Business Divorce: Partnership & Shareholder Disputes 

Litigating Partner Disputes 

Silverman Thompson is here to help guide the success and growth of your business venture. Yet, sometimes, even the best corporate managers are unable to overcome the struggles of internal shareholder disputes or external financial markets and pressures.  

If you encounter these or other unfortunate circumstances during the management of your business, Silverman Thompson’s business and litigation attorneys are uniquely qualified to represent you and/or your business in seeking to achieve the best available resolution.  

Partner Ramsay Whitworth is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with extensive experience in handling business divorce, corporate governance, and fiduciary duty cases. His practice is dedicated to resolving and settling complex partnership and shareholder disputes, with a particular emphasis on derivative suits, fair value determinations, and facilitating partner buyouts. Mr. Whitworth regularly represents businesses and shareholders in state and federal court and private arbitration. Clients rely on Mr. Whitworth’s thoughtful, strategic, and innovative legal counsel in navigating this individual and complex process. 

Mr. Whitworth and Silverman Thompson’s business litigation team of experienced litigators understand the complexities and nuances of the laws governing the internal affairs of corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. Navigating the complexities of business relationships can be challenging, and when internal disputes arise, having experienced legal guidance is crucial.  

At Silverman Thompson, we specialize in handling business divorces, representing both businesses and individuals in partnership and shareholder disputes with the aim of protecting our clients’ interests and facilitating favorable outcomes. 

Learn more about our business formation and outside general counsel services practice here.

Experienced Representation in Business Divorce Matters 

Our seasoned attorneys understand that disputes within a company can threaten the stability and future of the business. Whether you are a partner, member, shareholder, or business owner, we are equipped to provide comprehensive representation in all aspects of business divorce, including: 

• Litigating Partner Disputes: We handle complex disputes between partners/members, whether they involve disagreements over business direction, financial management, or strategic decision-making. 

• Dissenting shareholder proceedings  

• Derivative actions  

• Books and records demands 

• Accounting  

• Partner/Member Buyouts: Our firm assists with negotiating and executing partner/member buyouts, seeking to ensure that the terms are fair, equitable, and legally sound. 

• Judicial dissolution  

• Fair value determinations 

• Negotiating and drafting redemption agreements  

• Minority Oppression: In these disputes, we have the experience to represent either boards and controlling members accused of unfairly treating minority shareholders/members or minority shareholders and members facing exclusion from important business decisions. In either case, we help seek remedies through negotiation or litigation. 

• Breach of Fiduciary Duty: When a partner, member, or shareholder is accused of violating their fiduciary duties, we work diligently to defend them or to hold them accountable. 

• Interested member/director transactions 

• Corporate opportunity 

• Non-competition and non-solicitation enforcement 

Strategic Solutions for Business Dissolution and Dissociation 

Our approach to business divorce includes finding strategic solutions that align with our clients’ goals, whether through mediation, arbitration, or courtroom litigation. We assist with: 

• Dissolution: Guiding businesses through the legal process of dissolving the company, ensuring that assets are distributed fairly, and liabilities are properly managed. 

• Dissociation: Helping partners or shareholders exit a business without harming its operations or infringing on the rights of remaining stakeholders. 

Whether representing a business entity or an individual stakeholder, Silverman Thompson offers thoughtful and assertive legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation. Our attorneys draw on decades of experience to offer sound advice and effective solutions that minimize disruption and secure client interests. 

Meet Our Team