assignment of membership interest agreement form

Assignment of Membership Interest: The Ultimate Guide for Your LLC

LegalGPS : Jul. 24, 2024

As a business owner, there may come a time when you need to transfer ownership of your company or acquire additional members. In these situations, an assignment of membership interest is a critical step in the process. This blog post aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about the assignment of membership interest and how to navigate the procedure efficiently. So, let's dive into the world of LLC membership interest transfers and learn how to secure your business!

Assignment of Membership Interest

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What is an Assignment of Membership Interest?

An assignment of membership interest is a document that allows a member of an LLC to transfer their ownership share in the company to another person or entity. This can be done in the form of a sale or gift, which are two different scenarios that generally require different types of paperwork. An assignment is typically signed by the parties involved and delivered to the Secretary of State's office for filing. However, this process can vary depending on where you live and whether your LLC has members other than yourself as well as additional documents required by state law.

Necessary Approvals and Consent

Before initiating the assignment process, it's essential to review the operating agreement of your LLC, as it may contain specific guidelines on how to assign membership interests.

Often, these agreements require the express consent of the other LLC members before any assignment can take place. To avoid any potential disputes down the line, always seek the required approvals before moving forward with the assignment process.

Impact on Ownership, Voting, and Profit Rights

It's essential to understand that assigning membership interests can affect various aspects of the LLC, including ownership, voting rights, and profit distribution. A complete assignment transfers all ownership rights and obligations to the new member, effectively removing the original member from the LLC. For example, if a member assigns his or her interest, the new member inherits all ownership rights and obligations associated with that interest. This includes any contractual obligations that may be attached to the membership interest (e.g., a mortgage). If there is no assignment of interests clause in your operating agreement, then you will need to get approval from all other members for an assignment to take place.

On the other hand, a partial assignment permits the original member to retain some ownership rights while transferring a portion of their interest to another party. To avoid unintended consequences, it's crucial to clearly define the rights and responsibilities of each party during the assignment process.

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Types of Membership Interest Transfers

Membership interest transfers can be either complete or partial, depending on the desired outcome. Understanding the differences between these two types of transfers is crucial in making informed decisions about your LLC.

Complete Assignment

A complete assignment occurs when a member transfers their entire interest in the LLC to another party, effectively relinquishing all ownership rights and obligations. This type of transfer is often used when a member exits the business or when a new individual or entity acquires the LLC.

For example, a member may sell their interest to another party that is interested in purchasing their share of the business. Complete assignment is also used when an individual or entity wants to purchase all of the interests in an LLC. In this case, the seller must receive unanimous approval from the other members before they can transfer their entire interest.

Partial Assignment

Unlike a complete assignment, a partial assignment involves transferring only a portion of a member's interest to another party. This type of assignment enables the member to retain some ownership in the business, sharing rights, and responsibilities proportionately with the new assignee. Partial assignments are often used when adding new members to an LLC or when existing members need to redistribute their interests.

A common real-world example is when a member receives an offer from another company to purchase their interest in the LLC. They might want to keep some ownership so that they can continue to receive profits from the business, but they also may want out of some of the responsibilities. By transferring only a partial interest in their membership share, both parties can benefit: The seller receives a lump sum payment for their share of the LLC and is no longer liable for certain financial obligations or other tasks.

How to Draft an Assignment of Membership Interest Agreement

A well-drafted assignment of membership interest agreement can help ensure a smooth and legally compliant transfer process. Here is a breakdown of the key elements to include in your agreement, followed by a step-by-step guide on drafting the document.

Key elements to include:

The names of the assignor (the person transferring their interest) and assignee (the person receiving the interest)

The name of your LLC and the state where it was formed

A description of the membership interest being transferred (percentage, rights, and obligations)

Any required approvals or consents from other LLC members

Effective date of the assignment

Signatures of all parties involved, including any relevant witnesses or notary public

Step 1: Gather Relevant Information

Before you begin drafting the agreement, gather all pertinent data about the parties involved and the membership interest being transferred. You'll need information such as:

The names and contact information of the assignor (the person transferring their interest) and assignee (the person receiving the interest)

The name and formation details of your LLC, including the state where it was registered

The percentage and value of the membership interest being transferred

Any specific rights and obligations associated with the membership interest

Step 2: Review the LLC's Operating Agreement

Examine your LLC's operating agreement to ensure you adhere to any predetermined guidelines on assigning membership interests. The operating agreement may outline specific procedures, required approvals, or additional documentation necessary to complete the assignment process.

If your LLC doesn't have an operating agreement or if it's silent on this matter, follow your state's default LLC rules and regulations.

Step 3: Obtain Necessary Approvals and Consents

Before drafting the assignment agreement, obtain any necessary approvals or consents from other LLC members as required by the operating agreement or state law. You may need to hold a members' meeting to discuss the proposed assignment and document members' consent in the form of a written resolution.

Step 4: Outline the Membership Interest Being Transferred

Detail the membership interest being transferred in the Assignment of Membership Interest Agreement. Specify whether the transfer is complete or partial, and include:

The percentage of ownership interest being assigned

Allocated profits and losses, if applicable

Voting rights associated with the transferred interest

The assignor's rights and obligations that are being transferred and retained

Any capital contribution requirements

Step 5: Determine the Effective Date of the Assignment

Set an effective date for the assignment, which is when the rights and obligations associated with the membership interest will transfer from the assignor to the assignee.

This date is crucial for legal and tax purposes and helps both parties plan for the transition. If you don’t specify an effective date in the assignment agreement, your state's law may determine when the transfer takes effect.

Step 6: Specify Conditions and Representations

In the agreement, outline any conditions that must be met before the assignment becomes effective. These could include obtaining certain regulatory approvals, fulfilling specific obligations, or making required capital contributions.

Additionally, you may include representations from the assignor attesting that they have the legal authority to execute the assignment. Doing this is important because it can prevent a third party from challenging the assignment on grounds of lack of authority. If the assignor is an LLC or corporation, be sure to specify that it must be in good standing with all necessary state and federal regulatory agencies.

Step 7: Address Tax and Liability Issues

Clearly state that the assignee will assume responsibility for any taxes, liabilities, and obligations attributable to the membership interest being transferred from the effective date of the assignment. You may also include indemnification provisions that protect each party from any potential claims arising from the other party's actions.

For example, you can include a provision that provides the assignor with protection against any claims arising from the transfer of membership interests. This is especially important if your LLC has been sued by a member, visitor, or third party while it was operating under its current management structure.

Step 8: Draft the Entire Agreement and Governing Law Clauses

In the closing sections of the assignment agreement, include clauses stating that the agreement represents the entire understanding between the parties concerning the assignment and supersedes any previous agreements or negotiations. Specify that any modifications to the agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties. Finally, identify the governing law that will apply to the agreement, which is generally the state law where your LLC is registered.

This would look like this:

Step 9: Review and Sign the Assignment Agreement

Once you've drafted the Assignment of Membership Interest Agreement, ensure that all parties carefully review the document to verify its accuracy and completeness. Request a legal review by an attorney, if necessary. Gather the assignor, assignee, and any necessary witnesses or notary public to sign the agreement, making it legally binding.

Sometimes the assignor and assignee will sign the document at different times. If this is the case, then you should specify when each party must sign in your Assignment Agreement.

Importance of a Professionally-drafted Contract Template

To ensure a smooth and error-free assignment process, it's highly recommended to use a professionally-drafted contract template. While DIY options might seem tempting, utilizing an expertly-crafted template provides several distinct advantages.

Advantages of using a professionally-created template:

Accuracy and Compliance: Professionally-drafted templates are designed with state-specific regulations in mind, ensuring that your agreement complies with all necessary legal requirements.

Time and Cost Savings: With a pre-written template, you save valuable time and resources that can be better spent growing your business.

Reduced Legal Risk: Legal templates created by experienced professionals significantly reduce the likelihood of errors and omissions that could lead to disputes or litigations down the road.

Get Your Assignment of Membership Interest Template with a Legal GPS Subscription

How our contract templates stand out from the rest:

We understand the unique needs of entrepreneurs and business owners. Our contract templates are designed to provide a straightforward, user-friendly experience that empowers you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate complex legal processes with ease. By choosing our Assignment of Membership Interest Agreement template, you can rest assured that your business is in safe hands. Click here to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Assignment of Membership Interest

As you embark on the journey of assigning membership interest in your LLC, here are some frequently asked questions to help address any concerns you may have:

Is an assignment of membership interest the same as a sale of an LLC? No. While both processes involve transferring interests or assets, a sale of an LLC typically entails the sale of the entire business, whereas an assignment of membership interest relates to the transfer of some or all membership interests between parties.

Do I need an attorney to help draft my assignment of membership interest agreement? While not mandatory, seeking legal advice ensures that your agreement complies with all relevant regulations, minimizing potential legal risks. If you prefer a more cost-effective solution, consider using a professionally-drafted contract template like the ones we offer at [Your Company Name].

Can I assign my membership interest without the approval of other LLC members? This depends on your LLC's operating agreement and state laws. It's essential to review these regulations and obtain any necessary approvals or consents before proceeding with the assignment process.

Do I need a business lawyer?

The biggest question now is, "Do I need a business lawyer?” For most businesses and in most cases, you don't need a lawyer to start your business. Instead, many business owners rely on Legal GPS Pro to help with legal issues. Legal GPS Pro is your All-In-One Legal Toolkit for Businesses. Developed by top startup attorneys, Pro gives you access to 100+ expertly crafted templates including operating agreements, NDAs, and service agreements, and an interactive platform. All designed to protect your company and set it up for lasting success.

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Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you need a lawyer for this?

LLC Membership Interest Assignment Free

When one party wants to transfer the ownership of an interest in an LLC, they can use this LLC Membership Interest Assignment. The document can also be used when one party wishes a membership interest in an LLC transferred to them.

Template Overview

When one member of an LLC, also known as a Limited Liability Company, wants to transfer their interests to another party, this LLC Membership Interest Assignment can be used. Such contracts are particularly prevalent when a member of an LLC leaves the company and wants to give up his interest.

Usually, LLC Membership Interest Assignments are created with an operating LLC. In most states, a limited liability company has to have Articles of Organization (also known as Certificates of Formation). 

An LLC can be created for any reason. If an LLC owner chooses to waive their interest in the LLC, this LLC Membership Interest Assignment can be used.

This document is quite straightforward that consists of information needed to transfer an interest in an LLC. Both the Assignor (a person transferring the interest) and the Assignee (a person receiving the interest) can fill out the information about themselves.

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.

How to use this template

When one party wants to transfer the ownership of an interest in an LLC, they can use this document. The document can also be used when one party wishes a membership interest in an LLC transferred to them (with approval from the owner). Note that both parties should completely understand that the membership interest will be fully assigned. 

The filing party will have to specify identifying information about parties and the details of the membership interest, including percentage and whether or not it comes with voting rights. 

A completed document requires signatures from both parties.

Applicable law

Individual state laws govern LLC Membership Interest Assignments.  

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LLC Membership Interest Assignment

Choose the state where the LLC is formed (and primarily does business). This will be the state where all of the initial business documents for the LLC, like the Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation, have been filed.

State of Alabama

I. This assignment ("Assignment") is made by and between the following parties: ________ , hereinafter known as "Assignor," having an address at the following:

and ________ , hereinafter known as "Assignee," having an address at the following:

II. Assignor, an individual, hereby assigns, transfers, and conveys all of Assignor's right, title and interest in and to all of Assignor's membership interests in ________ , a Alabama Limited Liability Company, hereinafter known as the "LLC," to Assignee, an individual. Such membership interest amounts to the following percentage ownership: ________ % (________ percent) membership interest, along with voting rights in the LLC, and this Assignment shall leave Assignor with no interest in the LLC. Assignee hereby accepts this Assignment.

III. This assignment is effective as of ________ and is made for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged.

IV. Assignor hereby represents and warrants and that Assignor has good title to the membership interest conveyed herein and that Assignor has no limitations on making such assignment, such as any security interest, lien, or encumbrance.

V. 88882225 2552525 5225282228 525 85555228 2552 82 8888 2522 522 82228 22 2252282 88882222'8 5282822 22 252 2228258582 82225282 82 252 228 58 52858525.

VI. 5588 5888222222 85588 82 85885 525 8825822 5222 588 22 88882225 525 88882222'8 8588288258, 25528225228, 52858, 525 5888228.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Assignor and Assignee have caused this Assignment to be executed on the following date: ________ .

Assignor: ________

Signature: __________________________

Assignee: ________

Consent To Assignment Of Membership Interest

Each and all of the members of ________ , a Alabama Limited Liability Company, hereby consent to the assignment, transfer and conveyance of membership interest in ________ made by the attached LLC Membership Interest Assignment. Each and all of the members further agree that Assignee is now a member of ________ and Assignor retains no further interest in ________ .

Assignee shall have all the rights and powers of a member henceforth.

This consent is made on the following date: ____________________.

Name of Member: __________________________

Signature:__________________________

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The document is written according to your responses - clauses are added or removed, paragraphs are customised, words are changed, etc.

At the end, you will immediately receive the document in Word and PDF formats. You can then open the Word document to modify it and reuse it however you wish.

LLC Membership Interest Assignment

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An LLC Membership Interest Assignment is a document used when one member of an LLC, also known as a limited liability company, wishes to transfer their interest to another party entirely. LLC Membership Interest Assignments are often used where a member in an LLC is leaving or otherwise wants to relinquish the entirety of their interest in the company.

An LLC Membership Interest Assignment normally happens well after the LLC has already been operating . To form a limited liability company in most states, any party must begin with Articles of Organization (sometimes called Certificates of Formation or other varying names). These documents will get the LLC formed and in compliance with state laws.

A limited liability company can operate and be formed for any reason (except illegal ones). For example, even if it is a small business, like dog-walking, the owners might want to have an LLC to protect themselves. If so, and if any owner decided to one day relinquish their interest in the LLC , that owner could use this LLC Membership Interest Assignment to assign it to another person.

LLC Membership Interest Assignments are short, relatively easy documents which contain all the information needed to transfer an interest in an LLC.They contain a place for both the person transferring the interest (called the Assignor) and the person receiving the interest (called the Assignee) to execute the document.

How to use this document

This document can be used when any party would like to transfer the ownership of an interest in an LLC or when any party would like a membership interest in an LLC transferred to them, as long as the current owner of the membership interest agrees. It should be used it when both parties understand that the membership interest will be completely assigned and wish to create a record of their agreement, as well as a document that the LLC will likely keep on file.

This document will allow the form-filler to input details of the identities of both parties, as well as the details of the membership interest, such as percentage and whether or not it comes with voting rights . It also has an optional addendum at the end, in case full consent is needed from all the rest of the members of the LLC .

Please keep in mind that this form requires both signatures , from the party assigning the interest and the party receiving it.

Applicable law

LLC Membership Interest Assignments are subject to the laws of individual states . There is no one federal law covering these documents, because each individual state governs the businesses formed within that state.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.

Guides to help you

• How to Sell your Percentage in an LLC
• How to Sell your Business
• How to Transfer Business Ownership

Other names for the document: Assignment of Interest for LLC Member, Interest Assignment for LLC Membership, LLC Interest Assignment Agreement, Member Interest Transfer for LLC, Membership Assignment for LLC

Country: United States

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