Business Law & Entity Formation
Before Steve Lopez became one of fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys Board Certified in Family Law, he spent years in business litigation and corporate support — advising companies, resolving commercial disputes, and helping entrepreneurs build legally sound businesses.
That foundation never went away. Today, Lopez Law Firm continues to help South Texas business owners with entity formation, contract matters, and business disputes — backed by real courtroom experience.
A Business Litigator First
Steve Lopez began his legal career in business law — handling commercial litigation, corporate formation, contract disputes, and business support work across South Texas. That experience gave him a practical, no-nonsense understanding of how businesses actually operate, what can go wrong, and how to protect owners when it does.
When he transitioned to family law and earned his Board Certification, he brought that business acumen with him. It shows most clearly in high-value divorces — where businesses, LLCs, and complex financial structures are on the table. He knows how these entities are built, how they are valued, and how they can be used to obscure wealth. That is not something you can learn from a CLE seminar.
The result is an attorney who can handle your business formation today and, if your circumstances ever change, bring that same depth of knowledge to protecting your interests in a high-stakes divorce.
The Commercial Litigation Edge in High-Value Divorce
When significant assets are on the table, a family law attorney with a commercial litigation background is not a luxury — it is a strategic advantage.
Business Valuation — No Smoke and Mirrors
Valuing a closely held business in a divorce is one of the most contested issues in high-asset cases. Opposing experts routinely produce wildly different numbers. Steve's background in commercial litigation means he knows how business valuations are constructed, where they can be manipulated, and how to challenge inflated or deflated figures effectively — whether in mediation or at trial.
Piercing Through Complex Financial Structures
LLCs, holding companies, S-Corps, and trusts are commonly used — sometimes intentionally — to obscure the true value of a marital estate. Steve knows how these structures work from the inside. He can identify when assets are being hidden behind corporate formalities and knows exactly what discovery to pursue to expose them.
Separate vs. Community Property in Business Interests
Determining what portion of a business is community property — and what is separate — requires tracing capital contributions, retained earnings, and appreciation over time. This is accounting-intensive, legally complex work. Most family lawyers outsource the analysis entirely. Steve engages with it directly, which means better strategy and lower costs for clients.
Protecting the Business Owner in Divorce
If you own a business and are going through a divorce, the stakes could not be higher. A settlement that forces a buyout at the wrong valuation, or a court order that disrupts operations, can threaten everything you have built. Steve structures strategies that protect business continuity while achieving a fair resolution — because he understands what is actually at risk.
"Most attorneys in a high-asset divorce know family law. Steve also knows how businesses actually work — how they are valued, how they are structured, and how they can be used to hide wealth. That combination is rare."
The advantage of a commercial litigation background in complex divorce matters
Business Legal Services
From starting a business to protecting it, we provide practical legal guidance for South Texas entrepreneurs and business owners.
Entity Formation
Forming the right business structure from the start protects your personal assets and sets the foundation for growth. We handle LLCs, corporations (S-Corp and C-Corp), partnerships, and sole proprietorships — including all Texas Secretary of State filings.
- LLC formation & operating agreements
- Corporation formation & bylaws
- S-Corp elections
- Registered agent services
- DBA / assumed name filings
Contracts & Agreements
A handshake is not a contract. We draft, review, and negotiate business agreements that protect your interests and hold up when disputes arise.
- Business purchase & sale agreements
- Service and vendor contracts
- Partnership & shareholder agreements
- Non-compete & confidentiality agreements
- Commercial lease review
Business Litigation
When business relationships break down, you need an attorney who has actually tried cases — not just settled them. Steve Lopez brings real courtroom experience to commercial disputes.
- Breach of contract claims
- Business partner disputes
- Shareholder & member disputes
- Fraud and misrepresentation
- Collections and debt recovery
Business Succession & Ownership Transitions
Whether you are bringing in a partner, buying out a co-owner, or planning for the future of your business, we help structure transitions that protect everyone involved.
- Buy-sell agreements
- Ownership buyouts
- Business succession planning
- Transfer of membership interests
- Dissolution agreements
Asset Protection
Proper business structure is your first line of defense against personal liability. We help business owners separate personal and business risk through sound legal structuring.
- Liability shield structuring
- Multi-entity planning
- Operating agreement protections
- Personal guarantee review
- Business insurance coordination
Business Issues in High-Value Divorce
When a business is part of a divorce, you need an attorney who understands both worlds. Steve's commercial litigation background gives him a direct edge — he knows how businesses are valued, how assets can be obscured, and how to fight for an accurate, fair result.
- Business valuation disputes
- Characterization of business interests
- Community vs. separate property tracing
- Closely held business & LLC interests
- Protection of business during litigation
Starting a Business in Texas? Start Right.
Choosing the right entity type is one of the most important decisions a new business owner makes. Here is what you need to know.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Best for: Most small businesses, real estate investors, solo professionals
The LLC is the most popular entity choice in Texas for good reason — it provides personal liability protection, flexible management structure, and pass-through taxation without the formality of a corporation. A well-drafted operating agreement is essential.
S-Corporation
Best for: Business owners looking to reduce self-employment tax
An S-Corp election allows business owners to pay themselves a reasonable salary and take additional profits as distributions — potentially reducing self-employment tax liability. Requires more formality than an LLC but can offer meaningful tax savings at the right income level.
C-Corporation
Best for: Businesses seeking outside investment or planning for growth
C-Corps are the standard structure for venture-backed companies and businesses with multiple classes of stock. They offer the most flexibility for ownership structures but come with double taxation on dividends. Often the right choice when outside investors are involved.
Partnership
Best for: Two or more owners in professional services or real estate
General and limited partnerships offer flexibility but require careful drafting of partnership agreements to define roles, profit sharing, and exit rights. Without a written agreement, Texas default rules apply — which may not reflect what the partners actually intended.
Business Law With a Litigator's Perspective
Many attorneys who form LLCs have never been inside a courtroom. Steve Lopez has. His background in business litigation means he drafts agreements with an eye toward what happens when things go wrong — because he has seen what happens when they do. That perspective makes a difference.
Common Business Law Questions
Do I really need an attorney to form an LLC in Texas?
Technically, you can file a Certificate of Formation yourself through the Texas Secretary of State. But the filing is the easy part. The operating agreement — which governs how the business is run, how profits are split, what happens when an owner wants to leave, and how disputes are resolved — is where most DIY formations fall short. A poorly drafted or missing operating agreement is one of the most common causes of business disputes we see.
What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Texas?
Both provide personal liability protection, but they differ in structure, taxation, and formality. LLCs are more flexible and simpler to maintain — no required board meetings, no stock issuances, fewer formalities. Corporations are better suited for businesses with multiple investors, complex ownership structures, or plans to raise outside capital. The right choice depends on your specific situation, goals, and tax picture.
My business partner and I have a dispute. What are my options?
Your options depend heavily on what your partnership or operating agreement says — which is exactly why having a well-drafted agreement matters. If there is no agreement, Texas default rules apply, which may not favor you. Options typically include negotiated buyout, mediation, or litigation. We will review your agreement, assess your position, and give you an honest picture of your options before you spend money on a fight.
Can my business interests be divided in a divorce?
Yes — and this is one of the most complex issues in Texas family law. Whether a business interest is community property (subject to division) or separate property (not subject to division) depends on when it was formed, how it was funded, and how it has been operated during the marriage. Steve Lopez's background in both business law and family law makes him uniquely equipped to handle these situations.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Texas?
The Texas Secretary of State filing fee is $300. Attorney fees for formation depend on the complexity of the operating agreement and any additional documents needed. Please note that a consultation fee applies to business law matters — we will confirm the amount when you schedule. After the consultation, we will give you a clear fee estimate for any additional work — no surprises.
Ready to Protect Your Business?
Whether you are starting a new venture, resolving a dispute, or protecting what you have built — we are ready to help. Call us or schedule a consultation today.