Mixing Business and Friendship? Read This First.If you're going into business with a friend, make sure you're prepared.

ByNina Kaufman

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

I want to sell 30 shares of my small business to a trusted friend. What kind of paperwork should I ask my lawyer to draw up? Does a notary also need to be present?

Kudos to you for wanting to get your lawyer involved. Many small business owners will draw up their own papers with close friends, and both the friendship and the business suffer. Your attorney can draft your partnership agreement (known as a "shareholders agreement" for corporations or an "operating agreement" for LLCs), which will get the ball rolling. There will also be other documents, depending on your business.

但也许更重要的是你n的问题eed to ask yourself. What role will your friend play in connection with the business? Will this person be shoulder-to-shoulder with you on a daily basis? What is your friend’s background, skill set and network? Is this friend simply providing additional funds as an “investor”? Also essential is what your friend envisions. Before either of you sign anything, do some soul searching and have some long conversations. You should both have a clear understanding of what you want and expect of each other.

Related:Whose Trademark Is It Anyway?

Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. is an award-winning New York City attorney, edutainer and author. Under herAsk The Business Lawyerbrand, she reaches thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and LexAppeal weekly ezine. She also writes theMaking It Legalblog.

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