As Washington Limited Liability Companies continue to be one of the most common types of business structures, it is essential to have an operating agreement in place. An LLC is governed by an operating agreement, which is a written agreement between the members of the LLC. In Washington, your LLC will be governed by the default provisions of RCW 25.15 if there is not an operating agreement in place. As a result, it is critical to have a well drafted operating agreement in order to outline how your business will be conducted (rather than having to follow the default rules which may not be to your advantage) and to easily resolve inevitable disputes among the members.

Operating agreements typically include provisions relating to management, members’ percentage interests in the LLC, allocation of profits and losses, limitation on liability and indemnification, and rules for holding meetings and taking votes. Although there are many reasons why you need an operating agreement, a few reasons are addressed below:

Overriding State Default Rules

Every state has its own set of laws that regulate how an LLC is operated. For example, in Washington, if you do not have an operating agreement in place, your LLC will be governed by the Washington Limited Liability Companies Act RCW 25. 15. However, by creating an operating agreement, you are able to choose the rules rather than follow the default rules that would otherwise apply. This allows you to be creative and flexible in the way you conduct your business.

Voting Rights

There may be times where members disagree or are unable to reach an agreement regarding a business decision. Outlining voting rights in your operating agreement will help prevent disputes regarding voting rights and how decisions can be made. Voting rights can be arranged in numerous ways. For example, an LLC can be set up so that the member’s voting power is in proportion to their percentage interest in the LLC, a unanimous consensus can be required, or a majority vote can be required.

Admission of New Members

Your operating agreement should include provisions discussing how new members can be joined. In Washington State, after the LLC has been formed, a new member can be joined if all of the members consent. Even if you do not anticipate additional members being joined, you can include a provision in your operating agreement that dictates how and when a new member will be admitted. For example, you may choose to have the manager decide or have it be based on a vote. Although Washington State has provisions that regulate these issues, you may choose to create your own rules depending on the needs of your business and the flexibility you would like to provide.

Management

Management of the LLC can be vested in its manager(s) or members. A manager does not need to be a member of the LLC in order to act as a manager. If your LLC is manager-managed, rather than member-managed, it is critical to address the duties and roles of the members and managers. Additionally, having a manager may affect the members’ voting rights in the LLC. Furthermore, the operating agreement should address how the manager can resign or be removed.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Your operating agreement can provide the proper venue and jurisdiction in the event that there is a dispute among the members and a lawsuit commences. You may choose to include a provision requiring the members to settle disputes through arbitration. In order to prevent uncertainty, additional costs, and an unnecessary delay, it is recommended to include a clause outlining where and how disputes will be resolved.

Withdrawal

It is easy to overlook issues relating to what happens if a member dies, becomes disabled, or leaves the business, but these are critical issues to consider as circumstances will change. Can a member sell his or her interest to a stranger? Should the LLC have the first opportunity to buy a member’s ownership interest? If the operating agreement includes a buyout provision, it should describe the procedure, price or valuation process, and payout terms. Making decisions on these difficult matters prior to forming your business will help prevent future problems by providing clarity.

Your operating agreement must be carefully drafted as it is a complex document that needs to be suitable for you and your business. Further, given the revisions to Washington’s LLC statutory scheme that is set to become effective in January 2016, a well-drafted operating agreement will become even more imperative in the future. Furthermore, as your business grows, the operating agreement should be amended as your business needs change. If you would like to learn more or are in need of an operating agreement, please contact our office.