Running a family business is both a professional and emotional journey. On one hand, you’re building something lasting with the people you love and trust most. On the other hand, the same ties that unite you can also make conflict more personal and difficult to manage. Family-owned business mediation can be crucial in resolving disputes before they escalate out of …
A well-planned succession planning mediation session is one of the most crucial parts of any business’s future. However, it’s also one of the most emotionally charged. Choosing who leads next, dividing shares, and aligning visions can spark tension even in the closest families or strongest partnerships. At Alternative Law, we guide business owners and families through succession planning mediation—a proactive, collaborative process …
When Brother vs. Sister Threatens the Business: Finding Common Ground The family business was built as a team effort. But when parents step aside, that team can fracture. Old childhood dynamics resurface, and sibling rivalry—once about toys or attention—escalates into a high-stakes battle over leadership, money, and legacy. This situation often exemplifies sibling rivalry in family business settings. The question …
Your Family vs. The Courtroom: Choosing the Right Path for Your Business When a conflict over your family business’s future arises, you face a critical choice: how will you resolve it? This often involves choosing between mediation and litigation, leading to the classic debate of mediation vs litigation, two distinct approaches with profound consequences for your finances, your well-being, and …
Is Your Family’s Legacy at Risk? The Hidden Cost of Succession Disputes. For generations, your family business has been more than just a company—it’s a source of pride, identity, and financial security. But when the time comes for succession, this legacy can become a source of conflict. Disagreements over leadership, ownership, and fairness can escalate, threatening to tear the business—and …
Demystifying the Mediation Process: A Path to Peaceful Transition The decision to use mediation for your family business dispute is a smart one. But we understand that the unknown can be intimidating. You might be wondering, how does family business mediation work? What actually happens in a mediation session? How do you go from conflict to a signed agreement? At …
Creating a family business succession plan is complex, blending financial, legal, and deeply personal family dynamics. Even with the best intentions, many families fall into predictable traps that can derail the transition and cause lasting conflict. Recognizing these pitfalls is the first step toward avoiding them. At Alternative Law Mediation, we’ve seen how these challenges can impact a family. Here are five …
Is going to court really worth it in a business dispute? When faced with business disputes, considering the cost implications of mediation vs. court is crucial. In discussions of Mediation vs. Court: Cost of Business Disputes, one must weigh all options. If you’re in a disagreement with a business partner or family member, court might feel like the only option. …
Family businesses are built with dedication, vision, and years of hard work. However, without a well-planned exit strategy, all that effort can be put at risk. Whether an owner is retiring, transitioning leadership to the next generation, or selling the business, a structured exit strategy ensures continuity, protects family relationships, and preserves the company’s legacy. Here’s how to approach a …
Family businesses are the backbone of the economy, but without a clear plan, they can become vulnerable during generational transitions. Planning for succession in a family business is essential to ensure continuity, protect relationships, and maintain the company’s legacy. Here’s how to approach succession in a family business effectively. 1. Start Planning Early Succession planning should not be an afterthought …