Shoutout to the lawyer who called my LLC operating agreement 'a handshake deal on paper'

I had a free consult with a business attorney in Columbus last month about my pressure washing company, and she looked at my operating agreement (which I wrote myself from an online template). She said it was basically just a list of good intentions with no real teeth for things like a partner leaving or a big disagreement. I spent about $800 to have her draft a proper one, and now it has clear steps for buying someone out and settling disputes. Has anyone else had to redo their founding docs after getting some real legal feedback?

4 comments

4 Comments

patricialee2mo ago

Honestly that $800 is some of the best money you'll ever spend. I did the same thing with my first food truck, used a free template for the partnership agreement. Ngl, it fell apart completely when my buddy wanted out because we had zero rules for how to value his share. The new one we paid for has a clear formula based on last year's profits and a payment schedule. It feels less friendly but it keeps things from getting ugly.

taylorellis2mo ago

Totally agree that paying up front saves so much pain later. I learned the hard way with a handshake deal that went south over equipment costs when we split. Having a real contract feels formal but it's the only way to protect the friendship and the business.

ericj452mo ago

Feels less friendly" is the whole problem though. That formal vibe can kill the trust a partnership runs on before it even starts. Sometimes you just gotta trust the person.

masongonzalez2mo ago

Ever read that story about the food truck mess? @patricialee is right, clear rules save friendships when money's on the line.