A shareholder agreement is one of the most important documents a business can have. It is more than just paperwork, it is a roadmap for how a company will be owned, managed, and protected. In Canada, a well-drafted shareholder agreement not only outlines ownership and decision-making but also plays a critical role in preventing disputes from turning into costly litigation. When disagreements do arise, litigation lawyers step in to protect shareholder rights and, where possible, resolve conflicts without a lengthy court battle.

As a minority shareholder in an Ontario corporation, you may feel like your voice does not carry much weight. But you have rights…

A broken contract can turn a straightforward deal into a costly and stressful mess. Whether it is a business partnership, a service agreement, or a building project, contracts are meant to create clarity and security. But even the most carefully drafted agreement can unravel, and when it does, the fallout can include financial losses, damaged relationships, and legal battles.

A dispute between shareholders often comes up when there is a serious disagreement about how the business is being run. One shareholder might feel left out of important decisions, concerned about financial transparency, or suspicious of a conflict of interest. These issues can arise between majority and minority shareholders, or even between equal partners who play different roles in the business.

Running a business is not just about day-to-day operations, it also means taking on legal accountability and being aware of the ways to avoid litigation. Even minor missteps can lead to major legal issues, especially if you do not have the right safeguards in place. The good news? A few proactive measures can go a long way to protecting your company, reducing the risk of legal trouble and staying prepared in case a dispute arises.

Starting a business with someone who shares your goals and passion can be an exciting step, but when you are just beginning, you do not necessarily think about ending a business partnership. Even when things begin on the right foot, not every partnership lasts forever. Over time, partners may face disagreements, grow apart professionally, or decide to pursue different paths. When that happens, ending the partnership becomes necessary—and it is not always a straightforward process.

When business disputes arise, choosing between mediation or litigation can have a major impact on your company’s future. Whether it is a disagreement between long-time partners or a conflict with a new vendor, how you resolve the issue can affect everything from your finances to your working relationships. Both mediation and litigation offer different paths forward—each with its own advantages and drawbacks.

Business partnership break-ups can sometimes be more complicated and stressful than a personal separation. Many people start businesses with friends or family, relying on trust and good intentions rather than putting formal agreements in place. Sometimes, they skip legal documents to save money in the beginning. But when disagreements arise—especially after a business has become successful—having no clear plan makes things much harder to resolve.