Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Europe
Resolve a Partnership Dispute Without Destroying the Business
When the people who built a company together can no longer agree — on money, on control, or on how to leave — the damage spreads quickly through the accounts, the staff and the value of the business itself. We match you, free of charge, with a commercial litigation lawyer who handles partnership and shareholder disputes in the relevant country, so you understand your options before you act.
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Who this is for
When a business partnership goes wrong, the exit is rarely clean
A partnership dispute arises when the people who built a business together can no longer agree on how to run it — or on how to leave it. The trigger is often financial: one partner draws too much, another stops contributing, or the books no longer add up. It can also be about direction, control, or a suspected breach of the partnership or shareholders’ agreement. Whatever the cause, the damage spreads quickly: accounts are frozen, staff take sides, and the value of the business leaks away while the disagreement drags on. Because partnership law, and the remedies available, vary from one European country to the next, the first step is rarely obvious. We match you, free of charge, with a commercial litigation lawyer who handles partnership and shareholder disputes in the relevant jurisdiction, so you understand your position before you act.
Why partners get stuck
Partnership disputes rarely end because the money runs out.
They end because no one can agree on the exit.
Every country treats partnership and shareholder disputes differently — and acting on the wrong assumption can make a bad situation worse.
Deadlock on every decision
When partners hold equal say and cannot agree, ordinary decisions become impossible. Banks, suppliers and staff all suffer, and without a clear dispute-resolution clause in your agreement there may be no quick way to break the stalemate.
Misuse of company funds or assets
One partner diverting money, drawing an unauthorised salary, or moving clients to a side business is a common flashpoint. Proving it — and stopping it — usually requires forensic accounting and, often, an urgent court order before the assets disappear.
A buy-out no one can agree on
When one partner wants out, valuing their share and structuring the exit is rarely straightforward. Disagreement over valuation methods or goodwill can turn a simple departure into years of costly litigation.
What you get
A commercial litigation lawyer who actually works your case
We only match you with lawyers who handle partnership and shareholder disputes regularly in the relevant country.
Clear-eyed legal position
Your lawyer reviews the partnership or shareholders’ agreement, the accounts and the history of the dispute, then sets out your realistic options — negotiate, mediate or litigate — and the likely cost and timeline of each.
Urgent protective measures
Where assets, funds or key documents are at risk, your lawyer can move quickly for freezing orders or injunctions so the situation cannot be made worse while you pursue the main claim.
Negotiated exits
Most partnership disputes are better settled than fought. We connect you with lawyers experienced in structuring buy-outs, share transfers and clean dissolutions that preserve as much value as possible.
Trial-ready representation
If settlement fails, you already have a lawyer who knows the file and can represent you before the court or in arbitration, so nothing is lost in handing the case over.
Coverage
Partnership dispute lawyers across Europe
Partnership and company law is set nationally, so the right lawyer is one who practises in the jurisdiction where the business is incorporated and where the dispute will be heard. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Partnership disputes — common questions
What is a partnership dispute?
A disagreement between the owners of a business — partners, shareholders or members — over money, control, management or exit. It can involve breach of a partnership or shareholders’ agreement, misuse of funds, or a simple deadlock where the parties can no longer work together.
Should I try to settle before going to court?
Usually yes. Litigation is expensive and slow, and a negotiated exit or buy-out often preserves more of the business’s value. A lawyer can assess whether mediation or a structured settlement is realistic before proceedings are issued, though some cases require urgent court protection.
Can a minority partner be forced out?
It depends on the agreement and the governing law. Many jurisdictions allow a court to order a buy-out, or permit removal for specified wrongdoing, but the rules and procedures vary widely by country and by the terms you originally signed.
What can I do if my partner is taking money or clients?
Act quickly. Depending on the jurisdiction, your lawyer may seek freezing orders or injunctions to protect funds and assets while the underlying dispute is resolved. Document everything and avoid moving unilaterally without legal advice, which can worsen your position.
How long do partnership disputes take to resolve?
It varies significantly by country, the complexity of the case and whether the parties agree to settle. Straightforward matters may resolve in months through negotiation, while contested proceedings can take considerably longer, particularly if there are appeals.
How much will it cost?
Costs depend on the value and complexity of the dispute and the fee structure of the lawyer you choose. We match you free of charge and with no obligation, and your lawyer should explain the likely costs and funding options before any work begins.
Free case review
Get an honest read on your partnership dispute
Tell us what has happened and we’ll connect you, free of charge, with a commercial litigation lawyer who handles partnership disputes in the relevant country — so you know your options before you act.