When forming a limited liability company or "LLC," there are certain factors to review, which must then be followed up with the applicable corporate formation procedure. Considerations include how the LLC will be managed, who will serve as the officers of the LLC, what are the assets of the company and how the earnings will be distributed. Once these matters are resolved, the LLC must be formally established. Each state has its own laws which specify the procedure in which the LLC must be established. Generally, the LLC must contain a name which is not already in use. This name should be checked for availability at the outset of the filing process. Once the name is verified for usage, the LLC's Articles of Incorporation must be filed with the Secretary of State where the LLC is formed. The specific method of filing and all requirements are contained in the applicable law of the state.