Business partner disputes
You built it together. Now you need to agree on what happens next.
When co-owners disagree, the business feels it quickly: decisions stall, staff pick sides and every conversation carries the last one. A neutral mediator helps you work out whether you keep going differently or part well, before positions harden and it gets expensive.
Usually a full day, $4,900 ex GST. Commercial disputes, not family law.
Often matched to partner disputes
Mediators who work with co-owners and family businesses.
Richard, John and Justin
Sound familiar?
It might be time if...
- You avoid being in the same room, or only talk with others present.
- Decisions that used to take a conversation now take weeks, or don't get made.
- You disagree about money, workload, direction or who does what.
- One of you wants out, and neither knows how to raise it.
- Staff, family or clients have started to notice.
- You've drafted emails you haven't sent.
Choosing the right process
Mediation, or a lawyer?
This is
Mediation
Helps you talk it through and agree on what happens next, in a confidential room, at a fixed price. You stay in control of the outcome.
This is
A lawyer
Advises you on your rights and represents your interests. We don't give legal advice, and we don't replace your lawyer.
Many partners use both: mediation to agree, and their own lawyer to check and document what's been agreed.
How it works
What happens, in order.
$290, 45 minutes
Triage call
One or both of you tell us what's going on. We check mediation fits and talk through how to raise it with your partner.
Voluntary, and fair from the start
Both partners on board
Your partner gets the same information and the same chance to ask questions, so nobody feels the process belongs to the other side.
One partner at a time
Separate preparation
The mediator speaks with each of you on your own about what matters, what you need and what you're worried about.
Usually a full day
The mediation
A confidential day covering whatever is on the table: roles, money, direction or an exit, with private breaks whenever either of you needs one.
Agreed points, in writing
Written outcome
What you've agreed is written down clearly, ready for your own advisers to review or formalise.
Pricing
A full day, at a fixed price.
Full-day mediation
7-hour session, ex GST
$4,900
Half-day mediation
3.5-hour session, ex GST
$2,900
- Both partners prepared separately
- A confidential day, with private breaks
- A mediator matched to business disputes
- Agreed points, in writing
Start with a $290 ex GST triage call: 45 minutes with an accredited mediator, then next-step recommendations by email.
On our panel
Who you might work with.
Business partners
Richard Gifford
Mediator and conflict strategist
Works with family businesses, workplaces and startups, and helps people prepare for a difficult conversation that's overdue. Accredited mediator since 2021.
Commercial disputes
John Southalan
Commercial mediator and academic
Advanced Mediator (AMDRAS) with a private commercial mediation practice, based in Perth and working online.
Workplace mediation
Justin Toohey
Mediator and conciliator
Accredited since 2002. A decade as Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Every matter is matched on the triage call, and checked for conflicts of interest before anything is booked.
Free checklist
Twelve questions to answer before you call a lawyer.
Questions
Business partner disputes: common questions.
Is this family law?
No. We work on commercial disputes between business partners, co-owners and directors, including family businesses. We don't mediate separation, parenting or property matters.
Do we need lawyers?
Not for the mediation itself. Where money, shares or an exit are involved, many partners have their own lawyer review what's been agreed before it's formalised, and we encourage that.
Can you help us plan an exit?
We can help you agree on the terms of an exit in principle: timing, roles and how the handover works. Valuations, contracts and tax are for your accountant and lawyer.
What if the other person won't take part?
Mediation is voluntary, so nobody can be made to attend. A triage call often helps here: we can talk through how to invite them, and what else you can do if they say no.
Is it confidential?
Yes. What's said in mediation stays in the room, within the usual limits, such as a serious risk to someone's safety. We explain those limits to everyone before we start.
Where to next
- Who we helpBusiness partners and family businessesWhen the people who built it together can't agree on where it goes next.Read more
- ServicesWorkplace mediationFor colleagues, managers or a whole team. A structured, confidential conversation with someone on nobody's side.Read more
- Who we helpAdvisers and referrersAccountants, lawyers, EAPs and HR consultants who need somewhere neutral to send a matter.Read more
Request a triage call
Start in the middle.
Calm, clear and early is usually better than perfect and too late. $290 ex GST for 45 minutes, and a short email of next-step recommendations afterwards. No obligation to book further work.
- 1Send a request with a few lines about your situation.
- 2We reply within two business days, check suitability and agree on a time and payment arrangements.
- 3You speak with Shiv for 45 minutes, then receive a short email with next-step recommendations.
Richard, John and Justin