Equitable Distribution for Business Owners

Business Owners and their Families
The process of equitable distribution is challenging for entrepreneurs and individuals with diverse business and property interests. It is not unusual for entrepreneurs to have several enterprises which may be related financially and by management, whether or not they are legally related. Often there are multiple owners or even different classifications of ownership for an enterprise. The enterprise may own property unrelated to the operation of the enterprise. Separation of ownership interests or divestiture of unrelated assets may cause liquidity issues that threaten the value or even the viability of an enterprise. Ownership interests may be owned by trusts, subject to Employee Stock Ownership Plans or otherwise subject to third party claims as part of an estate plan, succession plan or exit plan. Owners may have made plans that had the effect of minimizing taxes which become unworkable as a result of the dissolution of marriage. Equitable distribution claims impact the operation of closely held businesses and the plans of business owners.

Our attorneys engage in a pragmatic approach to the equitable distribution of business interests. As in any commercial dispute, we focus on the potential effect of the claim on the enterprise and the family of the owner. We work to establish a clear hierarchy of objectives informed by our client's wishes, wisdom and values. We assist our clients in evaluating risk and reward. Our firm has a broad and deep reservoir of talent in areas critical to the needs of business owners and their families including skill in creating effective business organizations, minimizing risk and uncertainty among owners, dealing with complex tax issues, issues involving commercial real estate, as well as succession, exit and estate planning.  Our attorneys have special expertise in mergers and acquisitions and the valuation of businesses in a variety of contexts. Our attorneys and staff collaborate to bring the most appropriate expertise to the problem at hand. We have the experience and capacity to deal effectively with large numbers of documents. We have existing relationships with and are comfortable working with professionals including accountants, insurance advisors, corporate counsel, financial planners, investment advisors, business valuation experts and a variety of other professionals who may be needed to resolve equitable distribution issues.

Our Commitment
Our attorneys strive to use our experience, knowledge and creativity to help obtain our clients’ objectives in court, arbitration, mediation or through negotiation.  We work to marshal the resources within and outside our firm to accomplish an equitable distribution consistent with our client's objectives.