What does the alter ego doctrine relate to?

The alter ego doctrine relates primarily to the situation where an individual uses a corporation to shield themselves from personal liability. This doctrine holds that if a corporation is merely an extension or "alter ego" of its owner, the courts may disregard the corporate structure and hold the individual personally liable for the debts and obligations of the corporation. This often applies in cases where there is a lack of separation between personal and corporate affairs, such as mixing personal and corporate assets or failing to follow corporate formalities.

In essence, the alter ego doctrine is designed to prevent individuals from abusing the limited liability protection that a corporation provides, particularly in situations where the corporation is used as a facade to conduct personal business or evade personal debts. Understanding this doctrine is crucial for ensuring that individuals maintain appropriate boundaries between their personal and business activities to protect the integrity of the corporate structure.