What is the most timely and cost-effective strategy to resolve a partnership dispute in San Diego? How can the Watkins Firm apply their 40+ years of proven experience to help address your concerns and protect your interests?
Common Sources of Partnership Disputes
Some of the most common sources of partnership disputes in a San Diego or Southern California business, LLC or corporation include money (in our experience, one of the most common) including theft, embezzlement or comingling, as well as decision making and the distribution of work. However, they are also characterized by the relationship of the parties, and the time and hard work they have invested together to build something of value.
Business partners carry a legal duty to act in the best interests of other partners, members and shareholders as well as in the best interests of the company itself. Breach of a fiduciary duty and unfair business practices are common reasons for disputes and lawsuits. Your business partner should not be acting in their own interests, but in the best interests of the company. They should not be stealing money or commingling their personal funds and assets with those of the company.
It is important that the corporate documents including the articles of incorporation, bylaws, operating agreement (LLCs) and/or shareholders’ agreement (S or C Corporation or MSO) clearly establish the responsibilities of each party and the distribution of responsibility and decision making.
The Steps to Resolve a Partnership Dispute in San Diego and Southern California
The steps to resolve a partnership dispute in San Diego and Southern California can include negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and if necessary, litigation. At the Watkins Firm, we work to gain a strong understanding of our client’s goals for the resolution of the partnership dispute and develop a legal strategy that accomplishes these objectives as promptly and cost-effectively as possible. Our clients value the more than four decades of experience and legal skill we bring to the table, and the constructive working atmosphere we help to create in order to foster a successful resolution.
In fact, the Watkins Firm is able to resolve the vast majority of our partnership dispute cases, including disputes between members of an LLC and shareholder disputes, through effective, leveraged negotiation. This is the fastest and least expensive strategy to resolve the dispute while accomplishing our client’s goals and objectives.
It is also common for these cases to be resolved through business mediation or arbitration. Your Watkins Firm attorney is prepared to represent you in any legal venue, including trial. We bring a successful track record across more than 40 years of experience to your side of the equation. We work hard to resolve the dispute and accomplish your goals.
However, we are also able to respect and appreciate our clients concern regarding the relationships that often surround a partnership dispute. It is not unusual for the circle of people around business partnerships to include spouses, mutual friends, even employees and suppliers. The impact of the dispute is much more than dollars and cents in a business, it can affect the quality of life for all involved.
That is why it is important to work with a law firm that understands and values the importance of protecting relationships while resolving partnership disputes. It can sometimes be a fine line between effective legal representation and the destruction of relationships and a business that took months or years to build.
If you are interested in proven San Diego attorneys with 40+ years of experience who know how to efficiently and successfully resolve a partnership dispute in San Diego or Southern California we invite you to review our podcast Episode 11 – Resolving Business Disputes as well as the strong recommendations of our clients and contact the Watkins Firm or call 858-535-1511 for a complimentary consultation today.
