A general partnership typically exists when two or more persons carry on a business as co-owners for profit. Stuart v. Overland Medical Center, 510 S.W.2d 494, 497 (Mo. Ct. App. 1974). It is more specifically defined as a “a contract of two or more competent persons to place their money, effects, labor and skill, or…
Legal Articles
Partnership Property, Creditors
One of the benefits of a limited partnership is to protect against liabilities. A partner’s individual creditors cannot attach or encumber partnership property to satisfy a partner’s individual debt. Section 358.250, RSMo; Anchor Centre Partners, Ltd. v. Mercantile Bank, N.A., 803 S.W.23, 31 (Mo. 1991). This flows from a partner’s inability to assign his or…
Oral Partnership Agreements
It is important to get it in writing, especially when it comes to business ventures. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for a business partnership to exist without a writing saying so. If a court determines that a partnership exists, then this means that the partners owe each other a host of fiduciary duties….
Successor Liability: Corporate & Business
The general rule in Missouri is that when one corporation/business sells or transfers all of its assets to another corporation/business the latter is not liable for the debts and liabilities of the former. This is because Missouri recognizes the distinction between (a) corporate mergers or the sale and purchase of outstanding stock of a corporation…
Joint Business Ventures/Enterprises
A joint venture is a partnership of one or more sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, or limited liability companies formed for the purpose engaging in a specific type of business. The most obvious advantage with a joint venture agreement is that a new business entity does not necessarily have to be created to effectuate the joint…
Missouri: Tax Considerations in Forming a Business
Business-owners usually don’t spend much time thinking about the legal and tax consequences inherent in their choice of a business entity. Instead, the business owner is understandably worried about carrying on his/her business to earn a profit or accomplish his/her charitable objectives. Nevertheless, in spite of this legitimate concern, it is important to understand the…