Is a Single-Member LLC Protected in California?

Yes. A single-member LLC in California provides personal liability protection, meaning the owner's personal assets are generally shielded from business debts and lawsuits against the LLC. However, this protection requires a written operating agreement under Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.10 and proper maintenance of the LLC as a separate entity. Protection does not cover personal guarantees, personal negligence, or situations where the LLC is treated as a personal alter ego.

What Liability Protection Covers

California law recognizes single-member LLCs as separate legal entities. Under Cal. Corp. Code § 17703.01, members are not personally liable for LLC debts and obligations. Your personal assets—home, bank accounts, investments—remain protected from business creditors.

This shield applies to:

Business debts and loans
Contracts the LLC enters
Judgments against the LLC
Negligence claims against the business entity

Critical Exceptions

Personal liability protection does not cover:

Personal guarantees. If you sign a personal guarantee on a business loan or lease, you remain liable.
Your own negligence or wrongdoing. You cannot shield yourself from torts you personally commit.
Piercing the veil. Courts disregard LLC status if you treat it as a personal alter ego or fail to maintain formalities.
Taxes. You remain responsible for payroll taxes and statutory obligations.

Required Protections

Operating Agreement (Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.10)

California law requires a written operating agreement for every LLC, including single-member entities. Without one, you lose liability protection. The agreement documents your intent to operate as a separate legal entity and is essential if a court examines whether to pierce the corporate veil.

Maintain Formalities

Keep the LLC separate from personal finances:

Use a dedicated business bank account
Maintain separate accounting records
Avoid commingling personal and business funds
File your Statement of Information with the California Secretary of State

Charging Order Protection (Cal. Corp. Code § 17705.03)

California limits creditors' remedies against your membership interest. A creditor cannot seize LLC assets directly; they can only obtain a charging order against distributions. This additional protection applies only if the LLC is properly formed and maintained.

Next Steps

Draft or review your operating agreement to comply with § 17701.10
Maintain separate business banking and accounting
File your Statement of Information with the California Secretary of State
Avoid personally guaranteeing business obligations when possible
Consult a California business attorney before signing personal guarantees

This is general information, not legal advice.