http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers-search/franchising.html Avvo.com - Franchising Questions http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/where-do-i-get-a-copy-of-a-first-option-to-buy--166296.html I work at a restaurant. The owner is tired of it and wants to eventulally sell. I want to buy it. He does not own the building but rents it. How do I find its worth. I was told to get him to sign a first option to buy so someone else wouldn't beat me to the purchase. He is behind on rent payments, utility bills and owes back taxes. Where do I start in becoming the owner? Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:13:11 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/i-want-to-morph-two-logos-into-one-and-do-some-add-165739.html My HS mascot is being changed. We will now be known as the Red Wolf. I am looking to take the NHL Florida Panther Logo and place the head of Arkansas State University's Wolf over the Panther's face. I plan to blend in the head, change colors and some additional small adjustments. Could I be sued? Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:37:30 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/is-this-a-dol-violation--165569.html My GF worked "at will" for a franchise of a larger company. She had given her a notice (which is not required in this state), however she was fired between when she gave her notice and when she was supposed to finish working. From my understanding, it's illegal to fire someone after they give notice and before they finish working, and that she might be entitled to the wages for the remainder of her term, regardless of whether or not she worked. She gave 3 week notice, and was let go with about 2 weeks left. Any advice? Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:14:56 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/can-another-insurance-agency-come-in-and-open-in-t-165087.html we are a small family owned auto insurance agency, a much larger franchise of ins. agencies made a deal with the 3rd pary mvd which is inside the same building, so now the new agency has an office in all the 3rd parties in phoenix, including ours. we've been sharing this building with the 3rd party mvd for years and now they've gone behind our backs and are stealing our customers .Can they legally have this business in such a close proximity to our? Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:56:59 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/can-i-get-out-of-a-contract-that-promised-a--propr-164716.html I bought a franchise ($70K) that promised a proprietary lead generation method/technique. I learned that the lead generation simply involves going to the courthouse, looking at probate files, and writing down the name and address of the executor and the decedent. Anyone can do that - there is no restriction and other people in this county are already doing it. I am not happy with the franchisor for a variety of reasons, and I have yet to make any money, but I think I can if I use my own marketing materials, which is not allowed. I signed a non-compete (2 years/50 miles) but would rather work for myself. Is the fact that the lead generation method is not proprietary grounds for nullifying the non-compete? Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:50:00 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/i-need-a-franchise-lawyer-and-accountant-advice--t-163811.html I own a business that is LLC but not in restaurant business. My husband just signed partnership agreement to open few cafes under LLP with the other 4 partners. He would like to have an LLC instead of being direct proprietor when it comes to liability and taxes for accounting purposes. Since we are married and I already own a business, are there ways to perhaps route things through my business to keep just one LLC and lessen the burden of registering two businesses? We would like to have someone to go to with our accounting and law questions on an ongoing bases if possible who is knowledable about Frenchises, startups and LLPs/LLCs. We are located in California. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:35:55 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/what-is-personal-liability-of-minority-shareholder-163733.html Minority shareholder in S Corp left company employment as President in 2006 and has not been involved in running company since departure. Company did not submit payroll taxes in late 2008 or 2009 to IRS or State Franchise Board but continues to operate. What is the extent of personal liability of majority or minority shareholders? Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:33:26 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/i-work-under-the-table-in-ga--then-he-fired-me-and-162948.html I worked for this guy at a pita pit, and corp. Said they can't do anything. He owes me around $1200 and has not paid me in about three weeks, then found out I went to corp. and then fired me, now he is holding all the money he owes me. please help Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:58:58 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/do-i-need-an-employment-attorney--161066.html I am a fitness instructor and direct employee of a fitness studio. They have not been paying me and other instructors if a class goes unattended. It is a franchise but I know that all of the other studios pay their employees if this happens. We are expected to be there, & we are. If no one shows up that's not on us. Is this legal? Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:49:19 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/if-people-get-thrown-off-welfare-for-fraud--do-the-158496.html I know a couple of "Grifters". They were thrown off Welfare last winter. Now they have money to pay it back. They recently won a "Bogus" settlement against a fast food restaurant, because the franchise didn't want bad publicity. Now they bought a house, 2 expensive new vehicles,an RV,etc.. It's sickening that they profit off their lies and deceit. Who can I pass this info on to ? As a taxpayer, I resent them exploiting the Welfare System. Thanks! Also, the guy owes back child support. Who do I report his info to, so his ex can collect? Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:47:45 PST