When business partners split, it can feel as personal as a divorce, and just as destructive if handled poorly. At Law Done Right® – Schreiber | Knockaert, PLLC, we help you protect what you’ve built. Joseph M. Schreiber and Erik A. Knockaert apply strategic and creative thinking to resolve the most complex partnership disputes. We know how to navigate high-stakes fights between former partners and shareholders, and we’ll help you move forward with clarity.
What is a Business Divorce?
A business divorce is the legal and financial separation between business partners, shareholders, or members of a company who can no longer work together. These disputes often involve complex issues such as ownership rights, management control, valuation of assets, and breaches of fiduciary duty. At Law Done Right®, we handle these matters with strategy. Joseph Schreiber and Erik Knockaert work directly with you to protect your interests, preserve your company’s value, and ensure a fair, efficient resolution, in or out of court.
Common Reasons for a Business Divorce:
- Fundamental disagreements over the direction or management of the company
- Unequal financial contributions or disputes over profit distribution
- Breach of fiduciary duty or allegations of misconduct by one or more partners
- Conflicts of interest or competing business ventures
- Loss of trust or a communication breakdown between key partners or shareholders
- Disagreements over ownership valuation or buyout terms
- Changes in personal circumstances, such as retirement, illness, or relocation
- Pressure from external investors or corporate partners
Types of Business Divorce We Handle
Partnership Disputes
When business partners can no longer align on goals, strategy, or ethics, the fallout can threaten the company’s survival. We step in to protect your investment and legal rights through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Joe and Erik focus on achieving practical resolutions that preserve value and minimize disruption while holding partners accountable for their obligations.
Shareholder Disputes
Disputes among shareholders can arise over management control, dividend distribution, or allegations of self-dealing and misuse of company assets. We handle these cases strategically. Our attorneys identify leverage points, uncover liabilities, and pursue fair outcomes, whether that means negotiating a buyout, restructuring ownership, or litigating to enforce your rights.
Our Approach to Business Divorce Cases
We Plan Strategically From Day One
We begin every business divorce with a clear strategy. Joe Schreiber and Erik Knockaert take the time to understand your goals, whether you want to exit, restructure, or take control, and then develop a precise roadmap. We evaluate leverage points early, identify potential pressure tactics, and anticipate your opponent’s next moves before they happen.
We Come Up With Creative Solutions
We don’t waste your time or resources with unnecessary filings or busywork. Our approach is lean, deliberate, and creative. Because we handle every aspect of your case ourselves, without layers of junior lawyers or paralegals, you always know who’s working on your matter and why. We focus on the solutions that actually move your case forward.
We Are Litigation-Ready but Negotiation-Focused
While we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, our priority is achieving the best business outcome for you: not fighting for the sake of fighting. We negotiate from a position of strength, using evidence, financial analysis, and law strategy to push for favorable settlements. But when litigation becomes necessary, we’re ready to press forward aggressively and decisively.
We Focus on Protecting Relationships (When Possible)
We understand that a business divorce can affect more than just your balance sheet: it can impact your reputation, partnerships, and legacy. We handle each matter with discretion and professionalism, minimizing unnecessary publicity and preserving relationships where possible. Our goal is to help you exit conflict with your integrity, assets, and reputation intact.
Business Divorce FAQs
How Long Does a Business Divorce Take?
The length of a business divorce depends on the complexity of your company structure and relationships. Some can be resolved through negotiation in a few months; others, especially when significant assets or multiple entities are involved, may take longer. We move efficiently, balancing thorough analysis with strategic pressure to keep your case advancing forward.
Do I Have to Go to Court?
Not necessarily. Many business divorces can be resolved through structured negotiations, mediation, or arbitration. We often reach favorable settlements without the cost and public exposure of a trial. However, if litigation is the only way to protect your rights or force accountability, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and present it effectively.
What if My Partner is Hiding Money or Information?
Unfortunately, concealment of financials or assets is common in contentious business breakups. We use discovery tools, subpoenas, and forensic accounting to uncover missing documents and expose misconduct. Joe and Erik personally review key records to ensure no detail is overlooked and to build a case that reveals the truth and helps you secure a fair outcome.
Go Call Joe or Erik
When business partners turn into adversaries, you need advocates who can think several moves ahead. At Law Done Right®, Joseph M. Schreiber and Erik A. Knockaert have handled high-stakes business divorces, from shareholder disputes and partnership breakdowns to cases against multinational corporations. We’re not afraid to take on big players, and we know how to protect what you’ve built. If you’re facing a business breakup, don’t wait for it to get worse: go call Joe or Erik for a consultation about your business divorce today.
