Legal Question in Business Law in California

Re: Is a home in jeopardy if it's used as the location of an LLC

My first question is why an LLC over a Corp.? I don't think that running an LLC or Corp. out of the home, by itself, would satisfy the requirements for alter ego. So long as you adequately capitalize the company, keep entirely separate accounting and banking, and run the entity properly, you should be okay. Of course, anyone can still sue you personally if they wish, but the chances of their success wouldn't be that great. Don't be cheap in forming your LLC (or Corp.) Have an attorney do it so that you know that it's properly formed and you are advised on how to properly run it.

Re: Is a home in jeopardy if it's used as the location of an LLC

Whether or not you are held personally liable for the debts of the LLC depends on how you run the business, not on the address of record. That being said, I can understand and appreciate the desire not to have your personal information listed on the Statement of Information. Using a private mail box is a perfectly legal and acceptable alternative to using a home address as the place of business.

Re: Is a home in jeopardy if it's used as the location of an LLC

For some purposes, you can use a private mailbox. For a few purposes, a street address will be necessary. One that comes immediately to mind is the "registered agent for service of process" which must be identified and a street address given....however, the agent doesn't have to be you; you can use your lawyer or accountant or anyone willing to perform this service.

You may also be required to show a street address as the location of the business on an application for your business license, and perhaps some other official purposes.

For most purposes, it's a business decision whether to reveal a street address or not. A street address looks more credible and professional, but a mailbox gives you a greater assurance of privacy.

I don't think attempting to hide your home address would be much avail against a determined creditor or plaintiff. Whether your home is at risk or not depends far less upon whether you use its address than upon how you conduct your affairs.