No one should be retained in a partnership against his will.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Partnership is a voluntary association — any partner may withdraw at will, and no court will compel a man to remain bound in a partnership against his consent.

Where this applies

• A partner in a law firm wants to leave and start his own practice; the other partners cannot force him to stay because no one may be retained in a partnership against his will.
• A member of a business partnership demands dissolution after a falling-out with his co-partners; the court grants it because partnership is voluntary and cannot be compelled.
• Two sisters run a bakery together, but one wants out; the court orders the partnership dissolved because forcing someone to remain in a partnership against her will is not permitted.