Denton Shareholder Dispute Lawyers

Shareholder conflict is a governance problem before it becomes a lawsuit. It starts with questions about who may authorize transactions, how information flows to owners, and which remedies are available when confidence breaks down. The right plan restores operational stability first, then uses a precise reading of the governing documents and Texas law to move the matter toward a business-focused resolution.

Whether it’s a conflict between shareholders, allegations of misrepresentation, or a violation of securities regulations, these matters demand careful handling and a firm grasp of corporate law.

Roquemore Skierski’s Denton shareholder dispute lawyers represent business owners, executives, and minority shareholders across Texas in high-stakes disputes. Our clients are actively involved in their companies; they’re founders, investors, and partners who need legal guidance that’s precise, proactive, and designed to protect ownership and value.

When we take on a case, we bring clarity and direction. Whether you’re enforcing your rights as a shareholder or defending your business against securities claims, we develop legal strategies grounded in experience and built for impact. We understand what’s at stake; your equity, your voice, and your future, and we fight to protect it.

What responsible shareholders should do when a dispute occurs

When conflict appears among owners, shareholders should adopt a measured, evidence driven response. Protect business continuity by confirming current signing authority with banks and key vendors, and verify payroll and payables calendars so obligations are met on time. Pause only extraordinary transactions that could complicate the dispute until the governing documents are reviewed. In parallel, assemble a chronological file of minutes, written consents, cap table entries, stock ledgers, and side letters that affect voting, transfer rights, or buy sell mechanics. This disciplined process preserves customer confidence and employee stability while creating a verified timeline that supports negotiation, targeted court relief, or a structured buyout.

How bylaws and shareholder agreements help resolve disputes

Your shareholder agreement and company bylaws will dictate how a dispute is handled, define thresholds for extraordinary actions, and describe limits or rights of first refusal. These documents also set quorum rules, notice requirements, director elections, and buy sell triggers if separation becomes necessary. Read each operative clause and test proposed actions against the text so procedure does not become a weak point. Roquemore Skierski regularly evaluates shareholder agreements and bylaws and will use their provisions to create leverage and sequencing that move disputing owners toward a practical resolution.

Court measures that can keep the business steady while issues are evaluated

Texas procedure offers calibrated tools that preserve the status quo without deciding final merits. Temporary restraining orders and temporary injunctions can pause asset transfers, protect customer lists and inventory, and maintain banking authority while a judge reviews focused affidavits and limited testimony. Where information is blocked, courts can order inspection of records or a targeted accounting so money flows and related party transactions are tested against reliable data. In narrow situations involving deadlock or credible signs of misuse, a receivership with a defined mandate may safeguard operations while the dispute is resolved.

How to obtain books and records and when a formal accounting makes sense

Owners in Texas may request access to company records for a proper purpose at a reasonable time and place. Prepare a written demand that identifies specific records and the reason they are needed, then set a schedule to review financial statements, minutes, key contracts, stock ledgers, and compliance filings. If access is refused or delayed without good cause, seek an order compelling inspection or an accounting so decisions and cash effects can be evaluated on a complete record. The objective is a verified chronology that supports measured interim relief and realistic settlement ranges.

How compensation, distributions, and related party deals are evaluated

Questions about unequal pay, halted distributions, or insider transactions are resolved by comparing governing documents to actual practice. Review approval histories, distribution policies, and any contracts with entities owned by directors or officers. Determine whether decisions were disclosed, authorized, and consistent with the company’s interests. Clear findings indicate whether relief should be injunctive, monetary, or part of a buyout, and they inform any valuation adjustments needed to balance accounts between owners.

Where your matter may be heard and why the forum affects timing

Denton shareholder disputes may proceed in Denton County district courts or, if the case fits Texas Government Code Chapter 25A, in the Texas Business Court’s Eighth Division, which serves Denton County. The Business Court hears governance and securities matters when the amount in controversy exceeds 5 million dollars, including derivative suits, internal affairs and fiduciary duty claims, actions arising under the Business Organizations Code, and securities or trade regulation claims against the company or its officers; if any party is a publicly traded company, the 5 million threshold does not apply. It also hears specified commercial cases over 10 million dollars, such as qualified transactions of at least 10 million, large contracts that expressly select Business Court jurisdiction, and certain Finance Code or Business and Commerce Code claims. The statute excludes cases against governmental entities, lien foreclosures, DTPA and antitrust claims, Estates, Family, Insurance, and certain Property Code matters, consumer transactions, and any personal injury, medical liability, or legal malpractice claims.

How we move shareholder disputes toward durable business outcomes

Our work aligns legal steps with the company’s long term goals. We stabilize operations, ground decisions in governing documents, and request proportionate court relief when it protects value. We design discovery around the decisions that matter, build credible valuation models, and structure settlement options that preserve customers and teams. If trial is required, we present documents first and conclusions second so the decision maker can see how the company operates in practice. This disciplined approach turns high temperature disagreements into a manageable process with clear, business focused endpoints.

our Denton Shareholder Dispute lawyers

Kelvin Roquemore

Founding Partner

Kelvin Roquemore is a Founding Partner of Roquemore Skierski, specializing in business and commercial litigation, with experience in business transactions, complex litigation, M&A, and commercial real estate. With over 25 years of in-house counsel and business litigation experience, he brings a strategic approach to supporting owner-operated small and medium-sized enterprises.

Doug Skierski

Founding Partner

Doug Skierski is a Founding Partner of Roquemore Skierski, and is an A/V-rated attorney with over 20 years of experience in bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, receiverships, and commercial litigation. He holds a J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law and has a strong background in complex commercial litigation and arbitration.

D. Shawn Stevens

Of Counsel

Dennis Shawn Stevens is a member of Roquemore Skierski with over 20 years of experience representing clients in business litigation, commercial disputes, and insurance-related claims. He holds a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and advises businesses on matters involving breach of contract, construction conflicts, and complex commercial torts.

Mark Ivanyo

Of Counsel

Mark Ivanyo has experience in complex commercial litigation, including contract disputes, product liability, and premises-related claims. He has experience representing businesses in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration and administration. Mark holds a J.D. from South Texas College of Law and holds a B.B.A. in Management from Texas State University.

Alyssa Grissom

Paralegal

Alysa S. Grissom is a paralegal at Roquemore Skierski and is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—an achievement held by fewer than 400 paralegals statewide. She holds an A.A. in Government, an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies from Austin Community College, and a B.A. in Business, magna cum laude, from Concordia University Texas.