Question posted in the General Law category relating to Gauteng
I would like some legal advice on the following. I have been in a relationship with my partner, I'm a graphic and website designer, 2years ago I decided to start a career as a freelancer and I included my romantic partner as they did not have a job at the time, my partner was not design inclined and I asked her to help me by managing the invoices, clients and help with marketing. I could have done this on my own but felt she needed to help contribute financially...as we where in a relationship all money was put in a pool which we shared. Although I had to do most of the work I did not mind at the time, as money was sent into one account which we both used to pay debts and live from. The company is not registered and there is no written agreement between us. The company also don't have actual worth as it was not very successful. There is no money in the business as income it got split per job. We broke up 6months ago but she still demands 50% of profits while not contributing to the business. I feel like a slave and want to start my own business, but where it gets tricky. I have 1 particular client that has been with us through the duration of the design business, The client was referred to us by a mutual friend. I have always been this client's trusted designer and I have formed a bond with him...I can not ask him to stay with the current business as there is no business without me, because I do the actual design work. What do I do about this client?