Storytelling and Family Splits

A few weeks ago, I found myself at the dinner table with my cousin and his family, engaged in a lively discussion about the extravagant Ambani wedding celebrations in India. My opinion - that the event was a grand spectacle, wasteful, and designed to present the family as a form of new-age royalty—was met with generally polite disagreement.

My nephew, perceptively, noted that the staggering sums of money involved in the wedding had ensured the family and the event itself became a topic of conversation globally. In his view, this publicity was valuable in and of itself, a strategic investment rather than mere extravagance.

As the conversation evolved, my cousin recalled that there were two brothers, but only this particular brother was the successful one - known to be the cleverer one, and the hardworking one. (Presumably, the other brother was unsuccessful for not having entered the cultural consciousness, failing to amass unbridled levels of wealth, or neglecting to buy enough rich and powerful friends. I wasn’t too sure.)

Nevertheless, the impression and sentiment behind the statement got me thinking about the value of storytelling. In particular, after family businesses split – as they often do, the race is on to create a narrative and embed a story.

The family members who emerge with the larger share of the business may feel compelled to establish themselves not just as the rightful heirs but as more capable and generous. The mythmaking often starts even before the split is finalised. Meanwhile, those who end up with less might seek to paint others as greedy (rather than merely lucky, or perfectly entitled).

At this juncture, there is often both an emotional interest, and yes, a legal one.

From an emotional standpoint, no one wants their family history overshadowed by the narrative of a more successful relative. Whether it’s the Ambani’s or any other family, having the family’s story told from a limited perspective can be deeply unsettling.

But beyond emotions, the legal implications of these narratives can be profound. The family name itself can become a valuable brand, something to be commercialised and monetised. Here, the involvement of a lawyer is not just beneficial but often essential.

So, how exactly can a lawyer help?

1. Use of Name: When a family business splits, the use of the family name can become a contentious issue. Lawyers can help in negotiating agreements that define who gets to use the name, in what capacity, and under what circumstances. Protecting the integrity of the family name while ensuring it is used fairly will be important to everyone.

2. Defamation: Post-split, emotions run high, and it’s not uncommon for disputes to spill over into the public domain. Accusations of greed, incompetence, or unfairness can arise, damaging reputations. Lawyers can step in to address defamation issues, ensuring that any claims made publicly are either substantiated or retracted to protect the family’s reputation.

3. Contracts: During the process of splitting a family business, contracts can help ensure a fair and equitable outcome to include, non-disparagement agreements and other legal mechanisms.

4. Dispute Resolution: With disputes often arising over the division of assets, management roles, and future business strategies, mediation or arbitration services can help resolve these disputes amicably, avoiding lengthy and costly court battles.

Conclusion

In the end, the story that emerges from a family business split can shape the legacy of every family member, whether born as yet or not. Ensuring that the narrative is fair, balanced, and legally sound is where a skilled lawyer can make all the difference. Whether it’s protecting the family name, managing reputational risks, or securing intellectual property, the right legal counsel can help turn a potentially divisive split into a manageable transition, allowing all parties to move forward with their dignity—and their legacy—intact.