[wrestler125]

I am currently in the process of dissolving a business partnership that deals with landscaping and am seeking some professional advice. I will first provide you with some background knowledge of the business:

My dad started the business with this same partner 12 years ago, thus building a great amount of clients. I worked for the company from its conception, and four years ago my dad had to relocate because of his primary job. I purchased his half of the business and become co-owner of the company. This spring, I also am relocting because of my primary job and discussed this with my business partner. He told me that it is OK because he is wanting to do less lawn work anyway and this gives us a chance to exhaust the business. We decided to sell all of our equipment and split the profit on the sale. In late spring, he sent a letter to all of our clients and said that since I was leaving the business as it was no longer would exist, and told them that he would continue to be in town and he basically just changed the name of the business. We cleared our bank account and split the reamining money (which wasn't much) 50/50. This, to me, said the business was no longer and anything that we owned as a business should not be able to be used without my permission for his "new" business. I, however, did not sqwak even a little when he used the equipment all summer. The sale of the equipment is to take place next month. Here is the part I am most concerned with: The primary income for the business is the "winterization" of sprinkler lines, which we have over 150 clients. He told me the only thing he planned on continuing was the winterization, so I asked if he would buy my half of the clients from me. He said he doesn't have to buy my half from me because he's not moving anywhere and the winterization clients stay with him. There are five other lawn services in town, and I know I could sell my half of the clients with no problem to one of them. My question is, am I owed my half of the client list (especially since he ended our business and just changed the name). If I am, what do I do to get my half if he refuses to give it up? Thank you for your time.