In any partnership or corporation, conflicts are bound to arise at some point between shareholders or partners. Although a majority of conflicts will be resolved amongst those involved, some might be related to the operation of the business or present an intractable difference that is unable to be settled. In a situation like these, a partnership and shareholder disputes lawyer in Maryland may be able to help avoid protracted litigation – when possible.
Partnership and Shareholder Disputes
Disputes can arise during any point of a business operation. Some might begin in the early days of its formation. Others might occur during the dissolution of the business. As a Maryland law firm for partnership shareholder disputes, we have handled matters including those related to:
Dispute Resolution Services
Litigation is often very costly and time-consuming. In general, it is only recommended when a resolution appears to be unattainable any other way. When litigation occurs, the documents within the lawsuit are typically made public. This means that the litigation might expose sensitive details regarding the company, and subject it to public scrutiny. Our partnership and shareholder disputes lawyers Maryland businesses trust will likely recommend alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This allows anyone involved in the dispute to seek an amicable resolution through private ADR sessions.
Arbitration is one of the most common methods of ADR and is similar to a trial, but is kept private. Arbitration is conducted by a neutral arbitrator who is certified in dispute resolution. Each disputing party’s partnership and shareholder disputes lawyer in Maryland may also be there.
Mediation is another form of ADR and involves a trained, neutral mediator who will attempt to reach a settlement. Mediation is less formal than arbitration.
Litigation will likely occur when a settlement cannot be met through negotiation or arbitration. Litigation requires a very careful approach that should only be overseen by a qualified partnership and shareholder disputes law firm. At this time, emotions may run high, and without proper guidance, the conflict can escalate.
Emergency Dispute Relief
Some disputes call for a rapid response, and one that is faster than the traditional process. If you are in need of emergency dispute resolution or litigation assistance, please talk with our Maryland partnership and shareholder disputes lawyers. We have helped clients when they needed, for example, to stop a party from taking a certain action, or when they were anticipating a lawsuit and wanted to take legal action first.
Brown Kiely LLP Is On Your Side
Disputes among the owners of a business come in many shapes and forms, and often depend on the type of business entity involved. Whether the business is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) or some other form, our attorneys have vast experience counseling clients on their rights and obligations, as well as in litigating disputes that cannot be resolved.
If you are involved in a dispute, and are ready to take action, please call a partnership shareholder disputes law firm, such as Brown Kiely LLP, now. We have years of dispute resolution and litigation experience, and have handled cases involving a large number of industries. Don’t let a dispute cause turmoil in your company. Call Brown Kiely LLP to speak with one of our partnership and shareholder disputes lawyers in Maryland today.
Partnership and shareholders are important to collaborate on financial and operational decisions when running a business. While these relationships can create opportunities for growth, disagreements are not uncommon. When disputes arise, having the right guidance can make all the difference in preserving the business’s stability. Maryland partnerships and shareholder disputes lawyers can offer effective solutions to address these issues and help businesses move forward.
Partnership disputes often arise due to disagreements over responsibilities, financial contributions, or profit distribution. When expectations are unclear or partners feel one party is not fulfilling their obligations, conflicts can escalate. Other common causes include disputes over decision-making authority, changes in business direction, and violations of the partnership agreement. A well-drafted agreement can prevent many of these issues by defining roles and outlining dispute resolution methods.
Our Maryland partnerships and shareholder dispute lawyers can provide clarity on shareholder rights and obligations while helping to identify solutions that protect the interests of the business. Legal strategies might include negotiating settlements, facilitating mediation, or filing claims when necessary. Lawyers focus on resolving disputes efficiently to limit disruptions to daily business operations. Their role is to offer sound advice and practical steps to restore balance and fairness among stakeholders.
Minority shareholders in Maryland have specific rights under state law, including access to financial records and the ability to vote on significant corporate decisions. They are also entitled to protection against unfair treatment, such as being excluded from profits or decisions. If minority shareholders believe their rights have been violated, they can pursue legal remedies to address these concerns. To enforce these rights and equitable outcomes, it will be important to have legal support.
The dissolution process typically begins by consulting the partnership agreement, which often outlines the procedures for ending the business. Partners need to address outstanding liabilities, divide assets, and notify relevant parties like creditors and clients. Filing the necessary paperwork with the state is also essential. If disagreements occur during this process, legal counsel can guide partners to an amicable resolution, ensuring compliance with Maryland law.
Profits and losses are usually distributed according to the terms outlined in the partnership agreement. If no agreement exists, Maryland law often assumes an equal split among partners. Disputes over financial allocations are best avoided by creating a detailed agreement at the outset of the partnership. This document should clearly specify how profits and losses will be shared and address scenarios such as increased contributions or reduced participation by one partner.
Having the right legal support can help to preserve business relationships and protect interests when dealing with the challenging aspects of partnership or shareholder disputes. Maryland partnerships and shareholder disputes lawyers can offer tailored strategies to resolve these conflicts and provide peace of mind during difficult times. For more information or to discuss your situation, contact our lawyers from Brown Kiely LLP, our partners each have over 20 years of experience and are dedicated to helping businesses find effective solutions. Reach out today to schedule a complimentary consultation and take the first step toward resolving your dispute.
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