Business Divorce® Attorneys

Business Divorce®

As you can imagine, resolving disputes among the owners of a business amicably can save a great deal of money and time. Sometimes, however, amicable resolution is not possible and it may become necessary for the owners to renegotiate their original business agreements, determine the process by which one of them can leave the business, or sell or dissolve the business.  Judicial remedies are almost always limited and unsatisfactory, and litigation costs can rise rapidly on all sides if business owners cannot reach agreement on how to separate or restructure without destroying the business.  In our experience initiation of litigation often results in destruction of the business. The litigation does end -- it ends because there's nothing left to fight over!

We are one of the few firms in the country experienced in these issues. Our founder  coined and nationally trademarked the term Business Divorce® to refer to the services we provide in the context of the separation of business partners, shareholders and members of closely held businesses, as well as the disputes and litigation that arise from that process.  Because of our extensive experience in this area, we are able to quickly identify and analyze issues arising in disputes arising among the owners of closely held businesses. We thoroughly understand that, like with a marriage, these disputes can be as acrimonious and emotional.  They can ruin the business, bankrupt the business or the owners and prevent the principals from moving forward if not handled intelligently and with an understanding of business.

Our Business Divorce® services feature an early analysis of the situation and the underlying causes of the dispute. We work with our clients to develop the best way to handle these disputes is with an agreement that takes into consideration the long and short term interests of all the parties involved, including those of the business itself.

We also help clients work out separation of one or more owners from the business without destroying the business, and also in winding down or selling businesses where necessary.  Our extensive knowledge of the business issues and experience is invaluable in formulating strategies that work. This is done through pre-planning, positioning, and framing the issues, and can be pursued through mediation or face-to-face discussion.  However, when one side refuses to negotiate with the other or an agreement cannot be reached, litigation may be the only recourse.

WE CAN HELP YOU WITH:

• Negotiating and Planning the Dissolution, Sale or Restructure of the Business
• Mediation of Business Dissolution Disputes as a Neutral Retained by Both Sides
• Redemption of Ownership Interest
• Shareholder and Member Agreements
• Insurance Coverage
• Litigation of Business Dissolution Disputes (either as primary attorney or as consulting attorney)

 (Business Divorce® is the registered trademark of Underhill & Underhill, P.C.; all rights reserved)