If the time is not specified, a partner may withdraw whenever he pleases. If the profits are to be equally divided, this should be stated and provided for. SILENT PARTNERS When a man invests money in a business in the management of which he takes no active part, he is said to be a "silent partner." Such a partner has a share in the gains and he is responsible as the others for the firm's liabilities. Again, a man may not give money or time to a firm, but is willing, for business reasons, that his name shall appear as if he were in the association. In this case the man is known as a "nominal partner." Although this man is not entitled to a share in the profits and has no money invested, yet he can be held liable for the debts and other obligations. The reason for this is very plain. LIABILITY In all matters rightly belonging to the business of a firm, any member has the right to act, and his acts will be held binding in law. It is usual for partners active in a business to have each his separate duties, but even if these duties be designated in the articles of agreement, the outside business world is not supposed to know anything about the relative duties of the members of a firm as decided among themselves, so it is decided that each is empowered to act for his partners. Under the usual articles, it is stipulated that while a dual partnership lasts, neither of the members shall make a note, sign a bond, or enter on any outside obligation as an individual without having secured the written consent of his business associates. Each partner in a firm is liable with the others for all the business indebtedness. If a firm fails, and the assets are found not sufficient to satisfy the creditors, they can levy for satisfaction on the private property of one or all of the partners. If a member of a firm should become so far indebted, as an individual, that he cannot comply with his obligations, the interest he holds in the firm may be disposed of and applied to the payment of his debts. This does not mean that the creditors may take or seize on any particular thing which the firm holds jointly, but that the debtor's interest in the concern may be so disposed of. All this the law has provided for. A new partner admitted into a firm cannot be held responsible for the debts of the old concern. HOW TO DISSOLVE Every partnership agreement must provide for and distinctly state the period for which it is to continue. At the end of the period named, the partnership is dissolved by limitation. If the partnership is to continue, a new agreement must be made and signed. On proper application, a partnership may be dissolved by an order of the court. If a member who has become objectionable to his partners should not agree to a dissolution of the firm, the partners may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for a decree of dissolution.