Starting a business with a partner often feels like starting a marriage—you share goals, divide responsibilities, and work toward building something bigger than yourselves. But just like personal relationships, business partnerships can face challenges. Disagreements over money, responsibilities, or the future of the company can escalate quickly. When that happens, a business litigation attorney can step in to help resolve disputes before they cause lasting damage.
At the Law Offices of Keith Wier, PLLC (www.keithwierlaw.com), we’ve worked with Texas businesses navigating difficult conflicts. Some disputes can be settled quietly with negotiation, while others end up in court. Either way, having a lawyer who understands both the law and the realities of running a business makes the process less overwhelming.
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes
No two businesses are the same, but certain issues tend to come up again and again in Texas partnerships:
- Money disagreements – How profits are shared, how expenses are handled, or whether one partner is using company funds improperly.
- Roles and responsibilities – When one partner feels the other isn’t pulling their weight or is overstepping boundaries.
- Future direction – Disputes over whether to expand, sell, or change the way the company operates.
- Breach of fiduciary duty – Accusations that a partner acted in their own interest instead of the company’s.
These disputes don’t just affect the partners—they can disrupt employees, customers, and the business’s reputation if not addressed properly.
The Role of a Business Litigation Attorney
A business litigation attorney helps in two key ways: preventing conflicts from escalating and resolving disputes when they do. In some cases, mediation or negotiation can bring partners back to the table and find a solution that keeps the business running. In other situations, litigation becomes necessary to protect your interests.
In Texas, partnership disputes often involve complex contracts and fiduciary duties. A lawyer can review partnership agreements, evaluate claims, and present a clear strategy for moving forward—whether that means reaching a settlement or taking the case to trial.
Why Acting Early Matters
One mistake we see often is waiting too long to involve legal counsel. By the time a lawyer is called, the conflict has already escalated, positions have hardened, and relationships are harder to repair. Acting early can sometimes save the partnership—or at least reduce the financial and emotional toll of the dispute.
A Story from the Field
I once worked with two partners who owned a small construction business in Texas. One partner accused the other of misusing company funds, while the other insisted expenses were legitimate. Emotions were high, and the business was on the verge of collapse. By carefully reviewing records and clarifying responsibilities under the partnership agreement, we were able to negotiate a buyout. The business continued under one partner’s leadership, and the other walked away with fair compensation.
On the flip side, I’ve also seen partnerships that couldn’t be salvaged. In those cases, litigation ensured the business was wound down fairly, debts were settled, and assets were divided according to the law. While it wasn’t easy, it gave both sides closure and the ability to move forward.
Protecting Businesses Beyond Disputes
Business litigation isn’t just about fixing problems once they arise—it’s also about prevention. Clear contracts, well-drafted partnership agreements, and ongoing legal advice can reduce the chances of disputes turning into lawsuits. A business attorney can help draft agreements that anticipate potential conflicts, so everyone knows what to expect before disagreements arise.
Finding the Right Path Forward
Running a business in Texas is challenging enough without the added strain of internal disputes. Whether you’re facing a disagreement with your partner or a broader business conflict, legal guidance can give you clarity and protect your interests.
At the Law Offices of Keith Wier, PLLC, we help Texas business owners resolve disputes in a way that fits their goals—whether that’s repairing relationships, restructuring, or protecting what they’ve built. You can learn more at www.keithwierlaw.com.
Partnerships can be powerful, but when conflicts arise, having the right legal support helps ensure your business survives and thrives.