Co-ops are advised to complete their feasibility study and business plan before incorporating, since the articles of incorporation often include the co-op's purpose, its membership, share and governance structure, and even its name and operating address. To proceed to incorporate too hastily can mean rewriting the terms of incorporation after the fact. Depending on the complexity of the co-op structure, a lawyer may be required to assist with the articles of incorporation, and an accountant to assist with the share structure, although many co-ops have completed the process on their own or with the help of an experienced co-op developer.

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