PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
This Partnership Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [Effective Date] (the "Effective Date"), by and between:
PARTNER 1:
[Partner 1 Full Legal Name]
Address: [Partner 1 Address]
PARTNER 2:
[Partner 2 Full Legal Name]
Address: [Partner 2 Address]
(Each a "Partner" and collectively the "Partners")
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Partners desire to form a partnership for the purpose of conducting business together under the terms and conditions set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises, and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Partners agree as follows:
1. FORMATION AND NAME
1.1 Formation. The Partners hereby form a general partnership (the "Partnership") pursuant to the laws of the State of [Governing State].
1.2 Name. The Partnership shall conduct business under the name "[Partnership Name]" or such other name as the Partners may agree upon in writing.
1.3 Principal Place of Business. The principal place of business of the Partnership shall be located at [Principal Place of Business], or such other location as the Partners may determine from time to time.
2. PURPOSE
2.1 Business Purpose. The purpose of the Partnership is to engage in the following business:
[Business Purpose]
2.2 Powers. The Partnership shall have the power to do any and all things necessary, appropriate, or advisable in furtherance of its stated purpose, including but not limited to entering into contracts, acquiring and disposing of property, borrowing money, and hiring employees.
3. TERM
3.1 Duration. The Partnership shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue in perpetuity until dissolved in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or as required by law.
4. CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
4.1 Initial Contributions. Each Partner shall make an initial capital contribution to the Partnership as follows:
(a) [Partner 1 Full Legal Name]: $[Partner 1 Capital Contribution ($)] in cash or property of equivalent value.
(b) [Partner 2 Full Legal Name]: $[Partner 2 Capital Contribution ($)] in cash or property of equivalent value.
4.2 Capital Accounts. An individual capital account shall be maintained for each Partner. Each Partner's capital account shall be credited with such Partner's capital contributions and share of Partnership profits, and debited with such Partner's distributions and share of Partnership losses.
4.3 Additional Contributions. No Partner shall be required to make any additional capital contribution beyond the initial contribution specified in Section 4.1. Any additional contributions shall be voluntary and must be approved by all Partners in writing.
4.4 No Interest on Capital. No Partner shall be entitled to receive interest on their capital contributions or capital account balance unless otherwise agreed in writing.
4.5 Withdrawal of Capital. No Partner shall withdraw any portion of their capital account without the written consent of all Partners. Any unauthorized withdrawal shall constitute a breach of this Agreement.
5. PROFITS, LOSSES, AND DISTRIBUTIONS
5.1 Allocation. The net profits and net losses of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners in the following proportions:
(a) [Partner 1 Full Legal Name]: [Partner 1 Profit Share (%)]%
(b) [Partner 2 Full Legal Name]: [Partner 2 Profit Share (%)]%
5.2 Distributions. On a quarterly basis, no later than thirty (30) days after the close of each calendar quarter, the Partnership shall distribute available cash to the Partners in proportion to their respective profit-sharing percentages, provided that the Partnership shall retain sufficient reserves for operating expenses, anticipated liabilities, and capital needs as determined by the Partners.
5.4 Tax Distributions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Partnership shall distribute to each Partner, no later than fifteen (15) days prior to each estimated tax payment date, an amount sufficient to cover such Partner's estimated income tax liability attributable to Partnership income, calculated at the highest marginal federal and applicable state income tax rate.
6. MANAGEMENT AND AUTHORITY
7. BOOKS, RECORDS, AND ACCOUNTING
7.1 Books and Records. The Partnership shall maintain complete and accurate books of account and records of all Partnership transactions at the Partnership's principal place of business. Each Partner shall have the right to inspect and copy the Partnership books and records at any reasonable time.
7.2 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Partnership shall be the calendar year.
7.3 Tax Returns. The Partnership shall prepare and timely file all required federal, state, and local tax returns. The Partnership shall furnish each Partner with a copy of IRS Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) and any required state equivalents no later than March 15 of each year.
7.4 Banking. All funds of the Partnership shall be deposited in a bank account or accounts in the name of the Partnership. Withdrawals from Partnership accounts shall require the signature of any Partner.
8. FIDUCIARY DUTIES
8.1 Duty of Loyalty. Each Partner owes a duty of loyalty to the Partnership and the other Partners, which includes: (a) accounting to the Partnership for any property, profit, or benefit derived from Partnership business or use of Partnership property; (b) refraining from dealing with the Partnership on behalf of a party having an adverse interest; and (c) refraining from competing with the Partnership.
8.2 Duty of Care. Each Partner owes a duty of care to the Partnership and the other Partners, which requires the Partner to refrain from engaging in grossly negligent or reckless conduct, intentional misconduct, or a knowing violation of law.
8.3 Good Faith and Fair Dealing. Each Partner shall discharge their duties and exercise their rights under this Agreement consistently with the obligation of good faith and fair dealing.
9. WITHDRAWAL AND BUYOUT
9.1 Voluntary Withdrawal. Any Partner may voluntarily withdraw from the Partnership by providing ninety (90) days' prior written notice to all other Partners (the "Withdrawal Notice Period").
9.2 Buyout of Withdrawing Partner. Upon a Partner's withdrawal, the remaining Partners shall have the right (but not the obligation) to purchase the withdrawing Partner's interest in the Partnership.
9.3 Valuation. The value of a withdrawing Partner's interest shall be determined by an independent appraisal of the fair market value of the Partnership as a going concern, conducted by a qualified appraiser mutually agreed upon by the Partners. The cost of the appraisal shall be borne by the Partnership. The withdrawing Partner's share shall equal their profit-sharing percentage multiplied by the appraised value of the Partnership.
9.4 Payment Terms. The buyout price shall be paid to the withdrawing Partner in equal monthly installments over a period not to exceed twenty-four (24) months following the effective date of withdrawal, together with interest at the rate of the applicable federal rate (AFR) published by the IRS.
9.5 Death or Incapacity. Upon the death or permanent incapacity of any Partner, the deceased or incapacitated Partner's interest shall be valued and purchased in accordance with Sections 9.3 and 9.4, with payment made to the Partner's estate, legal representative, or designated beneficiary.
9.6 Expulsion. A Partner may be expelled from the Partnership by the unanimous vote of all other Partners for cause, including: (a) material breach of this Agreement; (b) conviction of a felony; (c) conduct that makes it unreasonably impracticable to carry on Partnership business; or (d) willful or persistent breach of fiduciary duty. An expelled Partner's interest shall be valued and purchased in accordance with Sections 9.3 and 9.4.
11. DISSOLUTION
11.1 Events of Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) the unanimous written consent of all Partners; (b) the expiration of the Partnership term, if applicable; (c) a judicial decree of dissolution; (d) the withdrawal, expulsion, death, or incapacity of a Partner, unless the remaining Partners elect to continue the business within ninety (90) days; or (e) any event that makes it unlawful to carry on the Partnership's business.
11.2 Winding Up. Upon dissolution, the Partners shall wind up the Partnership's affairs by: (a) completing any unfinished business; (b) collecting all debts owed to the Partnership; (c) liquidating Partnership assets; and (d) distributing the proceeds in the following order of priority:
(i) Payment of debts and obligations owed to creditors;
(ii) Payment of debts and obligations owed to Partners other than for capital and profits;
(iii) Return of capital contributions to Partners; and
(iv) Distribution of any remaining assets to Partners in accordance with their profit-sharing percentages.
12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
12.1 Mediation. Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall first be submitted to non-binding mediation administered by a mutually agreed-upon mediator in the State of [Governing State]. The costs of mediation shall be shared equally by the disputing Partners. If the dispute is not resolved through mediation within thirty (30) days, either Party may pursue litigation in the state or federal courts located in the State of [Governing State].
13. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [Governing State], including the applicable provisions of the Uniform Partnership Act as adopted in [Governing State], without regard to conflict of laws principles.
14. GENERAL PROVISIONS
14.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Partners with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements, representations, and understandings.
14.2 Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a written instrument signed by all Partners.
14.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
14.4 Waiver. The failure of any Partner to enforce any right or provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.
14.5 Notices. All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered personally, sent by certified mail (return receipt requested), or sent by nationally recognized overnight courier to the addresses specified above or such other address as a Partner may designate in writing.
14.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic signatures shall be deemed valid and binding.
14.7 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is for the sole benefit of the Partners and their respective successors, heirs, and permitted assigns. Nothing in this Agreement shall confer any rights upon any person or entity other than the Partners.
14.8 Further Assurances. Each Partner agrees to execute such additional documents and take such further actions as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Partners have executed this Partnership Agreement as of the Effective Date.
_________________________________
[Partner 1 Full Legal Name]
Partner 1
Date: _______________
_________________________________
[Partner 2 Full Legal Name]
Partner 2
Date: _______________