What is a Partnership Agreement?

Key Components Of A Partnership Agreement

A comprehensive partnership agreement should include:

• Goals: Set out the purpose of the agreement, what each partner is responsible for, and the end date of the partnership.
• Roles & Responsibilities: Spell out the exact duties and responsibilities for each partner and how decisions will be made.
• Ownership & Profits: Specify the ownership percentage of each partner in business, how profits will be distributed, and the capital each partner contributes to the partnership.
• Dispute Resolution: Outline how any conflicts or disagreements between partners should be handled, such as mediation or going to court.
• Dissolution: State how the partnership will be dissolved in the event of death, retirement, sale of the business, or other common scenarios.

The Importance Of A Partnership Agreement

A partnership agreement is a crucial document for ensuring the health of a business and preventing misunderstandings between business partners. It ensures each partner knows exactly what is expected of them and how to handle disputes without risking the entire venture. Without a partnership agreement, partners may be uncertain how to make decisions or how profits should be divided, leading to internal conflicts and even legal action.

How To Draft A Partnership Agreement

Drafting a partnership agreement can be a complex and time-consuming process. To ensure the document will protect all partners, it’s best to hire a lawyer who specializes in business law. The lawyer can help clarify any language and make sure the agreement adheres to all applicable state and local laws. It should also be reviewed by a qualified accountant to determine the best way to structure the taxation of the business.