A well drafted shareholder and partnership agreement protects the company and its owners from ambiguity. It defines roles, capital contributions, and voting rights to enable decisive action in dynamic markets. For startups and family businesses in North Carolina, such agreements support stability, protect intellectual property, and reduce litigation risk.
A comprehensive package maintains governance continuity when ownership changes, ensuring decisions continue to be made efficiently and in alignment with the company’s strategic goals and cultural values.
Our team combines licensed experience in business and corporate law with a practical approach to drafting and negotiations. We listen to your goals and tailor documents to your industry and ownership structure while keeping costs transparent.
We provide periodic reviews and updates to reflect corporate changes, regulatory updates, and shifts in business strategy.
A shareholder agreement outlines the rights and duties of shareholders and the company. It covers ownership percentages, voting thresholds, dividend policies, and exit strategies. This contract helps prevent conflicts by clarifying expectations and providing a roadmap for governance during growth and change. It is a prudent step for any NC company.
A partnership agreement governs how partners operate, contribute capital, share profits, and resolve disputes. A shareholder agreement focuses on equity holders in a corporation, while a partnership agreement addresses general partnerships or LLC style arrangements. Both provide enforceable governance rules tailored to the entity type.
Common buyout provisions include predetermined valuation methods, timing for payment, and how to handle deadlock situations. Transfer restrictions may require a partner to offer shares to others first, protecting existing owners from unwanted changes in control and ensuring continuity after a sale.
Yes. Agreements can include protective measures for intellectual property such as assignment of IP, confidentiality obligations, and restrictions on use. Strong contracts help safeguard trade secrets, customer relationships, and proprietary processes during and after business transitions.
Drafting time varies with complexity. A simple agreement may take several weeks from initial meeting to final signature, while a more complex arrangement with multiple owners and investors can require longer negotiations. We provide timelines and transparent costs at the outset.
Cost depends on scope and complexity. Typical fees cover consultations, drafting, and revisions, with clear estimates up front. We strive for predictable pricing and will discuss value, milestones, and potential additional services before beginning work.
Yes, updates are common as businesses evolve. Circumstances such as new funding, changes in ownership, or regulatory updates may necessitate amendments. Regular reviews help keep documents aligned with current realities and reduce risk of disputes.
Disputes are often resolved through negotiation or mediation. If necessary, agreements may specify arbitration or court proceedings. The goal is to preserve business relationships while providing a clear path to enforceable outcomes and timely, cost effective resolution.
Bring any existing corporate documents, a list of owners and roles, financial arrangements, and your growth plans. Also gather questions about governance, exit preferences, and potential investors so we can tailor the documents precisely.
To start, contact our North Carolina office for an initial consultation. We will review your business structure, discuss goals, and outline a tailored plan. From there we guide you through drafting, negotiating, and finalizing documents designed for your specific needs.
