{"id":402574,"date":"2026-08-09T08:40:07","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T13:40:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=402574"},"modified":"2026-08-09T09:33:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T14:33:36","slug":"do-you-need-a-lawyer-to-close-a-business","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/closing-a-business\/do-you-need-a-lawyer-to-close-a-business.html","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need a Lawyer To Close a Business?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do You Need a Lawyer To Close a Business?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Closing a business without a lawyer is legally permitted, but hiring an attorney is strongly recommended to protect owners from lingering personal liability<\/span>. An attorney ensures proper filing of articles of dissolution<\/span> with the Secretary of State<\/span> and filing final tax returns<\/span>. Lawyers also help to settle creditor debts, terminate commercial leases, and satisfy employee final pay and notification requirements.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

There are no legal requirements to have an attorney when you close your business. However, there are compelling reasons to use one to help wind up your affairs and handle the legal filings associated with ending a business entity<\/span>. Tasks may include notifying the\u00a0Secretary of State<\/span>, filing\u00a0articles of dissolution<\/span>, informing creditors that you are no longer in business, issuing\u00a0final paychecks<\/span>, and filing tax returns.<\/p>\n

Having an attorney nearby to answer questions and explain what goes into a business dissolution<\/span> can be the safest way to shut down your business and avoid personal liability<\/span>. Even if you ultimately decide to handle it yourself, meeting with a business attorney<\/a> about your shutdown is a good idea.<\/p>\n

Steps for Closing a Business<\/h2>\n

Assuming all partners and officers agree, you can begin the legal paperwork involved with closing your business<\/a>. If you have bylaws<\/span> or an operating agreement<\/span>, follow the provisions. For disagreements among owners, it may be time to bring in an attorney. Review the steps for dissolving a business<\/a> before deciding whether you need an attorney\u2019s help.<\/p>\n

If you filed Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization<\/span>, or Certificate of Limited Partnership<\/span> when you began your business, you will need to file Articles of Dissolution<\/span> to end it. This lets the Secretary of State<\/span> know that you are no longer in business. Businesses affected by this are:<\/p>\n