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Having a partnership agreement drafted by a specialized SME lawyer typically costs between 500 and 2,000 euros, depending on the complexity of the collaboration. This concerns a business partnership agreement between collaborating entrepreneurs, not an affective cohabitation agreement. For that price, you receive a tailor-made contract with a clear division of assets, liability and intellectual property agreements, and a watertight exit arrangement. Below are the costs, the process, and what to look for when choosing an advisor.
The short answer
- Costs: approximately 500 to 2,000 euros for an SME lawyer, more for complex collaborations.
- Process: intake, inventory of agreements, draft, discussion, final.
- Lead time: usually one to a few weeks.
- Do it yourself: possible with a model for a small, short-term collaboration.
- Who: a lawyer with experience in collaboration and commercial contracts.
When to have a partnership agreement drawn up?
You have a partnership agreement drawn up as soon as the business collaboration involves more than a one-off job. If it concerns recurring revenue, shared intellectual property, exclusivity, or a longer term, the quality of the contract determines what happens if the collaboration grows or breaks down. The contractual freedom of Article 6:248 of the Dutch Civil Code gives you a lot of leeway, but you must make good use of that leeway. A legal expert ensures that the division, liability, and exit arrangements are aligned. For a small, short-term collaboration, a template will suffice.
What determines the price
The costs depend on a number of factors:
- Complexity: a simple 50-50 partnership is cheaper than a structure with multiple partners and varying input.
- Intellectual property: shared development of software, brands, or content requires careful IP provisions.
- Exclusivity and non-competition: clauses that hold up require precise wording.
- Number of partners: more parties mean more coordination.
- Negotiation: if parties have to negotiate the division, the hours add up.
Expect to pay between 500 and 2,000 euros for an average business partnership agreement. A simple agreement for two partners with a clear division is at the lower end, while a structure involving multiple parties, shared intellectual property, and exclusivity is at the upper end.
The process step by step
- Intake: the lawyer maps out the type of collaboration you are entering into and for what purpose.
- Inventory: roles, contribution, distribution, intellectual property, exclusivity, and termination are inquired about.
- Concept: the legal expert drafts the partnership agreement, tailored to your situation.
- Discussion: the concept is reviewed and refined with both partners.
- Final: the parties sign the final version.
An example. Two entrepreneurs start a joint service and want to formalize it. During the intake, the legal expert discovers that they have differing ideas about who invoices the client and who owns the developed software. In the draft, these points are explicitly addressed. What could have become a simmering conflict is now a clear agreement.
What to look for when choosing an advisor
Pay attention to the following when making your choice:
- Experience with partnership agreements: commercial partnerships are a separate category, distinct from a general partnership or shareholders' agreement.
- Fixed price: many lawyers offer a fixed price for a partner agreement; ask about this.
- Attention to IP and exit: these are the components that cause the most conflicts afterwards.
- Independence: in the event of conflicting interests, it may be wise for each partner to have their own advisor review the situation.
Honest recommendation
For a small, short-term partnership of limited importance, you do not need to engage a lawyer. A good template or a brief written agreement regarding the division, duration, and termination will suffice. This keeps costs low while covering the most important risks.
As soon as recurring revenue, shared intellectual property, exclusivity, or a longer term are involved, having a partnership agreement drafted almost always pays for itself. The advisor ensures that the division, liability, and exit arrangements are correct and aligned. An unclear agreement regarding intellectual property or a missing termination clause can quickly cost many times the fee in the event of a conflict. Request a fixed price in advance and have the advisor focus specifically on what happens when the partnership ends.
More about the explanation and content: partner agreement, what is a partner agreement , and drafting a partner agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a specialized SME lawyer, the cost is typically 500 to 2,000 euros, depending on the complexity. A simple collaboration between two partners is at the lower end, while a multi-party structure, shared intellectual property, and exclusivity are at the upper end.
Regarding the business partnership agreement between collaborating entrepreneurs or companies. An affective cohabitation agreement between life partners falls under personal and family law and is something entirely different.
Typically one to a few weeks, depending on how quickly the partners provide the necessary information and how much negotiation is required regarding the division and conditions.
For a small, short-term collaboration, a good model may suffice. However, as soon as recurring revenue, shared intellectual property, or exclusivity are involved, a tailored approach is advisable, as these are precisely the elements that cause the most problems in the event of a conflict.
Not always, but in cases of conflicting interests or a significant stake, it is advisable for each partner to have their own advisor review the matter. In a straightforward, equal partnership, a single lawyer serving both parties may suffice.
Regarding the distribution of proceeds, intellectual property, and termination. A good advisor pays extra attention to precisely these aspects, so that it is clear in advance who is entitled to what and what happens at the end.
Many SME lawyers offer a fixed price for a partnership agreement, especially for a standard situation. Ask about this in advance to avoid surprises. For complex negotiations, an hourly rate is more common.
