Your state's LLC office can tell you how to check if your proposed name is available for your use. Often, for a small fee, you can reserve your LLC name for a short period of time until you file your articles of organization. Besides following your state's LLC naming rules, you must make sure your name won't violate another company's trademark. For information on trademark law and general advice on picking a successful business name, see Choosing a Business Name . One disadvantage of forming an LLC instead of a partnership or a sole proprietorship is that you'll have to pay a filing fee when you submit your articles of organization.
Articles of organization are short, simple documents.
In fact, you can usually prepare your own in just a few minutes by filling in the blanks and checking the boxes on a form provided by your state's filing office. Generally, all of the LLC owners may prepare and sign the articles, or they can appoint just one person to do so. Creating an LLC Operating Agreement Even though operating agreements need not be filed with the LLC filing office and are rarely required by state law, it is essential that you create one. For more on LLC operating agreements, read Creating an LLC Operating Agreement . Your local newspaper should be able to help you with this filing.