Annie’s Mailbox: Partnership has become liability

Dear Annie: For 10 years, I have had an unwritten business partnership with a woman 26 years my senior. It has mostly worked well, until “Doris” crashed her car into a tree two years ago and had her license suspended. Though no one was hurt, and the tree survived, the car was totaled, and Doris isn’t allowed to drive anymore.

Since then, her many friends have provided transportation for her. Her children have helped shuttle her around, but not as much as the rest of us. Worse, they don’t acknowledge their mother’s shortcomings. They don’t know what her schedule is like, and how much her schedule impacts those of us who deal with it on a regular basis.

Lately, Doris has become a liability regarding our business. She forgets details about contracts, inspections and disclosure. I end up doing all of the work and still splitting the commission with her. My broker, who is Doris’ partner of 40 years, won’t intervene. Doris comes to the office four days a week, and I know she needs that structure. How do I keep her from wrecking the business and still preserve her dignity? – Not Her Daughter

Dear Not: We commend you for being kind to Doris, but you aren’t running a charity. More importantly, you aren’t doing Doris any favors by ignoring her problems. Please talk to her children and her partner directly. Explain Doris is having difficulty with her memory, and there may be other medical issues. It may even be the car crash caused some of this. Suggest she get a check-up.

Then consider giving Doris a new title so she still has a job, but is no longer in a position to mess up contracts. Perhaps you can pay her a salary that is more commensurate with her contribution to the business.