New Jersey § 15a:12-12
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 15a:12-12, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15a:12-12.
a. The Superior Court, in an action brought under this section, may appoint a custodian,
appoint a provisional trustee, order a sale of the corporation's assets as provided
below, or enter a judgment dissolving the corporation, upon proof that: (1) The members of the corporation are so divided in voting power that, for a period
which includes the time when two consecutive annual or biennial meetings were or should
have been held they have failed to elect successors to trustees whose terms have expired
or would have expired upon the election and qualification of their successors; or (2) The trustees of the corporation, or the person or persons having the management
authority (if a provision in the corporation's certificate of incorporation contemplated
by subsection b. of section 15A:5-19 is in effect) are unable to effect action on one or more substantial matters respecting
the management of the corporation's affairs; or (3) There is internal dissension and two or more factions of members are so divided
that dissolution would be beneficial to the members; or (4) The trustees or members in control of the corporation have looted or wasted corporate
assets, have perpetuated the corporation solely for their personal benefit, or have
otherwise acted in an illegal, oppressive or fraudulent manner; or (5) The corporation is no longer able to carry out its purposes. b. An action may be brought under this section by one or more trustees or by one or
more members. In the action, in the case of appointment of a custodian or a provisional trustee,
the court may proceed in summary manner or otherwise. c. One or more provisional trustees may be appointed if it appears to the court that
the appointment may be in the best interests of the corporation and its members, notwithstanding
any provisions in the corporation's bylaws, certificate of incorporation, or any resolutions
adopted by the board or members. A provisional trustee shall have all the rights and powers of a duly elected trustee
of the corporation, including the right to notice of and to vote at meetings of trustees
until the time as the provisional trustee shall be removed by order of the court,
or unless otherwise ordered by the court, by a vote or written consent of a majority
of the votes entitled to be cast by the members entitled to vote to elect trustees
or where the corporation has no members, by a vote or written consent of a majority
of the votes entitled to be cast by the trustees entitled to elect trustees. d. A custodian may be appointed if it appears to the court that the appointment may
be in the best interests of the corporation and its members, notwithstanding any provisions
in the corporation's bylaws, certificate of incorporation, or any resolutions adopted
by the members or the board. Subject to any limitations which the court imposes, a custodian shall be entitled
to exercise all of the powers of the corporation and its officers to the extent necessary
to manage the affairs of the corporation in the best interests of its members and
creditors, until the time as the custodian shall be removed by order of the court
or, unless otherwise ordered by the court, by the vote or written consent of a majority
of the votes entitled to be cast by members entitled to vote to elect trustees or
where the corporation has no members, by a vote or written consent of a majority of
the votes entitled to be cast by the trustees entitled to elect trustees. The powers may be exercised directly or through, or in conjunction with, the corporation's
board or officers, in the discretion of the custodian or as the court may order. If so provided in the order appointing the custodian, a custodian shall have the
fact-determining powers of a receiver as provided in subsections e. and f. of section 15A:14-5 . e. Any custodian or provisional trustee shall be an impartial person who is neither
a member nor a creditor of the corporation or of any subsidiary or affiliate of the
corporation. f. Any custodian or provisional trustee shall report from time to time to the court
concerning the matter complained of, or the status of the deadlock, if any, and of
the status of the corporation's business, as the court shall direct. In addition, that person shall submit to the court, if so directed, recommendations
as to the appropriate disposition of the action. If, after the appointment of a custodian or provisional trustee, the court determines
that a judgment of dissolution is in the best interests of the members of the corporation,
a judgment shall be entered. The court may continue any custodian or provisional trustee in the office subsequent
to the entry of a judgment of dissolution and until the time as the affairs of the
corporation are wound up, or it may appoint that person or another as receiver, as
provided in section 15A:12-18 . g. In any proceeding under this section, the court shall allow reasonable compensation
to the custodian or provisional trustee for services and reimbursement or direct payment
of the reasonable costs and expenses, which amounts shall be paid by the corporation. h. In determining whether to enter a judgment of dissolution in an action brought
under this section, the court shall take into consideration whether the corporation
is operating in the best interests of its members, but shall not deny entry of a judgment
solely on that ground. i. If the court determines that any party to an action brought under this section
has acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or otherwise not in good faith, it may in its
discretion award reasonable expenses, including counsel fees incurred in connection
with the action, to the injured party or parties.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 15a:12-12
What does New Jersey Statutes § 15a:12-12 cover?
Section 15a:12-12 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 15a:12-12?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 15a:12-12" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 15a:12-12 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.