- Address: 123 Anywhere Street
- hello@watsontax.com.au
SYDNEY · MELBOURNE · CANBERRA · AUSTRALIA
Lawyers for Company & Trust Ownership Disputes
Senior counsel on disputes over control, entitlements & decision‑making in companies, trusts & private groups.
ABOUT WATSON Tax LAWYERS
Who We Are
Watson Tax Lawyers advises on disputes and potential disputes about ownership, control and benefits within companies, trusts and wider private groups.
These matters often arise where structures have evolved over time, documents do not match expectations, or family and commercial relationships are closely intertwined. The practice is focused on helping clients understand their position within those structures and develop realistic strategies for protection and resolution.
What We Do in Ownership, Control & Company / Trust Disputes
01
Disputes Over Control of Companies & Trusts
Advising on disputes about who has practical and legal control of companies and trusts — including directors, shareholders, trustees, appointors and other controllers.
Work includes reviewing documents and history to clarify positions and advising on options where control is contested.
02
Disputes about Entitlements & Benefits
Acting in disputes about who is entitled to income, capital or other benefits from companies, trusts or private groups.
The focus is on understanding the legal arrangements, how they have been operated and what options exist for enforcing or adjusting entitlements.
03
Oppression, Deadlocks & Breakdown between Principals
Advising on oppression‑type situations, deadlocks and breakdowns between principals in companies, trusts and joint structures.
We help clients assess their rights and options, including negotiation, buy‑outs and, where necessary, litigation strategies.
04
Pre‑Dispute Advice & Risk Management
Helping clients identify and address control and entitlement issues before they become full disputes, including by clarifying or adjusting structures and documentation.
The aim is to reduce the likelihood of damaging conflict and protect value within the group.
WHO WE ASSIST
The Clients & Advisers We Act for.
01
Shareholders & Directors in Private Companies
Shareholders and directors in private companies who are in conflict about control, decision‑making, access to information or the future direction of the company.
02
Beneficiaries, Trustees & Appointors of Trusts
Beneficiaries, trustees and appointors involved in disputes or potential disputes about how trusts are controlled, how distributions are made and how powers are exercised.
03
Principals in Private Groups & Family Businesses
Principals in private groups and family businesses who are in disagreement with other principals or family members about governance, entitlements or control.
04
Executors & Controllers after a Change in Control
Executors, new directors, new trustees or other controllers who have stepped into control roles after a death or other change and are facing challenges to their position.
05
Family Offices & Private Group Managers
Family office and private group managers dealing with ownership and control issues across entities and branches of a family, and needing legal clarity on positions and options.
06
Accountants, Lawyers & Other Advisers
Accountants, lawyers and other advisers whose clients are involved in company or trust disputes and who require specialist support on legal, tax and structural questions.
Discuss Your Matter in Confidence.
If you are facing a serious tax, commercial, private wealth or whistleblower issue, contact Watson Tax Lawyers for a confidential discussion about your position and the options available.
BY THE NUMBERS
40+
Years advising on tax, commercial and private wealth matters
28
Years as a partner at Greenwoods & Herbert Smith Freehills
100+
Significant transactions, projects and disputes.
150+
Private groups, family offices and high-net-worth clients advised
Solicitor & Chartered Accountant | Extensive experience in company & trust control disputes
founder of watson tax lawyers
Meet Anthony Watson
Anthony Watson is the principal of Watson Tax Lawyers. He is both a solicitor and a chartered accountant, with more than 35 years’ experience advising on ownership, control and entitlement issues in companies, trusts and private groups.
His work includes clarifying and reshaping control arrangements, advising on disputes over benefits and governance, and acting in or around breakdowns between principals and family members where structures, documents and expectations collide.
CLIENT CONFIDENCE
01 / 05
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
How the Process Works for Ownership, Control & Company / Trust Disputes
01
Confidential Discussion & Background Review
We begin with a confidential discussion about the entities, the relationships, the history and the dispute or concerns, then review key documents and communications.
02
Assessment of Rights, Powers & Risks
Anthony assesses legal and practical control, rights to benefits, duties and exposures, and outlines realistic options for protecting or advancing the client’s position.
03
Strategy, Negotiation & Documentation
We develop and implement a strategy — which may involve negotiation, restructuring, buy‑outs, formal proceedings or other steps — and assist with the necessary documentation and communications.
04
Follow‑Through & Future Risk Management
As matters progress or are resolved, Anthony remains available to assist with follow‑through and with putting in place arrangements that reduce the risk of similar disputes in future.
Discuss Your Matter in Confidence.
If you are facing a serious tax, commercial, private wealth or whistleblower issue, contact Watson Tax Lawyers for a confidential discussion about your position and the options available.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Watson Tax Lawyers for Ownership, Control & Company / Trust Disputes
I
Senior Judgment in Sensitive Disputes
Disputes about ownership, control and entitlements in companies and trusts are handled personally by Anthony, reflecting their commercial and personal significance.
II
Structural, Legal & Tax Insight Combined
Advice reflects the interplay between entity structures, legal rights, tax consequences and family or commercial dynamics, rather than focusing on any one element in isolation.
III
Experience with Private Groups & Family Contexts
Anthony has extensive experience acting in disputes within private companies, trusts and family groups, where relationships and long‑term plans must be considered alongside legal rights.
IV
Collaborative with Existing Advisers & Counsel
Watson Tax Lawyers works alongside existing accountants, lawyers and counsel, adding structural and strategic insight while preserving existing advisory relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ownership, Control & Company / Trust Disputes
What types of ownership and control disputes do you typically act on?
We are usually engaged on disputes that are significant for the business or group — including who controls companies or trusts, how decisions are made, and who is entitled to income or capital.
Do you always recommend going to court?
No. Litigation is one option, but not always the best. Our role is to assess the position realistically and advise on options, which may include negotiation, restructuring, buy‑outs or, where necessary, proceedings.
Can you act for more than one party in these disputes?
We conduct conflict checks at the outset and are clear about who the client is. In some situations we may be able to act for the group as a whole; in others, only for particular members or entities. Where we cannot act for multiple parties, we explain that position and, where appropriate, suggest alternatives.
How do you work with our existing advisers or counsel?
We commonly work alongside existing accountants, commercial lawyers and counsel. Our focus is on structures, control, entitlements and strategy, while they continue to manage their respective roles in the matter.
DISCUSS YOUR MATTER IN CONFIDENCE
Begin a Confidential Conversation.
If you are facing a serious tax, commercial, private wealth or whistleblower issue, contact Watson Tax Lawyers for a confidential discussion about your position and the options available.
- Watson Tax Lawyers will review your enquiry and respond as soon as practicable. The firm will confirm separately whether it is able to act and, if so, the applicable terms of engagement.