We have experience acting for, advising and representing those in closely-held company litigation, both arising from family business disputes and from start-up company disputes.
Family Business Disputes
Many businesses in Canada are family businesses or have evolved from family businesses. Family businesses present many unique challenges as they grow, as key members of the company or partnership leave the family business, or when personal relationships of the key members of the family business change or deteriorate.
One of the most common differences between a family business and other established businesses, whether or not a shareholders’ agreement, partnership agreement and other legal documentation was used in the formation of the family business, is the informality in operation of the family business, including the often ignored distinction in fact between employees, shareholders, or partners – since family members take on multiple roles.
Please see our webpage on Family and Closely Held Business Disputes.
Start Up Company Disputes
One of the most common differences between a start-up and an established business, whether or not a shareholders’ agreement, partnership agreement and other legal documentation was used in the formation of the start-up, is the often ignored legal distinction between employees, contractors, shareholders, or partners in a start-up – since individuals in start-ups sometimes take on multiple roles, and compensation for work or knowledge is often provided in the form of equity or other alternative arrangements.
Please see our webpage on Start Up Company Disputes.
Please contact Gilbertson Davis LLP for an initial consultation.
Brief informational summaries about insurance litigation, commercial litigation and family law litigation matters in the courts of Ontario and Canada are periodically published on our website. Please note that our website content is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed or relied upon to provide legal advice. If you require legal advice, please request an initial consultation with Gilbertson Davis LLP using the Request Consultation Form on this webpage or by contacting our Intake Coordinator on (416) 979-2020, ext. 223 (both subject to the Terms of Use described on our Contact page).
Comments & Opinions by Gilbertson Davis LLP lawyers and staff on its Blog, or in media interviews, appearances or publications, or in professional publications, are personal to them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Firm or anyone at the Firm other than the individual expressing those comments or opinions.
About the Author
