For more information about how Boss Lawyers can assist with director disputes matters, visit our Director Disputes page or call Mark Harley on 1300 267 711.
You turned up to work and the locks have been changed. Your access to the bank accounts has been revoked. Your business partner has shut you out. If this is happening to you, act now — you have rights, and the law is on your side.
This Happens More Often Than You Think
Business partner disputes are one of the most common — and most stressful — situations we deal with at Boss Lawyers. The pattern is painfully familiar:
- The relationship between shareholders or directors deteriorates
- The partner with more control (usually the one who holds the majority of shares or controls the bank accounts) starts making decisions unilaterally
- The other partner is gradually — or suddenly — excluded from the business
- Access to the office, the accounts, the email, and the financial records is cut off
If this is you, you need legal advice immediately. Every day you wait, the other side has more time to consolidate their position.
Your Legal Options
1. Urgent Court Injunction — Restore Access Within 48 Hours
The first step is often an urgent application to the Supreme Court for interlocutory orders. We can seek orders to:
- Restore your access to the business premises
- Restore access to bank accounts and financial records
- Prevent the other party from making further unilateral decisions
- Preserve company assets from being dissipated
- Maintain the status quo while the dispute is resolved
In genuinely urgent cases, these orders can be obtained within 24-48 hours.
2. Oppression Proceedings — Force a Fair Resolution
Under section 232 of the Corporations Act 2001, if a company’s affairs are being conducted in a way that is oppressive, unfairly prejudicial, or unfairly discriminatory against you as a shareholder, the court has broad powers to intervene.
The court can order:
- The oppressing party to buy your shares at fair value (the most common remedy)
- Regulation of the company’s affairs going forward
- Restraint of the offending conduct
- Appointment of a receiver to manage the company
- Any other order the court considers appropriate
The buyout remedy is powerful. The court will typically order valuation without a minority discount — meaning you receive your full proportionate share of the company’s value.
3. Director Removal
If you hold enough votes (or can rally support from other shareholders), you may be able to call a general meeting and pass a resolution to remove the offending director from the board.
4. Winding Up — The Last Resort
If the relationship is completely broken and no other remedy is appropriate, you can apply to the court to wind up the company on just and equitable grounds. This dissolves the company and distributes the assets to shareholders.
This is a drastic remedy that courts will only order when all other options have been exhausted.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Don’t retaliate. Acting impulsively can undermine your legal position.
- Preserve evidence. Save all emails, messages, and documents you have access to.
- Don’t sign anything. If the other party is offering a buyout, don’t accept it without legal advice — lowball offers are common.
- Call a lawyer. An experienced business dispute lawyer can assess your rights and, if necessary, obtain urgent court orders within 24-48 hours.
Why Choose Boss Lawyers?
Boss Lawyers is a boutique commercial litigation firm that handles shareholder and director disputes every week. We understand the commercial dynamics — not just the legal principles.
- 17+ years of experience in commercial litigation and corporate disputes
- 3,000+ clients served
- Listed in Doyle’s Guide for litigation
- Urgent injunctions — we can move within 24-48 hours when needed
- Principal-led service — Mark Harley handles every matter personally
- Track record of achieving fair buyouts for minority shareholders
Call 1300 267 711 — Get Help Today
Don’t wait for the other side to make things worse. Call 1300 267 711 for an urgent assessment of your situation.
We’ll tell you where you stand, what your options are, and how to protect your interests — today.
Boss Lawyers Pty Ltd | Level 27, Santos Place, 32 Turbot Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Related Reading
This is general information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain professional advice specific to your circumstances.
If you are dealing with a shareholder dispute, Boss Lawyers can help. Our team has extensive experience acting in shareholder disputes in Brisbane and Queensland, including oppression claims, buyout disputes, and winding up applications. Contact us on 1300 267 711 for a confidential discussion.
