Virginia Church Attorney
Anyone involved with operating a religious entity knows that Virginia church law is an extremely niche practice area. Organizations and ministries like yours face very unique challenges that call for exceptional solutions for formation, operational, tax, and related issues. As a result, you need a lawyer that has a specific focus and extensive experience in the relevant legal concepts.
At Simms Showers LLP, our team possesses the distinctive skills and in-depth knowledge necessary to help your church thrive. Please contact our office to set up a phone consultation with a Virginia church attorney, and read on for some information about our legal services.
Our Services for Virginia Religious Organizations
Whether you’re just getting started or need assistance with an ongoing concern, your organization can benefit from advice and counsel from a knowledgeable church law attorney. We can assist with:
Formation and Organizational Issues: Our team can guide you in choosing among the various organizational structures for churches offered by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, so you create a strong legal foundation from the outset. We’ll also help with initial resolutions, bylaws, and other formation documents, and our lawyers will assess your eligibility for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Governance and Ongoing Operations: The board of directors is tasked with numerous duties, and we’re here for legal support. We’ll ensure your church complies with the law and operates according to best practices for faith-based organizations. Our attorneys both guide and educate, so members of the board have the tools they need to enhance vitality and future growth. We deliver services in connection with:
- Annual and special meetings;
- Amendments to bylaws;
- Corporate minutes, resolutions, and other governance documents;
- Officers, members and committees;
- Fiduciary duties and conflicts;
- Insurance and risk management; and,
- Many other operational tasks.
Employment Matters: A religious organization is all about its people, but it’s rare to be fully staffed by volunteers. Recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and termination are issues every church will face, and it’s essential to keep in mind the state and federal laws that apply.
Property and Leases: When your focus is on enhancing your church community, it can be difficult to also handle the buying and selling of property, closings, leases, contracts, financing, and property tax exemptions. Our team is knowledgeable in these and other real estate matters, and we have experience working with lenders, agents, and title companies.
Taxes: Our church law attorneys will assist with structuring your organization and completing the IRA Form 1023, which you submit to seek 501(c)(3) tax exempt status under federal law. We can also work to obtain other applicable exemptions and favorable tax treatment, including property taxes.
Church Litigation and Disputes: We strive to ensure your church avoids legal entanglements, but we’ll be at your side to seek appropriate remedies or defend your interests.
Contact a Virginia Church Law Attorney for Additional Information
If you would like to hear more about how we can work together to serve your organization’s needs, please contact Simms Showers LLP. You can call 703.879.1364 to schedule a phone or video consultation with an experienced lawyer. With six offices throughout Virginia, we advise churches, ministries, and other non-profit organizations on the legal issues that uniquely affect them.
