There is an old saying that I refer to with clients: "It is better to be proactive than reactive." The message encapsulates one of the most important concerns for all businessmen and -women: balancing short-term needs and long-term concerns with decision-making. A lawyer giving advice to a business person will do well by their client in recommending such an approach to business planning and structuring. As a litigator, I have always advised businesspeople that it is far less expensive to structure your business and personal planning proactively in anticipation of the worst, much like purchasing insurance, than simply hoping for the best. This article will discuss options for being proactive in your business planning as well as your rights in the event that a dispute with one of your partners may lead to the need to dissolve your business.