A Business Owner Is Getting Divorced, Asks Dave Ramsey If He'll Lose The Business. 'She's Actually 98% Owner Of The Business And I'm 2% Owner'

January 29, 2026 - 22:58

A Texas entrepreneur is confronting a devastating double loss: his marriage and potentially the business he operates. Despite being the primary operator since 2021, the man, identified as Manny, holds a mere 2% legal ownership stake. His soon-to-be ex-wife possesses the remaining 98%, an arrangement initially advised by their accountant for tax benefits.

Manny detailed his precarious situation on a recent episode of the “EntreLeadership” podcast with financial personality Dave Ramsey. “She’s actually 98% owner of the business and I’m 2% owner,” he explained, highlighting the stark disconnect between his daily effort and his formal equity. He now fears the business could be entirely lost in the divorce settlement.

Ramsey and his co-hosts clarified that in a community property state like Texas, the 98% stake is almost certainly considered marital property, subject to division. However, they stressed that the legal ownership percentage documented with the state and IRS would heavily influence the outcome, regardless of who performed the work. The case underscores a critical warning for couples in business: formal ownership agreements must reflect operational realities and intentions. Experts consistently advise that while tax strategies are important, they should never come at the expense of clear, protective legal structures, especially for an active operating partner. The emotional and financial turmoil Manny faces serves as a cautionary tale for other business-owning families.