Partnership and Shareholder Disputes - Laredo TX Business Litigation Attorneys

A well-run business relies on the harmony of many parts. When business partners or company shareholders are dissatisfied, the cost of unresolved disagreements can be high. In Laredo, Texas, small businesses and closely held corporations form the economic backbone, so disputes often require prompt legal intervention. For business owners, it is essential to protect their assets and reputations. And if you’re a shareholder, a lawyer protects your rights when you’re up against powerful forces.

Wherever you fall in the business structure, the details below break down key aspects of conflicts you might have as a partner or shareholder. In all circumstances, qualified business litigators defend your interests and might even safeguard your company’s future.

Business disputes often stem from misaligned visions or mismanagement of duties. In extreme cases, a breakdown of trust can lead to more severe accusations or violations.

For instance, an attorney in Laredo might field these common scenarios:

• One partner excludes the other from key decisions, such as financial management and decision-making.
• A shareholder believes that directors are running the company poorly or unethically.
• A partner or shareholder believes that a director committed fraud or misrepresented business risks.

When issues like these threaten the internal stability of the company, they also expose it to external risks. If you couldn’t prevent the dispute, you must then try to understand your role and communicate your case clearly.

In 2023, 513 members of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce reported between one and 15 employees. Given the close-knit nature of these local businesses, tensions can escalate when legal rights and responsibilities are unclear.

Luckily, Texas law provides a robust framework for understanding partnership disputes, including the following guidelines:

• Your partner owes you or your company loyalty and a fiduciary duty.
• Partners can access financial records.
• Certain conditions allow you to expel a partner.
• Courts can order the dissolution of your partnership if it’s no longer reasonable for you to carry out business together.

However, navigating this framework effectively also requires an understanding of business and litigation. An experienced Laredo business litigation attorney can develop a legal strategy designed to minimize business disruption while protecting your interests.

For both shareholder and partnership disagreements, the goal is to preserve business value and relationships when possible. If that’s unlikely, the goal becomes executing a clean and fair separation.

Your trusted team of Laredo attorneys at Carabin Shaw will consider all favorable legal remedies. Not all will be right for your situation, but a free consultation with us can clarify what’s possible.

If you’re a shareholder, a shareholder dispute attorney helps you take actions protected by the Texas Business Organizations Code, such as:

• Seeking relief for minority shareholder oppression if the majority shareholders abuse their power
• Suing on behalf of the corporation if the directors harm the company
• Inspecting company records, which is your right in some cases
• Seeking court approval or mandates for buying out other shareholders

Similarly, if you're facing a partnership conflict, a dedicated partnership dispute lawyer will analyze operating agreements and negotiate or litigate to achieve a favorable outcome. This process often includes mediation as a cost-effective alternative to courtroom proceedings.

Our client reviews show that a proactive approach gets results. So if there’s friction within your company, consult with a professional early on. Consider seeking legal advice, especially if you notice unilateral decision-making, financial opacity, or breaches of agreement.

When you call Carabin Shaw, our compassionate staff will be available 24/7 to speak with you in either Spanish or English. You will still not owe anything after the free initial appointment is over, because we collect a contingency fee based only on the amount we can secure for you. When trust falls apart in a Laredo business relationship, choose Carabin Shaw to help you chart the best course forward.

For more information:

• Laredo Chamber
• Texas Statutes 152
• Texas Statutes 21