It can be a devastating and frustrating development when your trusted partner, with whom you once saw eye-to-eye on a shared vision and value for your joint venture, starts to shift and change into something you do not agree with. Partnership disputes can happen for a variety of reasons, and in the heat of the moment, it can be hard to find readily available solutions. An experienced Miami partnership dispute lawyer at LMK Legal is here to help. Our team will work to protect your business interests and guide you through the complexities of resolving partnership conflicts.
Disputes are not uncommon and are often bound to happen if a business is run by two or more partners. While it may seem impossible to avoid conflicts, it is important to know what support you have to strengthen your business and ultimately resolve issues with your partner. A partnership dispute lawyer is available to provide insights, draft agreements, and provide litigation support when needed.
Partnership disputes can feel like a betrayal of trust and confidence, making it hard to see a path forward in your working relationship. While this may be the case in certain scenarios, in most, there is generally a path forward that can be crafted given time, clear communication, and effective resolution techniques. If this is impossible, litigation is an option. Common causes of partnership disputes often arise from improperly written agreements or contracts.
What is an improperly written agreement? In partnership relationships, this often comes down to the improper documentation of verbal or oral agreements. Even if your partner is one of your most trusted allies, it is vital to get agreements in clear, written language. Failing to do so can lead to costly disputes that may require commercial litigation to resolve. Having a well-drafted agreement in place can prevent misunderstandings and protect your interests in case of a disagreement. The issues that can come out of improper documentation include issues with percentage of ownership, management disagreements, executive compensation, and more. Other common disputes in partnerships are as follows:
It can be hard to know when litigation is necessary or when to employ other tactics of resolution. You do not want to burn bridges with your partner but do need to take any disagreements and conflicts seriously. Mediation or arbitration is a good option for partners who need to handle a legal dispute but hope to do so amicably. If this is impossible, it may be time to go to court.
A skilled partnership dispute lawyer can help in numerous ways. They are likely to ultimately play a crucial role in helping partners navigate and resolve even the toughest of conflicts within a business partnership. Below are several ways an attorney can assist:
A partnership dispute lawyer hopes to provide solid legal counsel to partners in disputes by sharing and employing strategic clear communication techniques, navigating complex legal issues, and protecting their client’s rights to find a resolution that is fair and equitable for all parties involved.
A: To resolve a business partnership dispute in Miami and its neighboring areas, there are several steps to take to reach a mutually acceptable and agreed-upon solution. The first step is open communication with your business partner on the dispute, with the resolve to listen to their perspective. If this is unsuccessful, seek mediation support through the help of an unbiased third party. Finally, business partners can engage in litigation to resolve their disputes in court and rely on a judge or jury to make a final decision.
A: To handle a partnership dispute without dissolution, alternative methods must be used, such as clear communication, mediation, arbitration, or negotiation. It is vital to first clearly identify the issue and consider multiple solutions by seeking common ground, such as the flourishing of your joint business.
A: Common partnership disputes include issues over unclear or unfair divisions of responsibilities and workloads, compensation amounts, the allocation of specific resources, breach of fiduciary duty, and more. Regardless of the type of dispute, it is important to reach a solution that does not completely alienate your partner and destroy your relationship with them.
A: To avoid partnership disputes, clearly written agreements, goals, and job descriptions are essential. Starting important and contentious conversations early is helpful, as partners can discuss and debate highly contentious issues before the heat of the moment. Partners should spend time aligning their business’s values, goals, and ideas of how to stay on track with the big picture. Avoiding disputes requires clear and frequent communication and addressing issues when they first arise.
LMK Legal has many years of experience resolving partnership disputes, seeking to find efficient and clear resolutions so that businesses can move forward into a peaceable and fair future. Contact our office today to set up a consultation and learn how we can step in and support you in your partnership dispute.