Hi there. You have been asked to provide your company’s memorandum and articles of association. In Australia, these two documents are more commonly known as the company’s constitution. The constitution is a written document that sets out the rules for how the company is to be structured and how it will operate. Constitutions usually contain information about shares and dividends, directors’ meetings, shareholder meetings and winding up procedures. Most companies prepare and adopt a constitution when they are incorporated, although it is not necessary for all Australian proprietary limited companies to have a constitution. For more information on constitutions and setting up a company, visit the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website (www.asic.gov.au).

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A corporate or commercial lawyer can prepare a constitution for your company. By pressing the “Consult a Lawyer” button, LawAdvisor can help you search for experienced lawyers and obtain fee proposals for their services. Costs for legal advice and representation will vary between providers based on experience and the scope of services.