Let’s leave aside the fact that the title of the article alone made me laugh. Have a look at Marian Banker‘s wonderful article, “Help! I Want to Dump My Partner!” Marian, a business leadership coach and founder of Prime Strategies, clearly summarizes the awkwardness and agony of what it’s like to be a partnership or long-standing business relationship that’s no longer working. She also offers 5 sound steps for “what to do next”.
And I’ll offer a 6th (once you’ve gone through the first 5): have a business attorney on your side to help you negotiate your (or your partner’s) exit.
