What must a general partnership have to be valid?

A general partnership is formed when two or more individuals agree to carry on a business together with the intent to share profits. The key element here is the mutual agreement between the parties, which can be either written or oral. Unlike a corporation or a limited liability company, a general partnership does not require formal registration with the state, nor does it mandate a specific form of partnership agreement. While having a written or verbal agreement can help clarify the terms and expectations between partners, it is not a legal requirement for the existence of the partnership itself. Thus, the essence of a valid general partnership lies in the agreement among the individuals to operate as partners, which validates the partnership's existence.