A dispute may not be a dispute at all but just one partner wanting to do their own thing and exit the business. People grow apart, circumstances change and some partners want to do other things. Business Exit Planning can help solve a problem where often business partners have different priorities and need a workable solution moving forward.

Geoff Gartly is a Chartered Accountant with many years of experience. He has seen it all when it comes to business disputes and understanding what traits arise in a business disagreement or the need for one partner to exit. He understands the need to get to the bottom of why a dispute has arisen and what action needs to be taken to preserve assets and profits.

Typically, when a dispute arises the business’s accountant is caught up with the emotion of the occasion. Therefore, you may not always get the answers or advice you need. We often find the accountant may unintentionally take sides. This can lead to you not getting the right advice.

Geoff is here to help. The strategy of how to exit the business, recover monies lost and understand the financial puzzle presented to you is what we are here to help. Time can be of the essence; sometimes, a strategic plan is needed for a quick result.

We specialize in helping clients obtain a resolution for:

• Business partnership exits and disputes.
• SMSF management and control
• Estates and one party exerting influence over assets that may not be in the spirit of the will.
• Exit planning for business and SMSF management
• Property split and cgt implications

Like any relationship, small businesses experience ups and downs. Business partner disputes are often the trigger for deeper problems. From our experience advising business owners, most disputes are not complex — they usually stem from money, effort, or differing expectations, particularly when an exit strategy for small businesses has not been clearly defined.

Many shareholder and partnership disputes develop gradually. What starts as a minor disagreement can quietly simmer, eventually escalating into a serious conflict. This conflict forces difficult conversations about exiting a business partnership. In other cases, a dispute may arise suddenly, when one partner uncovers financial decisions or commitments they fundamentally disagree with.

During a business succession dispute or exit negotiation, one party often holds the upper hand. This maybe through financial control, operational dominance, or access to information. Without proper business exit planning, these power imbalances can intensify conflict and significantly reduce value for all parties involved.

Effective business breakup planning focuses on early identification of issues. This includes clear documentation, and fair processes for handling valuation disputes in business exits. Addressing disputes early, with professional dispute resolution for business owners, can preserve value, protect relationships, and provide a structured pathway forward.

For business owners, proactive small business conflict management is not about expecting failure — it’s about recognising that disputes are common and ensuring there is a practical, agreed framework in place if and when they arise.

Divorce – know your rights and obtain your fair share!

You may also be facing divorce or separation from a partner or spouse, a time when financial matters often become deliberately complex. In many cases, business structures, trusts, or informal arrangements are used in ways that make it difficult to clearly understand the true financial position, delaying or undermining a fair financial settlement in divorce.

Navigating complex financial divorce matters requires careful analysis and practical guidance. Without experienced divorce financial advice, it can be challenging to identify assets, assess equity, and reach an outcome that reflects your legal and financial rights.

Geoff works with individuals involved in property settlement disputes to help untangle financial structures, clarify asset positions, and support negotiations aimed at achieving equitable asset division. His role is to provide clear, independent financial insight so you can move forward with confidence and certainty. We regard ourselves as divorce accountants and our aim is to help you when financial matters get murkey.

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