Opinion ID: 1341010
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Partnership's Existence and Business

Text: South Carolina's Uniform Partnership Act defines a partnership as an association of two or more persons to carry on as co-owners a business for profit. S.C. Code Ann. § 33-41-210 (1987). In determining the existence of a partnership, joint tenancy does not of itself establish a partnership, whether such co-owners do or do not share any profit made by the use of the property. S.C. Code Ann. § 33-41-220(2) (1987). The existence of a partnership is a question of fact. The lower court found the defendants were operating a partnership, called Rock Hill Paint & Paper, the business of which was, in part, the ownership, purchase and sale of rental real estate properties. These findings are amply supported by the record. The evidence supports the lower court's finding that a partnership existed between St. Clair and Beam. Hofer testified that during his initial meeting with Beam to view the property, Beam gave him a card for Rock Hill Paint and Repair with the names Fred and Jim on it. Hofer testified Beam referred on many occasions during this meeting to his partner, Jim, and to Rock Hill Paint & Repair. Both Beam and St. Clair admitted at trial they were partners in Rock Hill Paint & Repair. The evidence also supports the lower court's finding that the business of the partnership was, in part, to purchase, sell, lease and hold real estate for investment. The evidence showed the rental income from the properties at issue, and other jointly owned properties, was shown on the tax returns and books of Rock Hill Paint and Repair. Rental income was deposited into, and expenses were paid from, the partnership bank accounts.