Oakdale, MN commercial litigation attorney Brandon Schwartz discusses the types of shareholder disputes he sees in his practice. He notes that many shareholder disputes arise in closely held businesses, often stemming from family relationships that have deteriorated over time. In such situations, one party may accuse the other of stealing money, mismanaging the company, or overcompensating themselves. He observes that these disputes are particularly unfortunate because the business was often intended to be a long-lasting family venture, sometimes passed from parent to child, and yet personal conflicts can escalate to serious allegations.

He emphasizes that these types of shareholder disputes appear to be on the rise and underscores the importance of properly structuring a business from the outset. Clear expectations and well-defined roles are essential to prevent conflicts, helping business owners avoid the need to engage attorneys like himself to resolve contentious disputes within a family-owned business.