Experienced Kansas City Construction Law Firm

Family businesses can be a cause of conflict

On Behalf of | Feb 1, 2018 | Business Litigation

Entrepreneurs in Missouri may enjoy their business partnerships and ventures with friends and family. The people involved share common commitments, not only to the business but also to each other. However, there can be complicated and difficult problems that arise in family businesses or partnerships between friends. In these cases, the close personal and emotional ties can make resolving the business issue more complex due to issues that arise from the underlying relationship.

It can be very important for small businesses to note the danger of these types of disputes and plan ahead in order to avoid serious issues. All businesses involve disputes or conflicts of some kind, but when there are no clear policies to handle conflicts or deal with complaints, it can be difficult to find a resolution. Disagreements and conflicts in the personal relationships between people can be brought inside the business, especially when long-term feuds develop.

Having a clear business structure can help to protect family companies from disintegrating due to ongoing conflicts. For example, writing out specific policies can help businesses that are too small for a real HR department. Ongoing meetings between family partners can help to ensure that all parties remain in agreement on business matters. When non-family members become part of the business, it can be important to avoid favoritism. If newcomers are treated as outsiders, it can cause the business to lose valuable employees.

People in a small or closely held business dealing with ongoing disputes may seek to find a resolution or set up a pathway to resolve future issues. Whether planning a mediation or moving into business litigation, a commercial lawyer can help entrepreneurs protect their investments.

Testimonials

“Long & Robinson was in our corner from the beginning through the end, giving great advice and guidance, and working with us to bring our issue to resolution. Would highly recommend for construction representation.”

— Jeff Wasinger, Vice President – Haren Companies

Testimonials

“Burke Robinson and the Long & Robinson law firm were a pleasure to work with and were also excellent in every way. The firm fully supported a contentious claim, providing guidance and insight at every turn. Although it’s challenging for an organization, as the plaintiffs, to maintain a positive feeling throughout a lengthy process, Mr. Robinson and his team continued to offer encouragement with helpful legal analysis and reporting. A critical part of reporting and case management is a detailed review, understanding and strategy for the complex elements of a claim such as ours and Mr. Robinson demonstrated that in abundance. I highly recommend Long & Robinson to any organization that needs the same kind of legal team as we did.”

— Chris Durkin, Director – One Park Place Tower Condominium Association

Testimonials

“Burke has been absolutely amazing to work with. I feel we have a very unique situation that is rather hard to explain and put all of the pieces together. Burke has been amazing at assisting our HOA and addressing all of our questions in a quick and professional manner. If he doesn’t know the answer he finds it and responds quickly. I would recommend Burke to anyone in need of legal services. Our HOA is extremely happy we found him!”

Testimonials

“I was in the construction business for 40 years. In that time I have had the need for legal help a few times. This firm provided expertise and service that was light years beyond others law offices. We COULD NOT have done better. Thank you so much.”

Testimonials

“We looked at many options and selected Long Robinson based on reputation and our interviews. Burke Robinson has proven to be a great choice.”