Please, please help me!

[Angie-ackerman]

I was in a partnership with 2 other people, we didn't legalize our company, we haven't invested any money, all that was put into the "company" are just the ideas. One partner had to move out of state, so he was out of the picture, that was fine, no hard feelings or anything. So then me and the other partner talked more about the ideas and the steps we'd have to take to make this work. Monday, I (Not him) tried to get things moving, I needed to ask him a very important question, he ignored my texts, ignored my calls, then texted me 9 hours later, during those 9 hours, my parents and I had a talk, and it made me realize that partnerships (most) end badly, I was doing all of the work, all he has contributed were ideas. Whenever we'd meet, he would drink alcohol non stop, we have told him that it was not allowed at our meetings but once the other partner left, he picked it back up again. I realized that he isn't someone that is of value to this company, I would be picking up the slacks. So now I have decided that I want out, I want to do something like it (ideas that were mentioned, since the ideas were mine too, well, it's mainly me and the partner that left) Now he is threatening that I had a verbal agreement to be his partner and I can not back out, but no one ever said, "I am your partner" it was kinda just talking then we had ideas, and the partnership just kind of formed. Now he is saying I can not do any of the ideas, even if it's not the same but include some of the ideas. He was threatening that his house had cameras recording our meetings (But to be honest, I don't think he does) I told him that he could move on with the ideas too, but he couldn't restrict me to what I do with my ideas. I told him to come to me when he actually has proof, he is claiming that I stole from him, but no money has ever come out of any of our pockets. Will I win this fight?

[Biz Optimizer]

From a business perspective, it sounds like you hadn't "defined" the entity. I think the lawyer (that you should consult) will tell you verbal contracts aren't enforceable in most big instances (real estate/business) - especially if the details haven't been worked out (percentages and how paid).

But you SHOULD get legal counsel. If you are going to start a business, the legal plans are a GREAT investment - even the big competition can sue you to knock the wind out of your sails. And you can get business consulting too, which will greatly enhance your chances of success.

Good luck!

[Logan]

Welcome aboard

I agree Ed. The analogy that came to mind to me when reading your situation angie was when two people get engaged they agree to get married. That doesn't mean if the next day you wake up and decide not to get married, you are obligated to do so regardless of anything else. You are not married until you go through the legal process to establish the marriage. Same sort of thing if you haven't established a business yet.

My (non lawyer) opinion is that you shouldn't be concerned. But ... step back from the situation. You mention this person is threatening. It doesn't matter if he does have cameras, etc. You haven't done anything wrong, if you discussed setting up a business with some people and it didn't come to fruition. Don't let this person consume your time and energy - keep focused on getting your new business established - positive stuff. not this unproductive distraction.

[eendsley]

I would like to add my encouragement to this. I would forge ahead without worrying about what he is threatening.