Justin Clay
Nov 2025
G
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
They put together step by step learning modules that take you through key aspects of running a business and they have made the process very simple.
Iowa business owners
A Partner Leaving? Buying One Out? Flat‑Fee Paperwork.
We write up the buyout, take the departing owner off the LLC, and update your operating agreement. Johnston office.
- $950 — terms agreed, need the papers
- $1,800 — still settling a few terms
- $3,490 — partner has a lawyer
Flat fees, set before work starts
The same prices apply to everyone. Your free consultation includes a conflict check, and we confirm the level before you pay anything.
Papers Only
You have agreed on the price and terms and need them in writing.
- Attorney-drafted buyout or transfer documents
- Departing member removed from the LLC
- Operating agreement updated for the new ownership
- Best when there is nothing left to work out
Work Through the Details
You agree on the direction but still have terms to settle.
- Help settling price, payment terms, and timing
- Handled like a small business sale
- Transition terms written into the documents
- Everything in Papers Only
Attorney-to-Attorney
Your partner has a lawyer, or the terms need to go through counsel.
- We negotiate the terms with your partner's attorney
- Final terms documented in a signed agreement
- Everything in Work Through the Details
Which option fits?
Pick by how much you and your partner have already agreed. Not sure? Call (515) 994-0404 and we will tell you which level fits.
How a partner buyout works
Step 1
Free consultation and conflict check
We confirm we can represent you, learn what has been agreed, and recommend a price level.
Step 2
We settle the terms
We start with your current agreement, which may already say how a partner leaves and how their share is valued. The owners agree on the price, often with a CPA or appraiser, and we write up the payment terms.
Step 3
We draft and you sign
The buyout agreement, updated operating agreement, and any state filings, so the ownership change is complete on paper.
What the flat fee covers
- A review of your existing operating, partnership, or shareholder agreement
- The buyout, redemption, or transfer documents for your level
- Removing the departing member and updating your operating documents
- Coordination with your CPA on structure and timing
Not included: court work of any kind, tax advice, and valuing the business. The flat fee is our legal fee, not the buyout price, which is between the owners. If your situation needs something outside these levels, we quote it before any additional work starts.
We represent one side, either one owner or the company, never both. A buyout puts the owners on opposite sides of the price, so each should have their own advice.
Business Owners Trust Surge
Google reviews across Surge Business Law offices.
Google Reviews
Cassie Serrata
Aug 2025
G
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Matt and his team are knowledgable, friendly and efficient. They helped me get my LLC up and running. Highly recommend his legal services for any small business owner.
Mo Yang
Aug 2025
G
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
He wasn’t trying to sell me something I didn’t need, but instead gave advice that was truly in my best interest.
Meet at our Johnston office or online
Our Iowa office serves the entire state from 5335 Merle Hay Rd, Suite 7, Johnston, IA 50131, minutes from downtown Des Moines. Meet in person or by video. We are open late Mondays until 7:00 pm.
Meet the Iowa team and see office details, or call (515) 994-0404.
Partner buyout questions
How do I remove a member from my Iowa LLC?
Start with your operating agreement, because many say how a member leaves and how their share is valued. When both members agree, a buyout agreement and an updated operating agreement usually handle it. If the agreement is silent, Iowa's default LLC rules apply, and we walk you through them.
Do we have to close the business?
Usually not. In a buyout, one owner buys the other's share and the business keeps operating.
How long does it take?
When the terms are agreed, drafting usually takes a couple of weeks. Working through details takes a few weeks. Attorney-to-attorney work typically runs two to three weeks once it starts, and longer if the other side is slow to respond.
Can you represent both of us?
No. We represent one owner or the company. Your free consultation includes a conflict check so we confirm we can act for you before you share details.
What about taxes?
How a buyout is structured can change the tax result for both owners. We do not give tax advice, but we coordinate with your CPA so the documents match the structure they recommend.
Read more
- How to buy out a business partner
- What changes when LLC ownership changes
- Starting a business with a new partner
Surge Business Law provides legal services for businesses in Iowa and Texas.
Get the price before the work starts
Tell us who is leaving, what you have agreed so far, and when you want it done. The consultation is free.