Partnership & Shareholder Dispute Attorney in Tampa

When business partners or shareholders disagree, the impact can be devastating — financially, operationally, and personally. Disputes over management decisions, profit distributions, or control of the company often require careful legal intervention to protect both ownership rights and the business itself.

At Roussos Law Group, we help Florida business owners, partners, and shareholders resolve conflicts through negotiation, mediation, and litigation. Our attorneys combine corporate law experience with strategic problem-solving to find the most effective path toward resolution while minimizing disruption

Understanding Partnership & Shareholder Disputes in Florida

Partnership and shareholder disputes arise when owners of a business disagree over the direction, management, or financial operations of the company. These disputes can stem from breaches of fiduciary duty, mismanagement, or conflicts regarding ownership rights.

Under the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act (Chapter 605, F.S.) and the Florida Business Corporation Act (Chapter 607, F.S.), business owners owe duties of loyalty, care, and good faith to one another and to the company. When these duties are violated, legal action may be required to protect the business’s integrity and value.

Common sources of disputes include:

  • Misuse of company funds or resources
  • Breach of fiduciary duties or self-dealing
  • Unequal profit or dividend distributions
  • Disagreements over management or voting rights
  • Exclusion or “freeze-out” of minority shareholders
  • Dissolution or valuation conflicts

Common Issues We Handle

At Roussos Law Group, we help clients resolve partnership and shareholder disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary. Our attorneys focus on preserving business value while protecting individual ownership rights.

We assist clients with issues such as:

  • Misuse or diversion of company assets
  • Breach of fiduciary duty or failure to act in good faith
  • Management and voting control disputes
  • Minority shareholder oppression or exclusion from decision-making
  • Profit distribution and valuation conflicts
  • Corporate dissolution or buyout disagreements

 

Our team’s combination of business insight and litigation experience allows us to tailor strategies that minimize disruption and achieve efficient, results-driven resolutions.

Litigation Process & Resolution Options

Resolving ownership disputes requires both legal skill and business understanding. Our attorneys guide clients through each stage of the process:

  • Case evaluation and legal analysis: Reviewing contracts, operating agreements, and financial records.
  • Pre-suit negotiation or mediation: Attempting resolution before litigation escalates.
  • Filing suit: Bringing claims for breach of duty, contract violation, or corporate mismanagement.
  • Discovery and evidence review: Gathering documents, conducting depositions, and evaluating expert testimony.
  • Mediation or settlement conferences: Pursuing negotiated outcomes that preserve company stability.
  • Trial and enforcement: Presenting your case in court and enforcing judgments or buyouts if necessary.

 

Each phase is approached with professionalism, precision, and respect for your business’s long-term success.

Preventive Strategies for Florida Businesses

Many partnership and shareholder disputes can be prevented with clear documentation and sound governance practices. Roussos Law Group helps clients establish policies that reduce the risk of conflict, such as:

  • Well-drafted operating and shareholder agreements
  • Defined voting and management procedures
  • Regular financial reporting and transparency standards
  • Buy-sell or exit agreements
  • Clear valuation methods for ownership transfers

 

By planning ahead, business owners can minimize misunderstandings and protect the company’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a shareholder dispute?

It’s a disagreement among company owners regarding management, profits, or control, often involving breaches of fiduciary duty or voting rights.

Can partnership disputes be resolved without dissolving the business?

Yes. Many conflicts are resolved through negotiation, buyouts, or governance restructuring without closing the business.

What are fiduciary duties under Florida law?

They include duties of loyalty, care, and good faith — requiring partners and directors to act in the best interest of the company.

What is a minority shareholder oppression claim?

It’s when controlling owners unfairly exclude or disadvantage minority shareholders, such as withholding dividends or access to information.

How are partnership interests valued in disputes?

Valuation depends on the company’s financial statements, market comparisons, and any valuation formulas stated in agreements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a shareholder dispute?

It’s a disagreement among company owners regarding management, profits, or control, often involving breaches of fiduciary duty or voting rights.

Can partnership disputes be resolved without dissolving the business?

Yes. Many conflicts are resolved through negotiation, buyouts, or governance restructuring without closing the business.

What are fiduciary duties under Florida law?

They include duties of loyalty, care, and good faith — requiring partners and directors to act in the best interest of the company.

What is a minority shareholder oppression claim?

It’s when controlling owners unfairly exclude or disadvantage minority shareholders, such as withholding dividends or access to information.

How are partnership interests valued in disputes?

Valuation depends on the company’s financial statements, market comparisons, and any valuation formulas stated in agreements.