Business and Contract Dispute Lawyers in Colombia
Protect your investment in Colombia with English-speaking lawyers who take on local partners, companies and suppliers.
Doing business in Colombia can be rewarding, but when a partner, supplier or company breaks an agreement, a foreign investor can quickly feel outmatched. The other side knows the local system, speaks the language and may assume you'll walk away. LCG-Colombia represents foreign investors, business owners and international companies in commercial disputes across Colombia. We enforce contracts, protect your stake in Colombian companies and pursue those who took your money, including while you're overseas.
Business Disputes We Handle
Breach of Contract
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When a Colombian party fails to deliver what they agreed to, you have options. Under Colombian law, if one side breaks a contract, the other can ask a court to either enforce the contract or cancel it, and in both cases claim compensation for the losses caused. We handle disputes over supply and service agreements, construction and renovation contracts, joint ventures, licensing agreements and professional services.
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Partner and Shareholder Disputes
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Many foreigners set up a Colombian company with a local partner, often a simplified stock company (SAS). Problems arise when a partner takes control of the company, shuts you out of decisions, hides financial information, diverts money or refuses to pay your share of profits.
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The Superintendencia de Sociedades has its own court for corporate disputes. Under Law 1258 of 2008, shareholders in an SAS can bring claims for abuse of voting rights, and courts can hold shareholders personally liable when a company is used to commit fraud. We represent foreign shareholders in these disputes, and in negotiated exits when a partnership has run its course.
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Businesses Held in a Partner's Name
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Some foreigners put a Colombian business, or their shares in it, in a local partner's name. If that partner now claims the business as their own, you may be able to prove you're the real owner and recover your stake. Contracts, bank transfers, messages and witnesses are all key evidence.
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Investment Fraud
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Foreign investors in Colombia are sometimes targeted by fake business opportunities, schemes that promise high returns, and people who take investment money and disappear. We pursue those responsible through criminal complaints and civil claims to recover your money.
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When a business raises money from the public without authorization, the Superintendencia de Sociedades can take over the business and its assets under Decree 4334 of 2008, with the aim of returning money to investors. We help foreign victims register their claims in these proceedings.
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Commercial Agency and Distribution Disputes
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If your company appointed a Colombian agent or distributor, or you acted as one, ending the relationship can lead to a dispute. Colombian law gives commercial agents a termination payment based on the length of the relationship, plus compensation if the contract is ended without just cause. We act for both foreign companies and agents in these claims.
Court or Arbitration?
Many Colombian commercial contracts include an arbitration clause, which sends disputes to a private tribunal instead of the courts. Arbitration is usually faster and more confidential. It's often run through the arbitration centers of the chambers of commerce in cities like Bogotá and Medellín. We'll review your contract to see which route applies and represent you in court or arbitration.
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If there's no written contract, you may still have a claim. Emails, messages, invoices and payment records can prove what was agreed.
Resolving Business Disputes From Abroad
Most of our business clients are based outside Colombia. With a power of attorney signed in your home country, our lawyers can negotiate, file claims and attend hearings for you. Find out more about working with our litigation lawyers from abroad.
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If the dispute is over a clear debt, such as an unpaid business sale or a signed promissory note, see our Debt Collection Lawyers in Colombia page. For how the court process works, see our guide to Filing a Lawsuit in Colombia. For fees and timelines, see the Cost of a Lawsuit in Colombia.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Colombian business partner has shut me out of the company. What can I do?
As a shareholder, you have rights to information, to take part in decisions and to receive your share of profits. We can demand access, challenge unlawful decisions and bring a claim before the Superintendencia de Sociedades if needed.
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Can I sue if my contract was only verbal?
Yes. Verbal agreements can be enforced in Colombia, but you'll need to prove the terms with evidence such as messages, emails, payments and witnesses.
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I invested money in a Colombian business that turned out to be a scam. Can I get it back?
Possibly. We can file a criminal complaint and a civil claim against those responsible. If the business raised money from many people, you may also be able to claim in an intervention by the Superintendencia de Sociedades.
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My contract says disputes go to arbitration. Do I still need a lawyer?
Yes. Arbitration is a formal legal process, and you need a lawyer to present your case to the tribunal. We represent clients in arbitration just as we do in court.
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Can I hold the individuals behind a Colombian company responsible?
In some cases, yes. When a company is used to commit fraud or to avoid its obligations, courts can hold the shareholders or directors personally responsible.
Meet Isabel
Partner, LCG-Colombia
With more than eight years of legal experience, Isabel represents foreign investors and business owners in commercial disputes in Colombia, from breached contracts and unpaid invoices to partners or managers who refuse to account for company funds. She pursues damages, contract termination, and the recovery of money through the Colombian courts, and because she works through a power of attorney, clients abroad can protect their business interests without traveling to Colombia.