Trigger events will determine when your buy-sell agreement will come into play. Common circumstances include the death, disability, retirement or voluntary departure of a partner, but may extend to additional scenarios, such as divorce or individual bankruptcy.
In short, to force the sale of jointly owned property, you must first confirm title, then attempt a voluntary sale or buyout, file and serve a partition lawsuit, get an appraisal, sell the property, and finally divide the sale proceeds fairly.
The Consent Requirement for Selling Property With Texas being a community property state, both spouses' signatures are more than just a formality; they're a legal necessity. Attempting to sell property without consent can have serious legal implications.
If one owner wants to sell a jointly owned property but the other owner(s) refuse, the party seeking to sell can file a partition action. This legal procedure allows a court to intervene and force the sale of the property, dividing the proceeds among the owners ing to their ownership interests.
In Texas, an executor can sell a property without all beneficiaries' approval if the will explicitly grants them such authority, if it's necessary for estate administration, or with court approval. They have until the end of probate, which can take up to a year, to complete the sale.
While a buy-sell agreement typically addresses the sale of shares among co-owners of a business, a shareholder agreement may address a wider range of issues, including the management and control of the business , the distribution of profits, and the appointment of directors and officers.
While Shareholder Agreements might touch on provisions related to the transfer of shares or prohibiting transfers, a Buy-Sell Agreement is more specific and effective. It ensures that transitions are handled in a way that aligns with the owners' expectations and the business's financial stability.
A buy and sell agreement may also be called a buyout agreement, a business will, or a business prenup.