Business Partnership Resources in Michigan

These are the public and nonprofit bodies in Michigan that help two or more owners start a business together, fund it and settle it when they disagree. Michigan is one of the few states still running general partnerships on the original 1914 Uniform Partnership Act rather than a later revision, so a default rule settled elsewhere can still be an open question here. Every organization below is free or low cost, and every link goes to the organization itself.

This is general information as of October 2026; a lawyer in Michigan should read your actual agreement.

• The law. General partnerships still follow the 1917 Uniform Partnership Act (MCL §449.1). LLCs have Michigan's own 1993 act (MCL §450.4101). LLPs are open to any partnership; LLLPs are not available. All 50 states compared.
• The cost. An LLC files for $50, then owes a $25 Annual Statement every year by February 15 (a business formed after September 30 skips its first one). An LLP applies for $100 and renews for $100 a year. Fees in every state.
• Non-competes. Enforceable for a reasonable competitive business interest, reasonable in duration, area and line of business; courts may narrow an unreasonable one rather than void it. Every state's rule.
• When a court can end it. An LLC can be dissolved when it cannot carry on business under its own agreement, or on a member's suit over illegal, fraudulent or willfully unfair and oppressive conduct, which can end in a court-ordered buyout. Grounds by state.