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is1204622612 partnersplit lgEntering into a business partnership is a lot like getting married. You entangle your financial future with someone else with the intention of it lasting forever.

That’s not always the case, however, and sometimes even the most celebrated partnerships must come to an end. [quotes]Statistics show about 70 percent of business partnerships fail even when the business succeeds.[/quotes]

No matter the reasons for dissolving a partnership, it’s always better to make a clean break and end on good terms. You also do not want to end up liable for future business issues, including debts.

Are you concerned that you may need to dissolve your current partnership?

If you want to continue operating the successful business or simply want to end peacefully, here are 12 important things to consider when dissolving a partnership.

1. The Type of Partnership

The type of business partnership makes a big difference in how you go about dissolving it. If you don’t know already, you need to figure out if you have a:

Use this information to determine what kind of partnership you have or double-check your partnership agreement.

2. Do You Have a Partnership Agreement?

A partnership agreement is like a pre-nuptial agreement for your business. If you have a partnership agreement, it hopefully includes a dissolution of partnership clause that details how to proceed.

Some agreements include very detailed dissolution procedures based on the various possible circumstances for why a partnership might end.

Be sure that before you sign a dissolution agreement, that you and your partner(s) complete all duties and obligations, so nothing remains outstanding.

Dissolving a Partnership Without an Agreement

If you do not have a dissolution of partnership clause or a partnership agreement at all, you need to proceed carefully. Only discuss the situation with your partner(s) when you have clear and level heads.

Ideally, you’ll be able to work out the partnership dissolution between yourselves. If not, you can always turn to outside help or get a court order. Don’t involve the courts until you exhaust every other possible avenue in order to avoid the expense and heartache.

3. Applicable State Laws

If you do not have a partnership agreement that covers what to do if you decide to end your partnership, you can always follow your state’s business laws.

4. Does One Partner Want to Hold onto the Business?

Do you or one of your partners want to hold onto the business and continue running it after the partnership dissolution? In this case, much depends on the type and status of that departing partner.

Does the partner who wants to leave have the majority share and control most of the business? If so, you and your other staying partners, if there are any, must buy out the leaving partner’s share if you want to continue operating.

5. Can You Sell the Business?

The same requirements apply to if you want to sell the business. It’s quite likely that you and any other partners will need to buy out the leaving partner’s share before selling the business.

6. Make a Plan for Dissolution of Partnership

Once you decide to end the partnership, you should make a comprehensive dissolution plan to ensure you do not miss anything.

Important: Ending a partnership incorrectly when you have liability results in you remaining liable for the business’s future actions even if you are not a part of the decision-making process.

Some things to include in your dissolution plan are:

 

7. Get Professional Help

Do you not have a partnership agreement that includes a dissolution clause? You definitely should hire an attorney to help you navigate the dissolution process. Even if you do have an agreement with a dissolution clause, hiring a business attorney with experience in ending partnerships will help take the pressure off. You’ll know for sure that you’re addressing everything correctly.

[quotesright]You also may need to hire a third-party to evaluate the business and its assets to get the most from your partnership ending.[/quotesright]

Are you and your partner(s) struggling to end things amicably? That’s where a mediator can help. Always try mediation before turning to an attorney or seeking a court-ordered dissolution. This helps you save face and stay in the goodwill of your customers if you want to continue operating the business without your partner(s).

8. Inform Customers, Clients, and Suppliers

Some states require businesses to publish a notice of partnership dissolution in the local paper or trade journal.

You must also directly inform all stakeholders regarding the dissolution. This includes customers, clients, vendors, suppliers, and anyone else you’ve dealt with while in the partnership.

Notifying these important people tells them who to contact in the future regarding the business. It also lets them know who is responsible for any future obligations or debts.

9. Cancel All Registrations, Licenses, or Permits

Be sure that you cancel or terminate any registrations, licenses, and/or permits relating to the business partnership.

You may reregister or apply for the licenses and/or permits once you reestablish ownership over the business. Keep in mind this also includes fictitious name registration.

10. Settle All Accounts and Pay Taxes

Prior to signing the final dissolution agreement, double-check that all creditors and taxes have been addressed.

You need to settle all accounts and close bank accounts in the partnership’s name. This also includes payroll tax deposits and the filing of required employment tax forms.

Remember to notify federal, local, and state tax agencies of the partnership dissolution and new business arrangement as well.

11. Examine and Correct Leases, Contracts, and Other Business Agreements

Finally, review and correct any leases, contracts, and other legal business agreements under your partnership. Get outside help if you do not know how the dissolution will affect each of them.

[quotesright]Some agreements automatically and legally end once you dissolve your business partnership. [/quotesright] Others require the remaining owner(s) to carryout out the terms the agreement regardless of the dissolution.

12. Receive Owed Money

Once you and your partner(s) finally sign the dissolution agreement and formally end your partnership, it’s time to deal with the money. The entitled parties will receive their initial investment back.

Then, after paying down debts and any attorney’s fees, you will distribute the remaining profits and assets based on the ownership interest of each partner.

Dissolving a partnership is never easy. The strong financial and legal ties in a business partnership require careful planning and understanding to break, especially if you want to end on good terms.

Follow the advice above to avoid legal complications or losing out on future business because of an ugly breakup.

[quotes]Don’t be afraid of laying out a dissolution of partnership clause at the beginning.[/quotes] It doesn’t mean you plan to fail, but that you respect your partner(s) enough to treat them fairly if your partnership does come to an untimely end.