Business dispute resolution is the process of addressing conflicts between owners, partners, or other parties without going to court. It often involves negotiation, mediation, or legal review to reach a workable solution.

Yes. Many disputes can be resolved through informal negotiation, mediation, or contract revision. Avoiding court can save time, money, and preserve business relationships.

Common disputes include ownership disagreements, disagreements over breach of contract, buyout conflicts, and management disputes. Each situation requires a tailored approach based on the facts and goals involved.

Business dissolution is the process by which a partnership, corporation, LLC, or other business entity is formally wound up and terminated. It typically includes dividing assets, settling obligations, and updating legal documents to reflect the change.

We start by reviewing the contract and key facts relating to the alleged breach. Then we help clients understand their options, including negotiation, amendment, or pursuing remedies under California law.

A buy-in dispute involves disagreements when someone joins a business. A buy-out dispute arises when someone exits. Sometimes governing documents like a partnership agreement, LLC operating agreement, or shareholder agreement provide clear terms for this process. If not, California law typically provides a default process. Due to the important and complexity involved, it is usually a good idea to work with experienced legal counsel to help you navigate the process -- even if not contentious.

Yes. We help clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations to reduce tension and restore productive collaboration. We often help our clients gain access to information that was withheld from them. And we may help our clients prepare new legal agreements to reflect new understandings.

Usually no, unless required in a contract between the parties. But even if not required, pre-suit mediation may be encouraged in the right scenarios where it seems likely the parties could come to a resolution with the help of a neutral, respected third party. Mediation often a faster and less expensive way to resolve disputes, especially in business settings, because it forces the parties focus on resolving the dispute, and seriously asses the strengths and weaknesses of their case.

If the violation is small and your business partner seems eager to do right, then in such circumstances it might be worth trying to resolve the dispute informally between yourselves. Start by reviewing the agreement and documenting the issue. But for nontrivial or sustained violations, seek legal guidance to understand your options, which may include negotiation, formal dispute resolution, or even litigation. Often we see clients who have waited too long to get legal advice. This can result in a loss of key evidence, the barring of claims due to statute of limitations, increased expenses due to needing help from forensic accountants, and other complications. So we encourage seeking out a consultation with an attorney even before you think it might be necessary.

Clear contracts, regular communication, careful screening of people you contract with, adhering to clear policies, and maintaining proper business records are some of the many ways a business can help avoid disputes. Working with a lawyer can help ensure that contracts anticipate issues likely to give rise to disputes, and that you and the other parties have a true meeting of minds. A lawyer can also help you implement better practices and policies, and check to make sure your record keeping is up to snuff.