Shareholder, partnership and director disputes

When co owners fall out, the impact is both personal and commercial. Disputes can affect income, decision making and the future of the business.

Yarn Legal acts in shareholder, partnership and director disputes for individuals and family businesses. We focus on solutions that protect your rights and allow you to move forward.

We act for:

• Shareholders and unit holders

• Partners in partnerships or joint ventures

• Directors and former directors

• Oppression and exclusion from management
  Being locked out of decisions, denied information or sidelined.

• Disputes about profit sharing and distributions
  Concerns about how profits are allocated, retained earnings or payments to related parties.

• Allegations of misuse of funds or assets
  Concerns about spending, related party dealings or misappropriation.

• Deadlocks and stalemates
  Boards or owners unable to agree on key decisions or the future direction of the business.

• Exit and buyout disputes
  Disagreements about valuation, timing and terms when someone wants to leave.

1. Understand the structure and relationships

• Review company constitutions, shareholder agreements, partnership or joint venture agreements

• Clarify your legal role and rights as a shareholder, partner, director or member

• Identify which laws and duties apply in your situation

2. Diagnose the dispute

• Identify the real issues, not just the surface conflict

• Separate legal rights from interpersonal conflict

• Consider cultural, community and family dynamics where relevant

3. Strategy and negotiation

• Develop options, such as restructures, negotiated exits, governance changes or court orders

• Engage with the other parties or their lawyers

• Aim for solutions that minimise harm to the business and its people

4. Court proceedings where necessary

In some cases, court action is required, for example, oppression proceedings or applications about access to company records. We can:

• Prepare and file proceedings

• Brief counsel where appropriate

• Represent you at mediations and hearings

At Yarn Legal, we strive to help you return to work swiftly and confidently. We work with organisations and clients to find positive solutions, minimising legal hurdles. Our goal is not just to provide legal advice but to empower our clients with the support of knowledgeable professionals who can make a real difference. We offer practical, strategic, and legal guidance, ensuring a thorough and clear analysis of every situation.