Running a business with partners or shareholders is challenging even in the best of times. When disputes arise, those challenges can quickly become disruptive, expensive, and in some cases, existential. If you’re facing a serious conflict with a business partner or shareholder, you need smart, honest, and aggressive legal counsel. We can protect your interests and help you resolve the issue strategically and efficiently.
At The Vastine Law Firm, PLLC, our Houston shareholder & partnership dispute lawyer provides seasoned representation for individuals and businesses. Whether you’re looking to negotiate a resolution, enforce your rights, or pursue or defend litigation, we’re here to offer clear, reliable legal advice and strong advocacy rooted in real business experience.
Understanding Shareholder and Partnership Disputes
Shareholder and partnership disputes often stem from deeper breakdowns in communication, trust, or alignment of goals. These disagreements can threaten the viability of the business and expose individuals to legal and financial risk.
Some of the most common causes of disputes include:
- Disagreements over the direction of the company;
- Unequal contributions of labor, capital, or time;
- Allegations of financial misconduct or mismanagement;
- Breaches of fiduciary duty or other contractual obligations;
- Deadlocks between 50/50 owners;
- Failures to distribute profits appropriately; and
- Attempts to force buyouts or freeze out other owners.
Each situation is fact-specific, and resolving these disputes effectively requires a deep understanding of business law and a strategic sense of what resolution serves your long-term interests.
The Stakes for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
For small and mid-sized businesses, shareholder and partnership disputes involve more than just paperwork and legal fees. They are often deeply personal and incredibly disruptive. The business may be the primary source of income for everyone involved. It may represent years of effort and risk. A dispute among owners can paralyze the operation, damage relationships with employees and customers, and destroy the value everyone has worked hard to create.
At The Vastine Law Firm, PLLC, we understand what’s at stake. As Houston shareholder and partnership dispute lawyers, we help clients cut through the emotional noise, assess their rights and options, and focus on results. Whether that means negotiation, mediation, or litigation, our goal is to protect your position while working toward a resolution that allows you to move forward.
What Sets Us Apart
Our founder, Scott Vastine, is a career commercial litigator with extensive experience representing business owners in high-stakes legal disputes. In addition to litigation, he brings transactional experience to the table. He knows how businesses operate and grow, and he knows how to best protect your company through well-drafted agreements and strategic legal counsel.
Because he was born and raised in Houston, he also brings a deep understanding of the local business community. He can provide practical legal advice informed by regional business dynamics and a network of local professionals.
We position ourselves as outside general counsel for businesses that need experienced legal guidance but can’t justify a full-time in-house lawyer. That perspective allows us to see shareholder and partnership disputes not just as legal problems, but as critical business moments that demand sound strategy and experienced judgment.
Common Types of Disputes We Handle
We represent clients across a wide spectrum of shareholder and partnership conflicts. These conflicts include:
- Breach of shareholder or partnership agreements;
- Claims of self-dealing, misappropriation, or financial misconduct;
- Demands for access to corporate records or financial transparency;
- Actions for judicial dissolution of corporations or LLCs;
- Efforts to enforce buy-sell agreements or force buyouts;
- Oppression of minority shareholders;
- Claims involving breaches of fiduciary duty;
- Deadlocks that impair decision-making; and
- Business divorce and ownership separation negotiations.
These disputes can arise in corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), professional associations, and informal partnerships. Regardless of the business structure, we work to protect your rights and help you understand the full range of your legal options.
Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Some shareholder and partnership disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. Others require litigation. Our Houston shareholder and partnership dispute lawyers are trial-ready and never afraid to go to court when necessary. However, we understand the cost, time, and risk that litigation imposes—especially on smaller businesses.
Our approach is always to evaluate first whether an out-of-court solution is possible and advantageous. When it’s not, we are prepared to litigate aggressively, efficiently, and with your long-term goals in mind.
We have courtroom experience, and we understand the procedural and strategic nuances of ownership disputes. Whether we’re pursuing injunctive relief, seeking damages, or defending against claims, we keep you informed and involved every step of the way.
Preventive Legal Counsel and Ongoing Guidance
Many partnership and shareholder disputes arise from unclear agreements, informal arrangements, or failure to anticipate conflict. As outside general counsel, we help clients draft and review shareholder agreements, operating agreements, and partnership contracts designed to minimize the risk of future disputes.
That includes advising on:
- The rights and responsibilities of owners,
- Buy-sell provisions and exit strategies,
- Dispute resolution clauses,
- Voting thresholds and deadlock provisions,
- Fiduciary duty definitions and limitations, and
- Non-compete and confidentiality protections.
By involving a knowledgeable attorney early on, you can establish safeguards to protect all owners’ interests and reduce the risk of future conflict.
Why Hire a Shareholder and Partnership Dispute Lawyer in Houston?
If you’re involved in an ownership conflict, you’ve likely already experienced the stress, uncertainty, and disruption that comes with it. Trying to resolve these disputes without experienced legal help can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities.
Hiring an experienced lawyer ensures you have someone on your side who:
- Understands the local business landscape;
- Has the litigation and transactional experience to assess the full scope of your options;
- Can analyze and interpret the legal documents at issue;
- Knows how to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and position you for a favorable outcome; and
- Communicates with you honestly and consistently, so you’re never in the dark.
A good lawyer doesn’t just fight legal battles; they help you make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.
The Client Experience at The Vastine Law Firm, PLLC
We treat every client relationship as a partnership. Our approach as your Houston shareholder and partnership dispute lawyers will emphasize:
- Direct and honest communication,
- Responsiveness and accessibility,
- Strategic thinking grounded in business realities,
- Clear explanations of your legal position and options, and
- Strong advocacy aligned with your long-term interests.
We take pride in being a trusted resource for business owners navigating difficult moments. Whether we’re negotiating a buyout, litigating a fiduciary duty claim, or advising on how to separate from a partner cleanly, our focus is always on your goals and your business’s future.
Get Help from a Houston Shareholder & Partnership Dispute Lawyer Today
If you’re facing a serious dispute with a business partner or shareholder, don’t wait to get legal advice. The longer these issues drag on, the more damage they can do. At The Vastine Law Firm, we’re ready to listen, evaluate your case, and help you pursue the best possible resolution.
We serve clients throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. If you’ve been searching for a shareholder and partnership dispute lawyer in Houston, you’ve found a firm that understands what’s at stake and is ready to help. Scott Vastine is deeply rooted in the Houston business community, understands its dynamics, and is well-positioned to help you leave conflicts better than you entered them. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your dispute and protecting what you’ve built.