My father is being bullied by his business partner

Dear Aunty B,

I am contacting you for advice on behalf of my father.

My father is being bullied and intimidated and allowed no say in the running of his business, which is 50/50 partnership.

My father’s health has deteriorated considerably due to this stressful situation, to the point that he is not going into work through fear. The business partner has not banked any takings for several months and has taken safe keys and total control of the business.

My father has decided to sell his share of the partnership and offered him first option to buy his share, but he is intent on my father just walking out of the business, leaving everything to him. Can you suggest what he can do?

Help for my father

Dear Help for my father,

Your father needs immediate help on a number of fronts. First he needs help with his mental health and you should be encouraging him to work on this.

He also needs to get a lawyer immediately and show him all the agreements and paperwork to enable the lawyer to take action on his behalf.

Business partners have clear legal rights and it is likely the business partner is breaking the law on a number of fronts. Make sure you find a lawyer that specialises in these types of cases. How? Ask around. This happens a lot and there are lots of lawyers that won’t cost an arm and a leg who can deal with this.

The role you should play is to make your father feel like he is back in control by assisting him to get the help he needs and assuring him that there is now just a legal process that has to be followed.

Take the fear and emotion out of it. It’s just business after all. His health is more concerning. Make sure he is getting help for his stress, and that he is also looking after his physical health and is eating well and exercising.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

To read more Aunty B advice, click here.

Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!