Some startup mistakes are immediately obvious. Legal ones can lay in wait for years before rearing their expensive heads. A handshake agreement, unclear roles, messy finances, or rushed equity decisions can create problems that are a pain in the butt to unwind later. The good news? Many of the most damaging mistakes are also preventable.

We spoke with Seth Gardenswartz, a Partner at Blackgarden Law in Albuquerque, who offers advice tailored to rural founders, including how to choose the right entity, separate business and personal finances, define expectations, and put agreements in writing. If you’re building something new, this is your reminder to get the foundation right before small issues turn into costly ones. Read the full article for more: