The five documents every new business actually needs

After two decades of business disputes, the pattern is clear: most lawsuits between partners and customers trace back to a document that was never written. Five matter most. An operating agreement that answers what happens when an owner leaves, dies, or stops pulling weight. A standard customer contract with payment terms and a dispute clause you chose on purpose. An employment agreement or offer letter that protects confidential information. Independent contractor agreements that actually match how the person works, because mislabeling is expensive. And a buy-sell agreement if there is more than one owner. None of these are exotic. All of them are cheaper than the first week of the litigation they prevent. Write them while everyone still likes each other.