<prompt> Human: I received shares by working for lower wages. The company belongs to my brother-in-law. There was never any promise of profit sharing; just the idea that someday he might sell it and I would get a piece. Can he just pay himself the profits forever, or close the company and start a new one with a new name? Does my 5 ownership give me any rights? Can I ask to see the books? Its a very small consulting company. It has Inc. in the name, if that means anything. I am in California.  <response>: Youre entitled to 5 of any profits drawn. This is typically done on a quarterly basis but is usually decided by a vote between shareholders. If he draws 95 you should get 5. Its different if he pays himself as an employee of the company but considering it is small Im assuming its just a small sole proprietorship and hes got you by the balls. 