT NOTICE IN THE ABSENCE OF A GREEN CARD? The I-829 receipt extends your evidence of green card status for 18 months. Take a copy of the PR card, I-90 receipt and I-829 receipt. If you can get another passport stamp, get that, but they are hard to get these days. Contact If you are in the US or planning to come to the US and would like to schedule a consultation, let's connect. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE INITIAL CONSULTATION OR EMAIL US ‬ CALL US

Back STRUCTURING BUSINESS ENTITIES: Relationships Among Principals Which entity works for your business? S Corporation, C Corporation, Limited Partnership, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Not-For-Profit Corporation? We will help you and your accountant make this decision and we will form your entity for you. You should have an agreement among yourselves to ensure that all of the issues are covered in order for you or any partner/shareholders who wish so be able represent themselves properly during matters at court. Issues covered in the agreement can be: How are decisions made? How will money be invested? What happens if one of the principals wants to sell his or her interest in the business What happens if a principal becomes disabled, or dies; how will his or her interest in the business be dealt with? You may be in need of our help to understand these and other issues. We're here for you with any task that requires discussion or negotiation. Contact If you are in the US or planning to come to the US and would like to schedule a consultation, let's connect. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE INITIAL CONSULTATION OR EMAIL US ‬ CALL US

Back Specialty Occupations The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits a company to hire workers in specialty occupations. This visa category requires that the beneficiary (the foreign worker) has a bachelor’s degree, and the petitioner (the U.S. company) can employ the worker for up to six years. This is a very popular visa because, unlike many other non-immigrant visas that make applying for a green card very difficult and require foreign workers to maintain a residence in their home country, the H-1B visa permits “dual intent.” Dual intent allows one to apply for a green card while in the U.S. without running into problems. Requirements and eligibility QUALIFICATIONS LABOR CONDITION APPLICATION (LCA) Prospective specialty occupation and distinguished fashion model employers/agents must obtain a certification of an LCA from the DOL. The application requires the employer/agent to attest that it will comply with the following labor requirements: The employer/agent will pay the H-1B worker a wage which is no less than the wage paid to similarly qualified workers or, if greater, the prevailing wage for the position in the geographic area in which the H-1B worker will be working. The employer/agent will provide working conditions that will not adversely affect other similarly employed workers. At the time of the labor condition application there is no strike or lockout at the place of employment. Notice of the filing of the labor condition application with the DOL has been given to the union bargaining representative or has been posted at the place of employment. Application Process Processing times and Period of Stay/Extension of Stay Labor certification is done prior to filing the H-1B petition, and it usually takes about 2 weeks to get an answer from the Department of Labor. Premium processing is available and you can have an answer in 15 calendar days. Premium processing will cost you an additional $1,440, but it is generally well worth it to keep your place in line. Family of H-1B Visa holders H-1B visa holders can bring their spouse and children under 21 years of age to the U.S. under the H-4 visa category as dependents. While dependents are permitted to remain in the U.S., an H-4 visa holder is not eligible to work in the U.S. They can, however, attend school, obtain a driver’s license, and open a bank account while in the U.S. The spouse of H-1B non-immigrants can file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, as long as the H-1B non-immigrant has already started the process of seeking employment-based lawful permanent resident status. Contact If you are in the US or planning to come to the US and would like to schedule a consultation, let's connect. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE INITIAL CONSULTATION OR EMAIL US ‬ CALL US

Back Labor Condition Application The Labor Condition Application is a form that a sponsoring employer files with the Department of Labor on behalf of any H-1B employees that the employer may be hiring. It is often one of the first steps that a sponsoring employer must take when trying to hire an H-1B employee. Without an LCA, the employer cannot file the I-129 petition for the H-1B visa. LCA Attestations A well-prepared LCA contains four different attestations from the employer. The attestation is a factual statement supported with evidence. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor requires employers to provide and maintain documentation supporting that the following four main labor conditions have been met: Application process To get an LCA, your employer needs to file an ETA 9035 with the Department of Labour long before the beginning of the H-1B filing window. This way, you can avoid the risk of having the two overlap, causing you to miss the filing window. If your H-1B LCA is denied, the DOL will provide you with the reasons for the denial in the notice. It is not likely that an LCA denial can be appealed or motioned, but this obstacle can be overcome by fixing these problems and refiling before the H-1B filing window in April. This is why it is important to obtain an LCA well before the start of the filing season. Processing times and Period of Stay/Extension of Stay The typical processing time is 7 days, but this can easily vary from case to case based on how busy the DOL is at the time, when dealing with bureaucracy, you have to factor in delays or high volume periods. The initial validity period for the H-1B Labour Condition Application is three years, just like the H-1B. Some factors that can shorten this are: Termination of H-1B status Strike or lockout at place of work. If an employer becomes H-1B dependent, this can have a negative impact on the LCA. Contact If you are in the US or planning to come to the US and would like to schedule a consultation, let's connect. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE INITIAL CONSULTATION OR EMAIL US ‬ CALL US