business/lease

[Phil007]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?TN

Hi,

I am a partner in a business and was the operating manager. My partner and I had a falling out a little while back when I was accused of stealing (by my partner). We agreed to disagree and decided to have him buy me out. Well it's been almost a year, he has moved the retail store to a different location, found his thief in another employee that was transfering products between 2 stores (long story). He has not paid me a dime yet and I am going to file to have the business dissolved.

I am not on the lease, I need a key to this location to protect my investment until the procedure (dissolving) is carried out. He is not voluntarily willing to give me one.
My questions:
What actions should I take to best protect my investment or get a key to the place even though I am not on the lease nor an employee of my own business? We did not pay one another a salary and the business is starting to lose money.
I do have our original partnership agreement, does this mean anything to the landlord? Can I get the locks changed?
Thanks in advance for any and all responses.

 

[Zigner]

Sue the person per your buy-out agreement. Don't do this in a "self-help" manner.

Hire a business law attorney.

 

[Phil007]

thank you so much for your response Zigner. I have fallen upon hard times in this economy. The buyout agreement was verbal (STUPID I KNOW) and was contingent upon doing the taxes of last yr. The amount was far less than what we initially agreed upon. I have no money to sue at this juncture. I feel I need to protect my investment somehow. Any suggestions?