I am a business partner that is 49% owner and he is 51%. We have the checking accounts set up requiring double signatures. My partner has requested the controller to have me sign several blank checks to use as needed, I suspect my partner is conspiring w/the controller to deplete accounts for his benefit. I am not going to sign these checks w/out them made out to payables that need to be paid. My partner has also forged my name on several checks within the last 2 weeks. I am trying to protect my interest so, how should I handle this issue as far as not signing blank checks?

One of the reasons for requiring two signatures on a business checking account is to avoid the exact situation you are talking about. Don't sign blank checks. Tell them anything you want . Tell him to go screw himself. You are still a partner here.

Call a corporate attorney ASAP. If you have one that handles your companies legal transactions and he is not in your partner's pocket, use him. If he is friends with your partner, find someone else. NOW. Call friends, neighbors, family for a referrel.

DO NOT under any circumstances sign blank checks. You will be guaranteeing that he will either be taking money for himself, or he could be setting you up to take some sort of fall. If you sign those checks, he can state that you knew all about it. PLEASE don't do this.

This actually can be a good thing for you in the long run. You found out about this now, before it is too late. If you are positive that he has forged your signature, get either the original checks or copies of those checks from the bank. Your partner has committed a FELONY. You are now in the drivers seat. You can very well force him out. Try something like, "If you sign over the company to me now and resign, I won't press charges." How does that grab you? Good luck! :)