What to do if I recently formed an S-corp with a friend but found he was not pulling his weight so decided that I no longer wanted to be in business with him?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What to do if I recently formed an S-corp with a friend but found he was not pulling his weight so decided that I no longer wanted to be in business with him?

We were a 50/50 partnership but due to various reasons found myself paying all fees for trademarks, etc. I said that I would give him the option of buying my shares (covering all I invested since we had yet to do any actual business in the market) would be fair. Also, that if he did not want the business I would keep it and move forward. He agreed verbally to keep it but has yet to meet me to get paperwork started or pay me a dime towards it. This has now been almost 6 months. How can I move forward either way to keep it or get my money?

Asked on May 27, 2013 under Business Law, New York

Answers:

Nathan Wagner / Law Office of Nathan Wagner

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

You could prepare the paperwork (essentially, you need a purchase agreement, a Bill of Sale transferring the stock, and shareholder and director resolutions appointing new company leadership). But you can't force him to sign the paperwork or pay you for your shares.

You should also take a look at your Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and Shareholder Agreement. They probably provide a procedure for dissolving the corporation and/or distributing its assets. They may even provide for buying out another shareholder.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption