Business partners and family businesses
When the people who built it can't agree on where it goes.
Partnerships rarely fall apart over one thing. It's usually money, workload and direction, slowly tangled together. A neutral mediator helps you untangle it, agree on what happens next and keep the business steady while you do.
Commercial disputes between co-owners, not family law.
For co-owners
Mediators who work with business partners.
Richard and John
Sound familiar?
You might be here because...
- You've stopped making decisions together, so they're not getting made.
- One of you feels they're carrying more of the load.
- You want different things for the business, and nobody has said it out loud.
- It's a family business, so every disagreement comes home with you.
- Staff have started working out whose side to be on.
- One of you has started thinking about the way out.
What usually helps
What usually helps partners.
- Usually $4,900Business partner mediationA confidential day to agree on roles, money, direction or an exit.Find out more
- FreeThe partner dispute checklistTwelve questions to work through before anyone calls a lawyer.Find out more
- $290A triage callForty-five minutes with an accredited mediator to work out the right next step.Find out more
What we keep in view
The people, and the business they share.
- Both of you
- Each partner is prepared separately and gets the same information. Nobody owns the process.
- The business
- Staff, clients and cash flow keep going while you work it out, so we keep them on the table.
- Your advisers
- What you agree is written down, ready for your accountant and lawyer to review or formalise.
- Your pace
- One day often does it. If it doesn't, we'll talk about what comes next.
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.
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
Common questions.
Can you help family businesses?
Yes, where the dispute is about the business: roles, decisions, money or succession. We don't mediate separation, parenting or property matters.
One of us wants out. Is mediation still worth it?
Often more so. Agreeing how an exit will work (timing, roles, handover) is far easier in a room than by letter. Valuations, contracts and tax are for your accountant and lawyer.
Do we both need to agree to mediation?
Yes. It's voluntary. If your partner isn't sure, a triage call can help you work out how to raise it.
Is this legal advice?
No. We don't give legal advice and we're not a law firm. If your situation needs a lawyer, we'll say so on the triage call, and we're happy to work alongside yours.
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 and John