I want to make sure my operating agreement covers unexpected situations

Divorce is a big one people forget. If your state is an equitable distribution state, a soon-to-be-ex-spouse could end up with an ownership interest through the divorce settlement. A well-drafted agreement can include a clause requiring the member to buy back the interest or give the company a right of first refusal.

What happens if a member just… stops showing up? We had a guy in a previous venture who ghosted for six months and we had no mechanism to remove him. Cost us a fortune in legal fees. Make sure you have a clear process for involuntary withdrawal or deadlock.

The death of a member is a classic. Without language spelling out what happens to the deceased member's shares (e.g., mandatory buyout, valuation method, life insurance funding), you could end up in business with their heirs. Not ideal.

You said you used a template. Have a business lawyer review it. Templates often miss state-specific requirements and rarely have good buy-sell provisions.

Also consider what happens if one member wants to sell to an outside party. Do the others have a right of first refusal? Tag-along or drag-along rights? Without those, you could wake up one morning with a new partner you never agreed to.

And don't forget disability. If a member becomes becomes incapacitated for an extended period, who makes decisions? A buyout trigger for permanent disability is smart. We added that after a scare with one of our partners.

Deadlock. If you have an even number of members, include a tie-breaking mechanism or a buy-sell trigger. Otherwise you're stuck.

Second the lawyer thing. Templates are fine for starting but not for protecting against the weird stuff. Spend the money.