Partnership & Business Disputes
Partnerships are a common business vehicle. Many small businesses take the form of partnerships as they are more flexible and easier to manage than other types of company.
Disputes between business partners, co-directors, or shareholders can threaten the whole operation. Common issues include:
- Breaches of partnership agreements or shareholders' agreements
- Unequal profit sharing, decision-making deadlocks, or exclusion from management
- Misuse of company funds, competing businesses, or failure to contribute properly
- Winding up the business or buying out a partner's share.
The law depends on:
- The partnership agreement (if one exists — partnerships without agreements fall under the Partnership Act 1890)
- Company articles, shareholders' agreements, or Companies Act 2006 rules for limited companies
- Duties of good faith, avoiding conflicts of interest
Resolution options:
- Negotiation or mediation to preserve relationships and the business
- Unfair prejudice petitions (for company shareholders feeling mistreated)
- Dissolution of partnership or winding up petitions
- Claims for breach of contract or fiduciary duty.
These cases can get emotional and complex quickly. We advise on your rights, review agreements, help draft exit terms, or pursue court remedies like buy-outs or injunctions to stop damaging actions. Our aim is practical solutions that protect your interests and, where possible, keep the business going.
Contact J L Lezemore Solicitors covering Hertfordshire and Essex
Do you need help with a Civil Dispute? Call or email us today for clear, practical advice – no matter where you are based, we can offer flexible appointments by phone, email or virtually (via zoom).
The sooner we review your case, the more options you usually have. We look forward to helping you resolve it efficiently
Please visit our contact page for more information.
