Business Law

Grand Rapids Business Litigation Lawyers

When the terms of a contract are disputed, the legal team at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office provides assistance in seeking your remedies for a breach of contract or defends you against accusations that you breached the agreement. We have the experience and intelligence to help you with the most complex contract disputes. We regularly work with one of the country’s best tax advisors to protect your financial interests during your business dispute. We use every resource available to obtain a positive result.

Fully Equipped to Handle Your Business Litigation Matters

A company, large or small, encounters a wide range of contractual issues and we are prepared to assist you in handling them. Some contractual disputes that may arise include:

• Sales commissions claim. All amounts due to a sales representative, manufacturer’s representative, manager, executive, or other employee paid by commission must occur according to the terms of the employment contract. However, if there is not an employment contract or there is a disagreement over what the agreement requires, we provide strong representation for your business in negotiations and litigation of the issues.
• Collection of overdue accounts. The success of your business depends on collecting the money that is owed to you. If you have customers or clients who are not paying you, it is important to take quick action to collect the delinquent accounts. An experienced business lawyer knows the legal tactics that work in getting you paid.
• Real estate disputes. Whether your disagreement involves the purchase of property, sale of a business, or investment in a real estate project, we have the skill needed to help you. We can handle zoning disputes, environmental issues, or any other complication that arises in your real estate transaction.

Franchisor and Franchisee Issues

If you are considering purchasing a franchise or you are involved in a dispute with your franchisor, it is imperative to obtain competent legal advice. You should never assume you have rights that are not outlined in the franchise agreement. It is also important to consider your exit strategy when the franchise relationship is over. Finally, most franchisors require that you sign a guaranty agreement, so you must be careful in what you guarantee and are personally liable to repay.

Business Tax Disputes

At the Van Den Heuvel Law Office , we help clients review the various types of tax assessments and focus on finding creative alternatives in structuring and approaching tax issues to our client’s advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable results using the most efficient approach to tax structures. We partner with one of the country’s premier tax advisors to ensure your interests are protected. We handle cases involving:

• Sales tax
• Corporate tax
• Income tax
• Gift tax
• Estate tax
• Property tax

Providing Comprehensive Business Contract Services

When it comes to protecting your company, we provide a variety of valuable legal services. Examples of essential contracts we can draft, negotiate or litigate are:

• Non-compete agreements. One of the most critical issues regarding a no-compete contract is whether it is enforceable in Michigan. In general, the court looks at geographical restrictions, time duration, employment limitations, and status of the employee to make that determination.
• Non-disclosure agreements. Confidentiality provisions seek to limit an employee’s use of trade secrets or other proprietary information, both during the period of employment and thereafter.
• Non-solicitation agreement. A non-solicitation agreement prohibits an employee from soliciting his former employer’s customers or employees. These clauses may identify the clients by name or in more general terms.

Skillfully Negotiating and Drafting the Purchase or Sale of Businesses

Whether you are securing a commercial lease, purchasing real estate, or working out arrangements with a supplier or vendor, effectively negotiating a contract can be complicated and time-consuming. This is especially true when it comes to the purchase or sale of a business. Our legal team is experienced in performing due diligence, researching business assets and debts, and advising buyers and sellers through all phases in the purchase or sale of a business. With us by your side, you can be confident your best interests are protected. We make certain no details get overlooked, including protecting you from contract disputes, litigation, breaches of contracts, and workplace crimes.

Nonprofit Contracts

Whether forming a nonprofit or adjusting to rapidly changing laws, Howard Van Den Heuvel Law Office can guide you through the issues. Rapidly changing laws often present unique challenges to nonprofit entities. When contracts are not drafted properly, disputes can arise that jeopardize the success of the organization. In addition, contract disputes can lead to costly, unwanted legal battles over funding and control of operations and ultimately a reduced ability to serve those in need. While there are a variety of types of nonprofit entities, tax-exempt organizations often face similar concerns. Whether you are a charity, foundation, social club, school, neighborhood association, or trade association, we are prepared to provide you sound guidance in your contractual matters.

Employee Dispute Resolution and Prevention

Sometimes, an employee breaks a rule and the repercussions are clearly defined in a company’s handbook. Other times, employment law is more open to interpretation. You can trust the Van Den Heuvel Law Office to advise your business on personnel issues. We have experience representing companies facing charges of wrongful termination or discrimination. We find solutions to your challenges that encompass the needs of more than just the bottom line. By creating best practices materials, such as handbooks we help organizations build a positive working environment.

Sometimes, an employee breaks a rule and the repercussions are clearly defined in a company’s handbook. Other times, employment law is more open to interpretation. You can trust the Van Den Heuvel Law Office to advise your business on personnel issues. We have experience representing companies facing charges of wrongful termination or discrimination. We find solutions to your challenges that encompass the needs of more than just the bottom line. By creating best practices materials, such as handbooks we help organizations build a positive working environment.

Contact a Grand Rapids Business Litigation Attorney to Schedule an Appointment

The Van Den Heuvel Law Office is conveniently located in Grand Rapids, MI, near the M6. Contact us at 616-607-6362 or online to schedule your initial consultation. We are also available on Skype by appointment. Our office is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and after hours by appointment.