Legal Question in Business Law in Virginia
how do I go about suing my business partner? It's complicated, but he is a 20% partner, and shut down everything because he wasn't happy with the relationship...It is an online business. There is a lot of important information/content on the website that is mine and he won't give me access to it, and the web site for some reason has his name listed as the owner... I also outsourced another website to him, that he has no ownership in whatsoever, and he won't give me access to that either ....
1 Answer from Attorneys
Ah -- problems in paradise. You have to take a hard look at the value of the case. A full trial on the merits on a contract dispute (partnership agreement) can cost literally tens of thousands of dollars. While many cases settle long before that -- you have to be careful not to spend the initial filing costs if you don't really intend to complete the action. To wit -- you are suing your partner for conversion (possibly), trespass, breach of contract, and probably some kind of fraud. Depending on the nature of the product, what is being kept away from you, and the value of the claim, there may be other more serious causes.
The cheapest way to handle this would be through small claims court. While there is a decidedly limited amount of money you can claim in small claims, lawyers are not permitted in small claims. That keeps your costs significantly lower. Conversely, if you have a good case, and the damages are much higher than the limited floor of small claims, then hire an attorney and get to it!
By the way, the partnership question is wholly and completely separate from your outsourcing of unrelated business dealings (the other website). That would be a separate action.
Do you need more help or further clarification? Sometimes demand letters and negotiations can work much better than full litigation. We can help there, too! Feel free to contact us for further help. 703-402-2723. Hanover Law firm.
Related Questions & Answers
-
Virginia law pertaining to filing a warrant in debt Asked 12/08/13, 7:50 am in United States Virginia Business Law
-
In 2008 my wife worked as a secretary and driver for small masonry company. She... Asked 12/03/13, 6:05 am in United States Virginia Business Law
-
Which is a better option as far as the tax implication: I have key man insurance... Asked 11/17/13, 7:06 am in United States Virginia Business Law
-
Does my employer have to hold my job if my doctor gives me an excuse not to return... Asked 11/09/13, 6:13 am in United States Virginia Business Law
-
At our store we sold custom furniture to a client that never paid the full balance... Asked 10/30/13, 12:08 pm in United States Virginia Business Law