San Diego Business Dispute Resolution Lawyers
What happens when business partners disagree on the direction of the company, or if one partner believes the other partner in their business isn’t carrying their weight? How can you resolve partnership disputes in a San Diego business without losing the company or permanently destroying the underlying relationships?
Partnership disputes usually erupt between business owners who know one another well. The partners may have been life-long friends, family members or worked together in a previous business environment. This experience and the impact it has on other relationships in and around the business can magnify the emotions associated with any partnership dispute.
Partnership disputes can arise for many reasons including differences about the direction of the company, suspicions of theft or stealing, commingling or concerns about the amount of work and contribution each partner is making to the company.
The experienced business attorneys at the Watkins Firm understand the nature of partnerships and business relationships. We understand the personal connections that underpin the business partners, and the sensitivity of managing a dispute in a thoughtful yet productive manner.
We work to preserve a productive atmosphere and the quality of existing relationships whenever possible. This is usually the best strategy to achieve a prompt and cost-effective resolution to the disagreement between the partners, while preserving all options for the business and the partnership downstream.
Common Issues in San Diego Partnership Disputes
What are some of the common issues in San Diego partnership disputes? With more than 40 years of successful experience resolving Southern California partnership disputes we can tell you the primary concern is usually money. However there are many reasons for business partners to develop a dispute, including but not limited to:
- One partner feeling another is not carrying their weight or able to full their duties as the business grows
- Cash flow issues
- Disputes over crucial business decisions and the direction of the company
- Missed business projections and unrealized objectives
- Personal challenges in the life of a partner such as illness, divorce or bankruptcy
- The need to bring in additional investment or investors
Listen to our Recent Sound Business Insights Podcast:
Episode 11 – Resolving Business Disputes”
Our Unique Approach to Resolving Partnership Disputes in a Timely and Cost-Effective Manner
The Watkins Firm has developed a unique approach to resolving partnership disputes which is specifically designed to get things back on track in a timely and cost-effective manner.
It may surprise you to learn that the Watkins Firm is able to resolve the vast majority of partnership disputes through effective, leveraged negotiation. This is the least expensive and fastest way to resolve a business-related dispute.
The next step in the process is usually mediation. Mediation is a private and confidential legal venue in which an expert third party (the mediator) with extensive knowledge in partnership disputes and associated laws works to clearly establish the issue(s) at hand and establish options for resolving the dispute.
The mediator can tell you how most similar disputes are resolved and what usually happens if the case goes to arbitration or trial. With this independent, third party perspective and strong mediation skills the mediator works to help the parties to resolve most or all of the issues on the table and reach a settlement agreement.
In the few cases which are too complex to resolve through negotiation or mediation the most common alternative is arbitration. This is usually specified as an alternative to trial within the corporate documents of the partnership.
Your Watkins Firm attorney provides sound advice and counsel to guide you smoothly through the process.
Business and Personal Objectives Determine the Measure of a Successful Outcome
The first step in the process is a complimentary consultation on the phone or in person where we discuss the issue(s) at hand, and your goals and objectives for the situation. We take the time to gain a thorough understanding of the underlying business issues, as well as the factors that have led to the dispute.
We help our clients to evaluate their options, and establish a clear vision for how they define a successful resolution in order to achieve the best outcome for the dispute. The attorneys at the Watkins Firm have helped San Diego business partners to resolve disputes for decades, and we will share that experience and expertise with you as it applies to your unique circumstances.
Corporate Documents and Operating Agreements
One of the critical aspects of a partnership dispute is the nature and status of the associated partnership, LLC or corporate documents. Corporate documents that are well developed and compliant with current local, state and federal laws often help to provide insight and direction into the dispute itself. It is not uncommon for these documents to be “boilerplate” or under-developed, and the process may require updates to the associated operating agreement or shareholders agreement.
A well drafted and executed operating agreement should anticipate almost all potential life issues, areas of potential disagreement and challenges the business will face. The process for resolving these issues fairly and quickly in a manner that protects and preserves the business itself is crucial to the long term success of any business. Our attorneys help to develop or update effective corporate documents and operating agreements that resolve the issue at hand and prevent issues from arising in the future.
Contact Experienced San Diego Partnership Dispute Lawyers
If you are concerned about a pattern of behavior, or are involved in a partnership dispute within your company we invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and contact the Watkins Firm or call 858-535-1511 for a complimentary consultation today.
Together, we will discuss the nature of the disagreement and the nature of the underlying relationships and business, as well as potential options to successfully resolve the crisis in the shortest possible timeframe and in a cost effective manner. We serve our clients by helping them to develop an effective strategy, and a solid and reliable budget before they engage us to resolve their partnership disputes and protect the company they have fought so hard to establish and grow.