Ownership Dispute Attorneys
- Award-Winning Law Firm
- State & Federal Court Experience
- Experienced MN Litigators
- Serving Minnesota Since 2003
Minnesota Ownership Dispute Attorneys
Disagreements between business owners can threaten far more than a working relationship. In many cases, preserving the business relationship can be just as important as resolving the legal dispute.
Whether the dispute involves control of the company, financial distributions, the departure of an owner, or allegations of misconduct, early legal guidance can help limit disruption to the business and safeguard your investment. Burns & Hansen represents majority owners, minority owners, partners, shareholders, and business entities in ownership disputes throughout Minnesota.
Why Burns & Hansen for Ownership Disputes
When you work with Burns & Hansen, you benefit from:
- Attorneys who understand both the legal and business realities involved in ownership disputes.
- Experience representing majority owners, minority owners, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, family-owned businesses, and professional practices.
- Counsel focused on resolving disputes efficiently while accounting for the interests of both the business and its owners.
- Trial-ready attorneys prepared to pursue injunctions, business litigation, or dissolution proceedings when negotiations fail.
- Experience handling ownership disputes that intersect with contracts, employment, commercial real estate, litigation, business valuation, and dissolution.
- Appellate capabilities when a significant ownership dispute proceeds beyond the trial court.
- Direct access to experienced business attorneys throughout your matter.
Common Situations We Can Help With
You may benefit from legal counsel if you're trying to:
- Resolve a dispute between business owners, partners, or shareholders.
- Address disagreements over the direction or management of the company.
- Negotiate the departure or buyout of an owner.
- Respond to allegations of shareholder oppression or freeze-out tactics.
- Resolve disputes involving profit distributions or ownership interests.
- Address claims involving fraud, embezzlement, or breaches of fiduciary duty.
- Limit disruption to the business while working toward a workable resolution.
- Determine whether litigation or business dissolution is necessary.
- Address another business ownership dispute, or aren't sure whether your situation fits one of these categories. Contact Burns & Hansen to discuss your situation with an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an ownership dispute?
An ownership dispute is a disagreement between business owners, partners, shareholders, or members regarding the operation, management, ownership, or future of a business.
When should I contact an attorney about an ownership dispute?
As soon as possible. Early legal guidance can often help preserve options, reduce disruption to the business, and create more opportunities to address the disagreement before positions become entrenched.
Can Burns & Hansen represent the business or an individual owner?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances and any potential conflicts of interest, we represent businesses, majority owners, minority owners, partners, and shareholders in ownership disputes.
Can an ownership dispute be resolved without going to court?
Often, yes. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or other settlement discussions. When those efforts are unsuccessful, litigation may be necessary.
What is shareholder oppression?
Shareholder oppression generally involves actions by majority owners that unfairly prejudice the rights or interests of minority shareholders. The available remedies depend on the facts of the case and applicable law.
What happens if one owner wants to leave the business?
The answer often depends on the company's governing documents and the circumstances surrounding the departure. We help clients negotiate buyouts, ownership transfers, and other arrangements addressing an owner's exit.
Can an ownership dispute be appealed?
Potentially. If an ownership dispute results in an appealable court decision, Burns & Hansen can evaluate whether there is a legal or procedural basis for appellate review. Our appellate attorneys can also become involved during significant litigation when the record or preservation of issues may affect a later appeal.
Speak With a Minnesota Ownership Dispute Attorney
Ownership disputes often become more difficult and more expensive the longer they remain unresolved. Contact Burns & Hansen to discuss the disagreement, what is at stake for you and the business, and the available legal avenues for addressing it.
