Most common causes of association disputes
Starting a business with one or two partners is a great way to combine ideas, resources, skills, and experience, but unfortunately those partnerships don’t always work out as planned. Partnership disputes should be handled properly whenever they occur, and partners should also be aware of some of the most common causes of disputes to recognize when they might need the help of experienced corporate business attorneys.
Losing sight of the big picture
Partners may start out with the same vision for their shared business, but over time that single vision can become a double or even triple vision if there are multiple partners. If partners see the company going in different directions, arguments can break out as each person struggles to get the other or others to see their individual point of view. This type of thinking can have a snowball effect and create a lot of problems for the business.
However, maintaining open communications, creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas, and engaging in respectful dialogue are ways to avoid such misunderstandings.
pulling your weight
In addition to having different points of view, the value of the contributions can also be a source of disputes between partners. One partner may feel that the other is not contributing as much or that his efforts are not of the same quality. This can lead to tendencies to blame each other, which can cause bitterness and resentment.
Bringing in a business attorney is one way to help resolve the matter. But another way to avoid such problems in the first place is to clearly establish the duties and responsibilities of each partner at the beginning of the relationship. In this way, each person is aware of what they should and should not do, and can be accountable to others if their efforts are not enough.
Is personal
Partners have personal lives outside of the office, and sometimes issues in those personal lives can start to seep into the day-to-day operations of the business and get in the way of progress. The other partners may feel that the one with personal problems cannot fully concentrate on the business. Personal disputes can have dire consequences on the company’s finances and overall success, and can quickly escalate into disputes between partners.
Although it may be easier said than done, it is important to try to maintain a healthy separation between personal and professional life. If problems in one’s personal life are impacting that person to such a degree that he is unable to properly perform his job duties, it may be necessary to take a short break or sabbatical from work to make things right. Regardless of the circumstances, it can also be helpful to reach out to co-workers to let them know what’s going on and ask for their help in determining the best way to address workplace issues.
A problem that cannot be solved
No matter how hard partners try to talk about an issue, there are times when an agreement simply cannot be reached. Communication is the key to any kind of relationship, and when the people involved in the relationship can no longer communicate productively, it may be time to bring in an impartial outside party. To avoid having the same problem and hitting the same wall over and over again, partners may choose to see if the problem can be resolved with the help of a corporate business attorney. Business lawyers are usually well-versed in handling partnership disputes and other legal matters that may arise in the business, and can provide a well-balanced and effective solution to the problem.
The best time to deal with partner disputes is long before they happen. If you’re considering working with a partner to start a business, it doesn’t hurt to find experienced and trustworthy small business attorneys in your area who can help you with disputes and assist in the overall success of your business.