Legal Question in Business Law in Maryland

Re: ;artnership gone sour big $$$ involved not sure what to do

If a significant monetary claim is involved, then there is no doubt that you need to actually retain an attorney immediately to protect your interests. Contracts and partnership agreements are very fact-specific.

In Maryland, a partnership does not have to be in writing. However, proving what you are entitled to in terms of the share of the business, may be very difficult without a well-drafted partnership agreement. It is all a question of what you are able to prove. An attorney can help you with this.

For example, on the one hand, you claim to be a "partner." If you are, then you would be claiming a share of the equity or partnership profits (presumably). Yet, your question also suggests that you want to claim for unpaid "wages" and "expenses". A claim for "wages" against the business would suggest that you were regarded as an employee of the business, not an owner/partner of it.

Certainly, you should be able to document claims for unpaid wages, unreimbursed expenses, and the like. You should also be able to document payments you made to employees.

Further, there should be six years of tax returns filed personally by you, and/or by the partnership. The tax returns should reflect evidence of your income and expenses from the partnership. Did you file tax returns? Did the partnership?

How well-documented was this business, and your participation in it? The better the documentation, the stronger your claims will be.

You need to retain an attorney to discuss the specifics.

I strongly recommend that you consult with an attorney immediately so that you can explore your legal rights, obligations, and options. If you wish to discuss retaining my services, contact me at:

[email protected]

(973)-605-8995

(*Licensed in New Jersey, Maryland, and Dist. of Columbia)

[Disclaimer: The above comments are not intended as nor should they be relied upon as "legal advice", which can only be obtained by personal consultation with a retained attorney; at which time the specific facts and circumstances of your case can be thoroughly evaluated. This reply is provided for general informational and educational purposes only, and does not create an attorney-client relationship with the responding attorney.]