Planning a Partnership: 6 Things You Need to Include In Your Partnership Agreement

A partnership can be a rewarding and efficient business model if set up the right way, and crafting a robust partnership agreement from day one is crucial for outlining the rights, responsibilities, and operational procedures within your business venture. 

This agreement serves as a protective framework that ensures all partners involved are on the same page, which leaves less room for disputes and more room to grow the business. 

Here are six essential clauses that every partnership agreement should include:

1. Decision-Making Protocol

Establish a clear decision-making protocol. Do decisions need to be made using a consensus or a majority vote? What happens if there is a tie or a consensus can’t be reached? Laying out the policy for how decisions for the company are made will help avoid issues and conflicts in the future.

2. Capital Contribution Documentation

Ensure meticulous documentation of each partner's capital contributions, specifying who contributed what and when. Plan for a scenario in which capital runs out and address whether partners will infuse additional capital, seek external funding, or contemplate closing the business. Proactive consideration of these scenarios now can possibly stop a financial crisis later.

3. Salaries and Distributions

Define the parameters for partners to withdraw money from the business. Address questions about the reimbursement of initial investments and explore scenarios where a partner might want to reinvest profits for an extended period. This clarity fosters financial stability and minimizes potential conflicts.

4. Dispute Resolution

It's prudent to include a well-defined dispute resolution mechanism in your partnership agreement. Whether through mediation, arbitration, or another agreed-upon process, having a predetermined way to address disputes helps partners find amicable resolutions without resorting to costly and time-consuming legal battles. This approach also fosters a collaborative environment, ensuring that challenges are navigated smoothly, and the business continues to thrive even in moments of contention.

5. Death and Disability Contingencies

Discussing what happens in the event of death or disability may be uncomfortable, but it’s important to go over what will happen to a partner’s shares if he or she dies or becomes disabled and can no longer contribute to the business. Having this information in a legal agreement will help you create individual estate plans that address your business holdings. Unfortunately, we see many partnership agreements that overlook this altogether. Make sure yours doesn’t, and call us for support, if it does.

6. Dissolution Plan

Facing the eventual departure of a partner can be a delicate subject, but establishing a clear dissolution plan at the outset is essential. Agreeing on the exit strategy in advance prevents confusion and potential disputes during the business relationship's conclusion.

Setting The Foundation for Business Success

Making sure your partnership operates in the best and most cooperative way possible requires strategic planning. By incorporating these vital clauses into your partnership agreement, you can proactively address potential challenges before they even happen.

If you want to make sure your business avoids the common legal pitfalls that partnerships often encounter, start the process by consulting with us, your LIFTed Business Advisor®. We'll help establish a comprehensive Legal, Insurance, Financial, and Tax system for your business, allowing you to concentrate on its growth with confidence.

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This article is a service of a Personal Family Lawyer®. We offer a complete spectrum of legal services for businesses and can help you make the wisest choices with your business throughout life and in the event of your death. We also offer a LIFT Business Breakthrough Session™, which includes a review of all the legal, financial, and tax systems you need for your business. Call us today to schedule.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

Proper estate planning can keep your family out of conflict, out of court, and out of the public eye. If you’re ready to create a comprehensive estate plan, contact us to schedule your Planning Session. Even if you already have a plan in place, we will review it and help you bring it up to date to avoid heartache for your family. Schedule online today.