The Family Business Disputes Forum 2025

Networking & Registration
9:00am

Chairperson's Opening Remarks
9:30am

Keynote Address: A Judiciary Perspective on Family Business Disputes
9:40am

An Ounce of Prevention: Making Strong Legal Foundations for Family Businesses
10:20am

• Reviewing and revisiting key documents like shareholder and operating agreements
• Identifying where problems could arise in the event of a dispute
• Modernizing legal frameworks in a way fair to everyone

Networking & Refreshment Break
11:00am

Managing the Transfer of Assets Between Generations
11:20am

• Anticipating conflict that can arise from succession plans
• Deceased loved ones installing directors that may not be qualified
• Managing corporate assets in trust

Protecting Family Businesses in Divorce
12:00pm

• How family businesses are treated in divorce court
• The scope of prenuptial agreements to protect corporate assets
• Different solutions for navigating a divorce without breaking down a company

Networking & Lunch Break
12:40pm

Examining the Growing Presence of Family Business Disputes Worldwide
1:40pm

• The increasing number and profitability of family businesses
• The interaction between familial leadership structures and foreign investment
• Navigating cultural attitudes for effortless resolution of disputes

Evaluating Alternative Methods of Resolving Family Business Disputes
2:20pm

• How mediation can protect both the interests of the business and preserve family relationships
• The flexibility and confidentiality of arbitration
• Where negotiation can resolve disputes before they develop

Networking & Refreshment Break
3:00pm

Addressing Shareholder Disputes for Family Businesses
3:20pm

• Standards for unfair prejudice proceedings
• Using management restructuring to avoid collapse
• When to consider buying out a minority shareholder

Determining How Best to Use Experts in Family Business Disputes
4:00pm

• The role of experts in accurately identifying and valuing company assets
• Navigating family dynamics in making claims about assets or roles within a company
• How accurate valuation impacts discussions around restructuring, buyouts, and succession disputes

Understanding the Human Element in Family Run Businesses
4:40pm

• Using awareness of family dynamics for better client management
• Examining where previous conflict resolution mechanisms broke down to identify alternatives
• Setting expectations on whether a company can be salvaged or if liquidation is a more amicable resolution

Chairperson's Closing Remarks
5:20pm

End of Day
5:30pm