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What are the consequences of not having a written agreement for a business partnership in Illinois?

As a lawyer, I would advise that not having a written agreement for a business partnership in Illinois can have serious consequences. In the absence of a written agreement, the partnership is governed by the laws of the state of Illinois and the Uniform Partnership Act (UPA). According to the UPA, a partnership is deemed to exist whenever two or more individuals carry on a business for profit, regardless of whether a formal partnership agreement has been created.

The main consequence of not having a written agreement is that the partners may not have a clear understanding of their rights and obligations. This can lead to misunderstandings and disputes among the partners about the division of profits and losses, management of the business, and liability for debts and obligations. In the absence of a written agreement, the partners are subject to the default rules of the UPA, which may not accurately reflect the intentions of the partners.

Another consequence of not having a written agreement is that the partnership may be dissolved if one of the partners withdraws or dies. In the absence of a written agreement, the remaining partners may not have the right to continue the business, or they may need to obtain the consent of the deceased partner’s estate or heirs to do so.

To avoid these consequences, it is recommended that partners have a written partnership agreement that outlines the rights and obligations of each partner, the division of profits and losses, the management of the business, and the procedure for dissolving the partnership. A written agreement can also specify the method for resolving disputes among the partners.

In conclusion, not having a written agreement for a business partnership in Illinois can have serious consequences. It is recommended that partners have a written partnership agreement that outlines their rights and obligations, the division of profits and losses, and the management of the business, among other key provisions.