Ask a Business Expert

A: Nolo Press is a good place to go. They put out a great book called "How to Form Your Own Corporation." In it, you can choose between an LLC, an S Corp, or a C Corp. The forms for your state are usually available at the Secretary of State's office and the subchapter S forms can often be obtained where you obtain your IRS forms locally. You might also check out software found at Staples. Quicken Deluxe, for example, may have just what you are looking for.

I don't think you need a lawyer if all you are looking for is a boilerplate S corporation. The software you can buy is very easy to use, and just as powerful as anything used by a lawyer. In fact, it probably is the same thing used by most lawyers. Complicated legal matters require legal assistance, but many basic things do not. If you're unsure, however, it is always wise to consult legal counsel.