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Acerca de Back SELLING OR BUYING A BUSINESS Sale or Acquisition of a Business The sale or purchase of a business is a milestone for many owners, representing the culmination of years of work and planning Buschkin Law Firm can help structure the deal, collaborating with your accountant or other tax advisor so that it is tax efficient and minimizes liability exposure, alert you to potential problems and uncertainties that may arise from financing or regulatory hurdles, and negotiate the most favourable terms for you. At Buschkin Law Firm, we want to have a closer relationship with our clients and be a more integral part of the team, we cherish these relationships, and feel honoured that these companies have chosen us to be a part of their growth and success. Comprehensive Counsel Before the actual purchase of a business, it is important that due diligence is completed. This includes thoroughly investigating the company that you are interested in purchasing, reviewing major contracts, documentation, leases, and more to ensure that there are no major problems or surprises that will occur after the purchase is made. The outcome of due diligence often has a significant impact on the price that you pay, as well as the terms and conditions. We can help you through this process and make sure that you are fully informed about what you are acquiring before any finalizations are made. What we do At Buschkin Law Firm, we handle all the legal aspects of buying or selling your company. FOR BUYERS: Reviewing & negotiating the Purchase & Sale Agreement. Explaining the Purchase & Sale Agreement to the buyer. Conducting due diligence to ensure that the Company is legally registered and will not be violating any leases or contracts upon the transfer of ownership. Ordering a lien & judgment search to determine that there are no liens, judgments or tax liens against the company or the seller. Corresponding with the seller’s attorney & other parties. Preparing & reviewing all legal documents for the closing. Representing the buyer at closing. FOR SELLERS: Preparation & negotiation of the Purchase & Sale Agreement. Explaining the Purchase & Sale Agreement to the seller. Corresponding with the buyer’s attorney & other parties. Preparing & reviewing all legal documents for the closing. Escrowing of funds. Representing the seller at closing. If you are the buyer, you face the following risks if you do not retain an attorney: Business may not be legally registered. Business is or may be in violation of state or federal laws, in breach of existing contracts and may be in breach of its existing leases if the transfer is not properly conducted. Seller or the business may have liens or judgments that might be your responsibility upon the transfer of the business. Seller might be past due on taxes and the obligation to pay might fall on you If you are the seller, you face the following risks if you do not retain an attorney: Documents that you sign may put an obligation on you to be responsible for the business in the future, even if you will no longer be running the business or deriving a profit from it. If you have a lease, you probably made a personal guarantee. If the buyer stops paying rent in the future, you will still be personally liable. An arrangement for the buyer to pay in instalments may not go as planned. How will you be protected if the buyer stops paying? The buyer’s attorney will want you to prepare certain legal documents for the transfer. Are you able to prepare them without an attorney? 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 MEDICAID PLANNING 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. HOW WE CAN HELP YOU: Assist in obtaining government benefits to pay for skilled nursing and in-home care Protect your assets for yourself and your family Navigate through the maze of rules and regulations There are many misconceptions about Medicaid qualification and the “spend down” process. With proper planning, you don’t have to lose everything to a nursing home if you, your spouse, or your parent is in need of long-term care. At Buschkin Law Firm, we understand the difficulties our clients and their families are faced with at the time of a crisis, as well as the level of stress associated with it. Our narrow focus on Elder Law and Estate Planning allows us to develop a solution that alleviates the burden on a client and his or her family. By combining Estate Planning with end-of-life advocacy, our goal is to protect the elderly and disabled, the most vulnerable groups among us. Upon getting to know you and your family, your health care needs, your values, and your preferences, we will work together on developing an estate plan that is right for you and your loved ones. As such, we assist senior citizens and their families on matters related to Medicaid and VA qualifications, guardianships, special needs, and disability planning, and more. When a crisis happens, you need an experienced attorney who you can trust to help you navigate through the convoluted world of wills, trusts and estates, and related government regulations. We will be by your side to plan for the future and protect what is truly important to you. COMMON QUESTIONS WHAT IS MEDICAID PLANNING? Most people know Medicaid as the government medical assistance program for people under a certain income level. Where Medicare pays for doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions, it does not cover long-term nursing homes or in-home care for the elderly. Medicaid is a valuable tool that can be used to pay for a nursing home or in-home care if the person’s countable assets are below a certain amount. DO I NEED TO PLAN FOR MEDICAID NOW? Unfortunately, 2 out of 3 senior citizens will need long-term care at some point. Although no one wants to believe that they will need nursing home care, the reality is that many of us will. If you or a loved one is a senior citizen, it is important to visit an estate planning or elder law attorney who can help walk you through the estate planning process. Because Medicaid considers gifts and other transfers you make (including those made to trusts) within five years of the date you apply for Medicaid, it is important to begin Medicaid planning early, before you and your spouse are actually in need of long-term care. 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 Extraordinary Ability Anyone who can demonstrate that they have achieved a certain level of success and recognition in their respective field may qualify for a merit-based visa. You must be able to demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim. Your achievements must be recognized in your field through extensive documentation. No offer of employment is required. This is the highest level of visa classification and USCIS looks very closely to determine that you have received or been nominated for a major industry award or meet at least 3 of the ten “alternate” criteria Requirements & Eligibility Step one is to assess whether you meet the specified number of criteria outlined below. If the answer to that question is yes, USCIS will perform a subjective, qualitative assessment of whether you are “exceptional.” In order to apply for this category, you must meet 3 out of the 10 criteria listed below: Evidence of receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence Evidence of your membership in associations in the field which demand outstanding achievement of their members Evidence of published material about you in professional or major trade publications or other major media Evidence that you have been asked to judge the work of others, either individually or on a panel Evidence of your original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field Evidence of your authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media Evidence that your work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases Evidence of your performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations Evidence that you command a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field Evidence of your commercial successes in the performing arts ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY CLASSIFICATION Sustained National or International Acclaim: In determining whether the beneficiary has enjoyed "sustained" national or international acclaim, the officer should consider that such acclaim must be maintained. However, the term sustained does not imply an age limit on the beneficiary. A beneficiary may be very young or early in his or her career and still be able to show sustained acclaim. There is also no definitive time frame on what constitutes sustained. If a person was recognized for a particular achievement, the officer should determine whether the person continues to maintain a comparable level of acclaim in the field of expertise since the person was originally afforded that recognition. A person may, for example, have achieved national or international acclaim in the past but then failed to maintain a comparable level of acclaim thereafter. Continuing to Work in the Area of Expertise: In general, if a beneficiary has clearly achieved recent national or international acclaim as an athlete and has sustained that acclaim in the field of coaching or managing at a national level, officers can consider the totality of the evidence as establishing an overall pattern of sustained acclaim and extraordinary ability such that USCIS can conclude that coaching is within the beneficiary’s area of expertise. Entry to Substantially Benefit the United States: Whether the petitioner demonstrates that the person’s employment meets this requirement requires a fact-dependent assessment of the case. There is no standard rule as to what will substantially benefit the United States. In some cases, a Request for Evidence (RFE) may be appropriate if an officer is not yet satisfied that the petitioner has met this requirement. EVIDENCE OF EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY In general, the petitioner must submit evidence that: The person has sustained national or international acclaim; and The person’s achievements have been recognized in the field of expertise. The evidence provided in support of the petition must ultimately establish that the beneficiary "is one of that small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field of endeavour." Letters of Endorsement The statements made by the witnesses should be corroborated by documentary evidence in the record. The letters should explain in specific terms why the witnesses believe the beneficiary to be of the calibre of a person with extraordinary ability. It is generally expected that one whose accomplishments have garnered sustained national or international acclaim would have received recognition for his or her accomplishments well beyond the circle of his or her personal and professional acquaintances Two-Step Analysis of Evidence Evaluating Petitions Filed on Behalf of O-1 Non-immigrants Eligibility as an O-1 non-immigrant does not automatically establish eligibility for immigrant extraordinary ability classification. Each petition is separate and independent and must be adjudicated on its own merits, under the corresponding statutory and regulatory provisions. Officers issuing denials in such cases should provide a brief discussion as to why, notwithstanding the previous O-1 non-immigrant visa petition approval, the petitioner has failed to meet its burden to establish the beneficiary’s eligibility for approval of the immigrant petition for classification as a person with extraordinary ability. Application process For all of EB1 visas you must file form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker. For visa EB-1(a) you may petition for yourself. The I-140 is filed with USCIS and, depending on whether or not the green card is current, an I-485 form can be filed. This application can also be done while outside of the U.S., a process by which the I-140 is filed with USCIS and the applicant receives the green card through consular processing. Through this process, once I-140 is approved, schedule an appointment with the U.S. consulate or embassy in the home country to have an interview with a consular officer. Here you should bring the printed completion of DS-260 online immigrant application. If eligible,a package will be given. Do not open this packet, this will be given at the port of entry when inspected. 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 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 (corporate trustees and professional guardians) who serve in that capacity. HOW WE CAN HELP: Advise trustees on legal aspects of trust administration Ensure that distributions are carried out according to the wishes of the grantor Navigate through the maze of rules and regulations Our level of involvement is different depending on the case: while some clients need only minimal guidance on their duties and legal obligation as personal representatives and trustees, others desire additional engagement from their attorneys. We will accommodate both types of demands for services. TRUST ADMINISTRATION Trust administration refers to the trustees’ management of trust property according to the trust document’s terms and for the benefit of the beneficiaries after the settlor’s death. Many steps are required to safeguard effective administration. It is recommended to work with an attorney to help facilitate the process for the trustees throughout the process. ESTATE ADMINISTRATION Whenever a person dies, his or her estate needs to be collected and managed. Estate administration involves gathering the assets of the estate, paying the decedent's debts, and distributing the remaining assets. Without a basic understanding of the estate administration process, the whole experience can be pretty overwhelming. We advise trustees on legal issues related to trust administration. With our knowledge, we offer our clients the tools they need to make difficult decisions and fulfill their fiduciary obligations to the beneficiaries. Having a properly drafted and funded trust may help you avoid the stressful and complex probate process. But even when the courts are not involved in overseeing the administration of a trust, the trustee nevertheless has many of the same responsibilities as a representative in probate proceedings. The trustee has a duty to appropriately administer the trust, which includes notifying trust beneficiaries, collecting and investing trust assets, paying debts, and addressing tax issues. Fulfilling these requirements often takes significant time, effort, and knowledge of law. At Buschkin Law Firm, we understand that many trustees have little experience serving as a fiduciary. Our goal is to make this process as simple as possible. 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 E2 - Treaty Investors There are many ways to live and work in the U.S. However, the E-2 represents one of the few ways to build your own business as a foreign entrepreneur. The process of obtaining this visa is relatively uncomplicated compared to popular visas like the H-1B, but qualifying is a different story. Find out what you need to be eligible for the E-2 treaty investor visa. E-2 treaty investor visas are non-immigrant visas reserved for foreign entrepreneurs of countries that have a Treaty of Trade and Commerce with the U.S. Essentially what this visa does is enable the foreign investor to develop or carry out the investment/ trade activities of the business. Processing times and Period of Stay/Extension of Stay An E-2 visa is a very document-intensive petition. In addition to a number of government forms, the visa requires the submission of a binder full of documentation that is often quite lengthy. Once the documentation is prepared, the processing time depends on the processing time at the consulate that is located in the applicant’s country. This could range from 3 weeks to 3 months (or longer). Qualified treaty investors and employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of two years. Requests for extension of stay in, or changes of status to, E-2 classification may be granted in increments of up to two years each. There is no limit to the number of extensions an E-2 non-immigrant may be granted. All E-2 non-immigrants, however, must maintain an intention to depart the United States when their status expires or is terminated. An E-2 non-immigrant who travels abroad may generally be granted, if determined admissible by a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Officer, an automatic two-year period of readmission when returning to the United States. Requirements & Eligibility YOU MUST BE A NATIONAL OF A TREATY COUNTRY Only available to people from the countries that the U.S. has a Treaty with. Many Western countries are on the list but there are also countries from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East on the list . YOU MUST HAVE INVESTED OR BE ACTIVELY IN THE PROCESS OF INVESTING IN THE ENTERPRISE In order to satisfy this part of the test, you must fulfil three requirements. Show Legitimate Possession and Control of the Funds Must invest funds that you have obtained by lawful means Must prove to the government that you either saved the money, were given the money as a gift, or legitimately earned the money To prove this you need tax returns, bank statements, investment accounts, and more All Funds Invested Must Be “At Risk” and Irrevocably Committed All of the assets invested must be personal assets subject to risk of loss Loans are fine but you must be on the hook if there is a loss and this requirement forces you to sign contracts and/or spend money prior to the approval of the Visa At-risk money does include credit card debt or other loans as long as those debts are not secured by business assets or in the name of a limited liability business You Must Be Close to Starting the Business The U.S. government does not want to approve Visas for people who “may” set up a business in the U.S. or who have a “desire” to start a business Must be at the start up ready phase Should have a signed lease Business bank account should be set up Should have a website Should have purchased whatever you need to get the business up and running YOU MUST BE IN A POSITION TO “DEVELOP & DIRECT” THE BUSINESS WITH SKILLS You must be the one that is going to direct and run the business Must have the appropriate skill set such that the government has faith that the business will be viable Educational background and experience should suggest that you will be in a position to make the business a success YOUR INVESTMENT MUST BE SUBSTANTIAL Investment could be as low as $15,000 or as high as millions Idle cash sitting in a business account is NOT considered an investment, but the government will consider a reasonable amount of working capital as part of an investment Make sure to keep records of all of your expenditures since the government will want to see them A substantial amount of capital is: Substantial in relationship to the total cost of either purchasing an established enterprise or establishing a new one Sufficient to ensure the treaty investor’s financial commitment to the successful operation of the enterprise Of a magnitude to support the likelihood that the treaty investor will successfully develop and direct the enterprise. The lower the cost of the enterprise, the higher, proportionately, the investment must be to be considered substantial. A bona fide enterprise refers to a real, active, and operating commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking which produces services or goods for profit. It must meet applicable legal requirements for doing business within its jurisdiction. YOUR INVESTMENT & BUSINESS CANNOT BE MARGINAL Business cannot be set up so that it provides a means of living just for yourself and your family Put together a business plan that shows growth over a 5-year period or by showing that you plan to hire employees in the future. YOU MUST INTEND TO RETURN TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY AFTER EXPIRATION OF THE E-2 VISA Sign a document that indicates you plan to return home once your visa expires You do not have to show any ties to your home country Application Process There are two ways you can apply for an E-2 visa. These are described below. APPLYING FOR AN E-2 VISA WHILE IN THE U.S. (CHANGE OF STATUS) Step 1: While having another type of VISA, you can file a petition to change status to an E-2 visa with the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). Step2: The I-129 form you must file is the same form filed for many other non-immigrant visas (e.g. H-1B), and you would also complete the E-2 visa supplement. Step 3: This petition is document-intensive, and you must provide documentation to support all of the elements outlined in the E-2 visa requirements. Change of status does NOT permit you to re-enter the country the way an E-2 visa would Step 4: E-2 status is typically granted for a 2-year period. if you have dependents on your visa that are also in the U.S. (e.g. H-4) and you want to change their status, you must also file a Form I-539 APPLYING FOR AN E-2 VISA AT A CONSULATE (AN E-2 VISA) Step 1: If you are outside of the U.S., you must file a DS-160, a long application that is completed online. You must also complete a DS-156E supplement. Step 2: The documentation that you must provide is generally the same as the documentation required to file within the U.S. with USCIS. The consulate may impose some additional, specific procedural requirements. Step 3: E-2 visas are typically granted for between 2 & 5 years, and you are permitted to leave and enter the U.S. whenever you like. If you have dependents, separate DS-160 applications must be completed for them. A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING If you have been granted a change of status and leave the U.S., you must qualify for an E-visa at a consulate before re-entering. You must reapply for the E-2 from scratch and submit all supporting documentation as if the application were a new one. If you are in E-2 status as a result of a change in status, this fact will not speed up your consular adjudication or otherwise expedite your E-visa application at a consulate. Consular E-visas can be issued for 5 years whereas USCIS will only issue E-2 status for 2 years. Note that this could be particularly relevant in light of the marginality requirement of the E-2 visa. Convert E-2 visa to Green Card While no US non-immigrant visa automatically leads to a Green Card some of the common options include: E-2 AND EB-5 INVESTOR VISA PROGRAM This strategy enables an E2 investor to move to the US immediately on their E2 visa but to have the option of leveraging their US business to obtain a “green card” over the longer-term. DIRECT EB-5 If your E-2 business becomes large enough and employs enough people, it may be eligible for a Direct EB-5 visa. The minimum investment amount is $900,000 and the required number of jobs is ten. You must carefully consider the location of your business because only investments in Targeted Employment Areas are eligible for the lower $900,000 investment amount. Outside of these areas, the requirement capital doubles to $1.8 million. REGIONAL CENTER EB-5 Tying E-2 business to the requirements of the EB-5 program can be commercially restrictive, many people who pursue a Green Card from E-2 through EB-5 prefer to invest with a Regional Center instead. For example, it can be a challenge to maintain headcount to meet the EB-5 rules. Failure to do so can put your Green Card at risk. E2 AND EB1(C) FOR THE INTERNATIONAL MANAGER OR EXECUTIVE You must be a business in your home country with a qualifying relationship to your US E-2 Business and have worked at the overseas company for at least one of the three years immediately prior to moving to the United States on your E-2 Visa. You must also demonstrate an “intent to depart” when you apply for your E-2 Visa, which can conflict with plans to obtain a Green Card under EB-1c. It is vital you discuss your options with an immigration attorney at the beginning of the process. 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 Disclosure Document (FDD) The disclosure document typically used to comply with the Rule is called a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which contains categories of information about the franchise's operations such as: required fees basic investment bankruptcy and litigation history of the company how long the franchise will be in effect a financial statement of the franchisor, and earnings claims. Before you invest in any franchise you should: (a) Get a copy of the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) (b) Receive the document at least 14 days before you are asked to sign any contract or pay any money to the franchisor or an affiliate of the franchisor (c) Get a copy of the franchisor’s FDD before you spend any money to investigate the franchise offering The cover of the FDD must provide information about the available formats. Make sure you have a copy of the FDD in a format that is convenient for you and keep a copy for reference. Most important items in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) The International Franchise Association considers the six sections of the Franchise Disclosure Document to be critical pieces of information to help you evaluate a potential franchise for purchase: Item 7: Costs. Some of these costs are averages or estimates and may vary in your area. Talk to other franchisees who have been in the system for a year or more to see: (a) How much money they needed in the beginning until they became profitable. (b) How much they were able to draw from the business to support themselves. Item 11: Franchisor's obligations. Be sure you understand the services you will get before you open: (a) site selection (b) training (c) development assistance Be sure you know what services you will receive for your grand opening (marketing, advertising, field support) and what services you will receive after you begin operating your business (training, advertising, operations) Pay particular attention to those services the franchisor is obligated to provide and the services they may provide. Item 17: Renewal, termination, transfer, and dispute resolution. Take your time to understand what rights you will have and what rights you are giving up. Pay particular attention to any non-compete provisions and your obligations when the franchise relationship ends. Item 19: Financial performance representations. (a) Only 30 to 40 percent of all franchisors provide prospective franchisees with information about financial performance. (b) The next best thing to do is to talk to existing franchisees about sales and earnings potential. Item 20: Outlets and franchisee information. (a) Examine how many units the franchisor has taken back and resold. (b) If this number is high, this could indicate churning (when the franchisor takes back failed locations and markets them over and over.) (c) Pay attention to the contact information of the franchisees who have left the system, These are people you definitely want to talk to. Item 21: Financial statements. (a) Financial statements are the track record of the franchisor. You should be given copies of the franchisor's last three years' financial statements. (b) Take them to an accountant who specializes in franchising to evaluate. (c) Remember that the financial condition of the franchisor not only affects its ability to run a financially successful operation in the future, but it also determines whether it may go under and you will be left "holding the bag." (d) The two key financial statements to focus on are the balance sheet and the income statement. Make sure they are audited. Item 22: Contracts. Make sure that all the agreements listed are attached to the FDD-and read every one of them. Steps to Register a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Under the franchise laws, a franchisor must issue and properly disclose Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before offering or selling a franchise. At the federal level and, in many states, there is no requirement to register an FDD. In the 13 states referred to as the franchise registration states, a franchisor must first register its FDD with the state franchise regulator before offering or selling a franchise in the state, these states are: - California - Hawaii - Illinois - Indiana - Maryland - Michigan - Minnesota - New York - North Dakota - Rhode Island - Virginia - Washington - Wisconsin In the 9 states referred to as the franchise filing states, a franchisor must first file a notice with the designated state regulator before offering or selling a franchise within the state, these states are: - Connecticut - Florida - Kentucky - Nebraska - North Carolina - South Carolina - South Dakota - Texas - Utah THE STEPS INVOLVED IN REGISTERING YOUR FDD OR FILING YOUR FDD AT THE STATE LEVEL, INCLUDE: STEP 1. Identify the State(s) Involved in the Franchise Sale – First, determine the state(s) that are involved in your franchise sale. Factors that you should evaluate with your legal counsel include: (a) the state where the franchised business will be established; (b) the franchisee’s state of residence, (c) any state where franchise sales activities/negotiations occurred, and (d) the state from which your franchise company operates. STEP 2. Determine each States Franchise Registration and Filing Status – Determine the FDD registration and filing status of the state(s) involved in your franchise sale. STEP 3. Register / File your FDD – You must include with your application: (a) Copy of your FDD (b) Payment for the state’s registration fee. Once the application is received it will be reviewed by a state regulator. Below is a summary of the franchise registration states, the franchise filing states, the state regulators involved, how long FDD registration takes, and the application process. FRANCHISE REGISTRATION STATES - California: your FDD must be registered with the California Department of Corp orations: - Hawaii: your FDD must be registered with the Business Registration Division of the Department of Commerce and Consume r Affairs ; - Illinois: your FDD must be registered with the Franchise Bureau of the Illinois Attorn ey General ; - Indiana: your FDD must be registered with the Securities Division of the Indiana Secreta ry of State ; - Maryland: your FDD must be registered with the Maryland Atto rney General; - Michigan: you must file a notice and register with the Michigan Secre tary of State ; - Minnesota: your FDD must be registered with the Securities Division of the Minnesota Departme nt of Commerce ; - New York: your FDD must be registered with the New York A ttorney General ; - North Dakota: your FDD must be registered with the North Dakota Secur ities Department ; - Rhode Island: your FDD must be registered with the Rhode Island Department of Bu siness Regulation ; - Virginia: your FDD must be registered with Virginia Corp oration Commission ; - Washington: your FDD must be registered with the Securities Division of the Washington State Department of Fin ancial Institutions ; and - Wisconsin: your FDD must be registered with the Securities Division of the Wisconsin Department of Fi nancial Institutions . If your primary trademarks are not registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”) then you must also register your FDD in: - Connecticut: your FDD must be registered with the Connecticut Department of Banking ; - North Carolina: your FDD must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of Stat e ; - South Carolina: your FDD must be registered with the South Carolina Secretary of Sta te ; and - Maine: You must register as a business opportunity with Maine’s Office of Securit ies . FRANCHISE FILING STATES For franchisors that have a federally registered trademark: the franchise filing states are: - Florida: an annual franchise exemption must be filed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Serv ices ; - South Dakota: an annual notice must be filed with the South Dakota Dept. of Labor & Regulation ; - Utah: an annual notice must be filed with the Utah Division of Consumer protection ; - Connecticut: a one-time exemption notice must be filed with the Connecticut Department of Banking ; - Kentucky: a one-time exemption notice must be filed with the Office of the Kentucky Attorney General ; - Nebraska: a one-time exemption notice must be filed with the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance ; - North Carolina: a one-time exemption notice must be filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State ; - South Carolina: a one-time exemption notice should be filed with the South Carolina Secretary of State ; - Texas: a one-time exemption notice must be filed with the Texas Secretary of State . The additional Filing States if you do not have a federally registered trademark: - Georgia: a one-time filing of a Consent to Service of Process with the Georgia Secretary of Sta te . - Louisiana: a one-time filing of a Consent to Service of Process with the Louisiana Secretary of St ate . HOW LONG DOES FDD REGISTRATION TAKE? Timing varies from state to state and FDD registration can take anywhere from 20 days to three months depending on the completeness of your FDD and the time of year it is filed. UNIFORM FRANCHISE REGISTRATION APPLICATION There is variation among the states regarding certain disclosure requirements and supplements to the NASAA forms. Generally, your franchise registration application will include the following forms: - Uniform Franchise Registration Application page with data on the franchisor; - Certification page or “signature page”; - Consent to Service of Process; - Sales Agent Disclosure Form and the new Franchise Seller Disclosure Form; - Supplemental Information Form; - Copies of all advertising or promotional literature proposed to be used in the state; - Two paper copies of the disclosure document; - An auditors’ consent; and - Application fee. 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

About Principal Attorney Samuil Buschkin I come from a diverse background in customer-facing industries, which has shaped my approach to legal representation. I prioritize clear communication and strong working relationships with all my clients. I recognize that legal issues are often deeply personal, and I am committed to providing not only skilled advocacy but also practical solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of each client. Being an immigrant three times over, I have firsthand insight into the challenges individuals face when navigating new legal and business landscapes. Raised in a community of entrepreneurs, I gained a deep understanding of the complexities involved in running a business. This background makes me a trusted advisor to business owners seeking legal guidance. My practice areas include business law, divorce and family law, real estate transactions, and general counsel services, focusing on strategic planning and protecting my clients’ financial and personal interests. Real estate is a critical sector of the U.S. economy and often intersects with business and family law. Whether I am assisting with business formation, handling complex divorces involving significant assets, or guiding clients through real estate transactions, I offer comprehensive legal support backed by my experience and a strong professional network. Being fluent in French, Italian, Russian, German, and Spanish, I am well-equipped to serve a diverse clientele and provide legal services with cultural sensitivity and understanding. Samuil earned a degree in hospitality management from Hotel Institute Montreux and New Hampshire College and has experience operating retail businesses, car rentals, hospitality establishments and understands contractual problems, vendor relations, employment relations, franchising, real estate acquisitions and commercial leasing from both a business and legal perspective. Samuil is licensed in NY and NJ and is currently a member of the New York State Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers' Association, the New Jersey State Bar association, and the NK Association of Professional Mediators. He believes in the following maxim: Value is measured in results. For skilled legal counsel in business law, divorce, real estate, trust and estates, as well as general counsel services, you can contact me, Samuil Buschkin, for a consultation. Back 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 RESTAURANT LAW The restaurant industry is an essential part of the economy in New York and New Jersey, if you own one or more restaurants in New York and New Jersey, you understand the complexity of state and federal laws governing the restaurant industry. Failure to stay in compliance with these regulations can result in your inability to operate your restaurant for a period of time, lawsuits, or even the closure of your restaurant, which is why a business law attorney knowledgeable in restaurant law at your side is essential. At Buschkin Law Firm, we understand the competitive and fast-paced nature of the restaurant industry in New York and New Jersey , we are prepared to help you navigate any legal issues that arise. We understand how time-consuming owning a restaurant is for our clients, we stay on top of all developing state and federal laws affecting business owners so our clients don’t have to do so. As long as the Food Safety Modernization Act and others are created and applied, we stay abreast of developments and advise our clients on the practical impact these laws will have on the restaurant business. FRANCHISING IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY If you’re considering purchasing a restaurant franchise or would like to franchise your restaurant, working with an experienced attorney is essential. With Buschkin Law Firm on your side, you can rest assured that your personal and business interests will be represented and protected. We can help you draft your franchise or dealer agreement in a way that protects you and your investments. Our law firm can also help you resolve any legal disputes that may arise during the franchise process. We understand the unique pitfalls that can occur in the franchise industry. We use our experience to look for cutting-edge solutions for franchisees and dealers in the restaurant industry, both in and out of court. 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 Temporary Business Visitor This Visa is required for temporary business visitors to conduct activities of a commercial or professional nature. For example, consult with business associates, negotiate a contract, or attend a business conference Temporary business - participating in business activities of a commercial or professional nature in the United States, including, but not limited to: Consulting with business associates Traveling for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention, or a conference on specific dates Settling an estate Negotiating a contract Participating in short-term training Transiting through the United States: certain persons may transit the United States with a B-1 visa Deadheading (certain aircrew members may enter the United States as deadhead crew with a B-1 visa) VISITOR VISA VS. VISA WAIVER PROGRAM The main difference between these two is that a Visitor Visa is used for persons who wish to enter the United States to engage in temporary tourism, business, or professional activities related to their employment or business abroad. The primary intent for this visa type is that it’s for business purposes. B-visa visitors are not permitted to engage in employment while in the US. Meanwhile, the Visa Waiver Program does not need a B1 Visa to enter the United States, enabling most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Requirements and eligibility If you apply for a B-1 visa, you must demonstrate to a consular officer that you qualify for a U.S. visa that presumes that every B-1 applicant is an intending immigrant. You must overcome this legal presumption by demonstrating the following: The purpose of your trip is to enter the United States for business of a legitimate nature You plan to remain for a specific limited period of time You have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of the trip and your stay in the United States You have a residence outside the United States that you have no intention of abandoning, as well as other binding ties that will ensure your return abroad at the end of the visit You are otherwise admissible to the United States Application Process The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website . STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE VISA APPLICATION Form DS-160 - You must: Complete the online visa application. Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview. You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements . STEP 2: PAY THE B1 VISA FEES Pay the non-refundable visa application fee ($160). If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality, the amount depends on the relationship that your home country has with the US. STEP 3: SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW Schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. STEP 4: GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States. Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page. Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview. Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of: A letter which describes the purpose of your trip. Financial or bank statements to prove you have the finances to stay in the US. Ties to your home country such as family, job contract, lease, or property deed, which prove you will return. Criminal records or letters from authorities stating that you do not have prior convictions. If you have visited the US before, bring documents relevant to your prior visits. If you work, bring a letter from your employer and payslips for the last three months. A letter from the company detailing the purpose of the trip and your job position. STEP 5: ATTEND YOUR VISA INTERVIEW A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. Bring your documents file and be prepared to answer questions from the interviewer. You will be asked about your background, your purpose of visit, what business you will be doing in the United States, and whether you intend to return. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required. STEP 6: ENTERING THE UNITED STATES A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. and request permission to enter. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Processing times and Period/Extension of Stay The processing times for the B1 visa is not exact. It can take a couple of weeks or a few months for your visa to be processed. This depends on the workload of the US Embassy and other factors that they take into consideration. After the processing time is complete, you will be notified about whether you got the visa or not. You can review the visa processing times for Visa Appointment depending on your home country. The initial validity for which the B1 visa is given is 6 months. For extension you must: Prove that you have not completed all the business that you need to complete. Get letters of confirmation from your employer or company that proves your stay in the US is essential for business. Remember that you are not allowed to work for a US company and earn income Prove financial stability and that you have enough money to stay in the United States. At the port of entry, an immigration official must authorize your admission to the United States. If you wish to stay beyond the time indicated on the Form I-94 without departing from the United States, you must file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Submit any required supporting documents to USCIS. VWP: ESTA application, participating countries, passport requirements ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveller is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travellers' arrival. HOW TO APPLY FOR AN ESTA? PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES You must be a citizen or national of the following countries to be eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP. PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS Travel under the Visa Waiver Program is restricted to travellers possessing passports with specified security features. Visa Waiver Program requirements are: The passport must have a machine-readable zone on the biographic page. The passport must be an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. As of April 1, 2016, all travellers must have an e-passport to use the VWP. An e-Passport, denoted by the symbol, is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip. Canadians & Bermudians Citizens of Canada traveling to the United States do not require a non-immigrant visa, except for the travel purposes described below. VISA REQUIREMENTS - CITIZENS AND PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF CANADA Foreign government officials (A); officials and employees of international organizations (G); and NATO officials, representatives, and employees assigned to the United States (NATO) Treaty traders (E-1) Treaty investors (E-2) Spouse or Child of an Australian Treaty Alien coming to the United States Solely to Perform Services in a Specialty Occupation (E-3D) Fiancé(e)s (K-1) Children of fiancé(e)s (K-2) Spouse of a U.S. citizen traveling to the United States to complete the immigration process (K-3) Children of a foreign citizen spouse (K-4) described above Informant supplying critical information relating to a criminal organization (S-5) Informant supplying critical information relating to terrorism (S-6) Qualified family member (S-7) of an S-5 or S-6 visa holder described above Citizens of Bermuda traveling to the United States do not require a non-immigrant visa for travel up to 180 days, except for the travel purposes described below. Additionally, Bermudian citizens do not require a visa unless they are ineligible for a visa under U.S. immigration law, or have previously violated the terms of their immigration status in the U.S. VISA REQUIREMENTS - CITIZENS OF BERMUDA Foreign government officials (A); and officials and employees of international organizations (G) Fiancé(e)s (K-1) Children of fiancé(e)s (K-2) Spouse of a U.S. citizen traveling to the United States to complete the immigration process (K-3) Children of a foreign citizen spouse (K-4) described above Informant supplying critical information relating to a criminal organization (S-5) Informant supplying critical information relating to terrorism (S-6) Qualified family member (S-7) of an S-5 or S-6 visa holder described above Other travel purposes where the intended stay is longer than 180 days Family of B-1 Visa holders Spouses and children are not eligible for a dependent visa. You can find out if they need a visa by checking to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If you don't see your country listed, you will need a non-immigrant visa to visit the U.S. Each of your dependents who will be accompanying or following to join you must apply separately for a B-2 visa and must follow the regulations for that visa . With this visa, they will be able to come to stay with you for 6 months, and then ask for extensions for up to 1 year if necessary. Whether your dependents get the visa or not does not depend on the fact that you have a B1 visa. Each application is considered individually so there must always be proof of financial stability and that you plan to return home. Here are some examples of activities permitted with this visa: Tourism Vacation (holiday) Visit with friends or relatives Medical treatment Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating Enrolment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation) 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 Exchange Visitors The J-1 visa, also known as the Exchange Visitor Visa or J student visa, is for anyone outside of the US who wishes to take part in study- and work-related exchange programs approved by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. To qualify for a J-1 visa, the first thing you need to do is apply for an exchange program (study or work) through an assigned sponsor in the US. Only after you are accepted into a program, you can apply for a J-1 visa. The J-1 visa, also known as the Exchange Visitor Visa or J student visa, is for anyone outside of the US who wishes to take part in study- and work-related exchange programs approved by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. To qualify for a J-1 visa, the first thing you need to do is apply for an exchange program (study or work) through an assigned sponsor in the US. Only after you are accepted into a program, you can apply for a J-1 visa. The J-1 visa has 15 categories of eligible roles and/or program types: Au Pair Camp Counselor College and University Student Secondary School Student Government Visitor International Visitor Physician Professor Research Scholar Short-Term Scholar Specialist Summer Work Travel Teacher Trainee Intern CAN YOU WORK IN THE US WITH A J-1 VISA? Yes, you can! J-1 students are permitted to work while studying, as long as they obtain work authorization. There are certain restrictions, such as only working part time on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Students are permitted to work full time during academic breaks. TWO-YEAR HOME RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT A J-1 visa is issued with several conditions attached, one of which is that after your program is over and your visa expires, you have to return to your home country and live for two years. You are subject to this condition if you are a part of a: Government-funded Exchange Program. Specialized Knowledge or Skill. Graduate Medical Education/Training. During this time, you cannot apply for the following visas: An immigrant visa. A temporary worker (H). An intracompany transferee (L). A fiancé visa. Requirements and eligibility DOCUMENTATION When you apply for a J-1 visa, you at least need to prepare the following documents: Passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you depart from the country unless there are specific exemptions depending on where you are from. Photograph. Submit your photograph when you complete the visa application form online. If your photo is not uploading, then bring a physical copy but, please make sure to follow the instructions on how to take your visa photo. Non-immigrant visa application form. Fill in form DS-160 online and bring the confirmation page with you to the embassy/consulate. Visa fee receipt. If you are required to pay the visa fee before your interview, bring your receipt. Form DS- 2019. After you are accepted into your exchange program, your sponsor registers you into SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). Afterward, you will receive this DS form, and you may be required to pay a form fee. Form DS- 7002. If you’re a participant in the J-1 trainee and intern categories, you will also need this form. J1 visa health insurance. You must have health insurance coverage and it is the sponsor’s responsibility to ensure that you have purchased one. You may also be asked to provide additional documents for the review process, such as evidence of: The purpose of your travel; Your intent to depart the United States after your travel; Your ability to pay all travel costs. Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your travel and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your travel, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your travel. You need to review the instructions from the US embassy or consulate where you apply. After you submit your application, remember to get a payment receipt to present at your visa interview. Application process Period of Stay/Extension of Stay The length of time for which you will be allowed to stay in the U.S. on a J-1 exchange visitor visa depends on the type of program you will be participating in and the dates of your planned participation. Family of the J-1 Plenty of Exchange Visitors travel to the United States with their spouse and children. These family members receive J-2 visas. They are able to attend school and work (conditionally) in the country for the duration of the primary J-1 visa holder’s program. HOW TO REQUEST A SEPARATE FAMILY DS-2019 Step 1: Gather Supporting Information and Documents: Have the scholar provide a scan of the dependent’s passport biographic page and any new documentation of funding. Step 2: ISO Issues DS-2019: Use the information on the scholar’s most recent visa request and the documents gathered to complete the Add J-2 Dependent Request and submit it. You will receive a confirmation email. ISO will then issue a new DS-2019 for the J-2 dependent. Step 3: Send DS-2019 on to Exchange Visitor: Send the original DS-2019 and attachments to the J-1 exchange visitor in hard copy. Do not send the exchange visitor a scan of the DS-2019; UW is forbidden by law from sending DS-2019s by scan or fax to outside parties. You may email the program number or SEVIS number from the DS-2019 to the exchange visitor to facilitate visa appointment scheduling at a U.S. consulate abroad. Step 4: J-2 Dependent Applies for Visa at Consulate and Enters U.S.: There is no check-in or SEVIS validation requirement for J-2 dependents. Contact If you are in the US or planning to come to the US and would like to schedule a consultation, let's connect. 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