General Form of Limited Partnership Agreement

A limited partnership is a modified partnership and is a creature of State statutes. Most States have either adopted the Uniform Limited Partnership Act (ULPA) or the Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (RULPA). In a limited partnership, certain members contribute capital, but do not have liability for the debts of the partnership beyond the amount of their investment. These members are known as limited partners. The partners who manage the business and who are personally liable for the debts of the business are the general partners. A limited partnership can have one or more general partners and one or more limited partners.

The general partners manage the business of the partnership and are personally liable for its debts. Limited partners have the right to share in the profits of the business and, if the partnership is dissolved, will be entitled to a percentage of the assets of the partnership. A limited partner may lose his limited liability status if he participates in the control of the business.