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Partnership Agreement Solicitors

If you're in a business partnership or anticipate entering one, it's essential to establish a formal partnership agreement outlining the terms between business partners.

Without a partnership agreement, UK law will automatically impose specific terms on the business relationship, regardless of whether the partners agree or are aware of these terms.

At Warner Goodman, we can assist you in preventing potential partnership disputes and ensuring the proper documentation of your partnership agreement. Our partnership agreement solicitors have expertise in:

  • Partnership formation
  • Partnership dissolution
  • Partnership agreements
  • Limited Liability Partnerships
  • Partnership disputes
  • Partners duties and liabilities

Speak to our partnership agreement solicitors today

Need help with a partnership agreement? We have specialist solicitors in SouthamptonPortsmouthFarehamChandler's Ford and Waterlooville.

To find out how Warner Goodman Solicitors can assist you, contact the team on 023 8063 9311 or email enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk.

How our partnership agreement team can help you

Partnership formation

Business partnership formation is the process of establishing a legal relationship between two or more individuals or entities to carry on a business together. There are different types of partnerships, including general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs). Each type has its own set of legal characteristics and implications.

Our solicitors for a partnership agreement can provide legal advice on the most suitable type of partnership based on the nature of the business, the number of partners involved, and the desired level of liability protection.

We can help draft a comprehensive partnership agreement to address issues such as profit sharing, decision-making, dispute resolution, and exit strategies.

We can also assist you with registering the partnership with HM Revenue & Customs, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and regulations governing partnerships.

Partnership dissolution

A well-drafted business partnership agreement should outline the procedures for a partner leaving or exiting due to incapacitation or death.

In the event of dissolution, a standard partnership agreement typically outlines the following details:

  • The person or persons responsible for the partnership's debts
  • The partner or partners who will assume ownership of the business
  • The allocation of intellectual property rights
  • The party accountable for fulfilling existing contracts
  • The payment arrangement for the resigning partner
  • The method for distributing assets.

If a partnership agreement is not in place, the Partnership Act 1890 will govern how the partnership is dissolved and the consequences of its dissolution.

In the event of a partnership dissolution, our solicitors can review your partnership agreement to determine the terms and conditions of dissolution. The agreement may contain provisions related to the distribution of assets and liabilities and the steps to be taken in case of dissolution.

If there is no partnership agreement or certain aspects are not covered, we can help you negotiate the terms of dissolution. This includes deciding on the distribution of assets, settling outstanding debts, and determining each partner's share of the remaining assets.

Partnership agreements

A partnership agreement typically includes details such as each partner's contributions, the distribution of profits and losses, decision-making processes, responsibilities, dispute resolution mechanisms, and provisions for the addition or withdrawal of partners. A well-drafted legal partnership agreement is crucial for clarifying the rights and obligations of each partner and preventing potential conflicts.

Our solicitors can help draft a comprehensive partnership agreement that clearly outlines the partnership's terms and conditions. We can also review an existing agreement to ensure it is legally sound and protects the interests of all parties involved.

Limited Liability Partnerships

A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a legal business structure that combines elements of a traditional partnership with the limited liability protection typically associated with a company.

In an LLP, each partner is not personally liable for the partnership's debts or liabilities, providing a level of protection for individual partners.

Our solicitors can help draft an LLP agreement that outlines the rights, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangements among the partners. We can also assist in the registration process with Companies House.

Partnership disputes

A business partnership dispute can occur when there is a disagreement or conflict between business partners. This can involve a variety of issues, such as disagreements over decision-making, profit distribution, management responsibilities, breach of contract, or other aspects of the partnership agreement. When these disputes arise, they can have serious consequences for the business and the relationships among the partners.

It's essential for partners facing a business dispute to seek legal advice promptly to understand their options and potential courses of action. Early intervention by a solicitor can often help prevent a dispute from escalating and may increase the chances of finding an amicable resolution.

Our solicitors, who are experts in business and partnership law, can provide legal advice tailored to the specific circumstances of your dispute. We can also assist with alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration. If necessary, our solicitors can also represent partners in court.

Partners duties and liabilities

Our solicitors can assist in drafting comprehensive partnership agreements that clearly outline each partner's rights, responsibilities, and liabilities. This document can help prevent disputes and provide a framework for the partnership's smooth operation.

We can provide legal advice on partners' specific duties and liabilities, ensuring that partners understand their obligations under the law.

As the business evolves, we can help update partnership agreements and other legal documents to reflect changes in the business structure or the partners' roles.

Partnership agreement FAQs

What is a partnership agreement?

A partnership agreement is a legally enforceable contract that defines the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of partners within a partnership business.

Having an agreement offers clarity and direction for the partnership, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and promoting smooth business operations.

What issues should be included in a partnership agreement?

A partnership agreement includes key information that is crucial to the running of the business, such as the distribution of profits, decision-making authority, methods for resolving disputes, and procedures for partner withdrawal or retirement.

What happens if there is no partnership agreement?

Not having a partnership agreement can result in numerous complications and risks for your business. Without a formalised agreement, your partnership will be governed by default provisions outlined in UK law. However, these default provisions might not reflect your specific intentions or sufficiently safeguard your interests.

Do I need a solicitor for a partnership agreement?

While hiring a solicitor to draft a partnership agreement is not legally required, it is highly advisable to seek professional legal advice. Having a well-drafted and legally sound agreement can help prevent disputes and protect the interests of all parties involved.

 

Speak to our partnership agreement solicitors today

Need help with a partnership agreement? We have specialist solicitors in SouthamptonPortsmouthFarehamChandler's Ford and Waterlooville.

To find out how Warner Goodman Solicitors can assist you, contact the team on 023 8063 9311 or email enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk.

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