Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Oral partnership agreements are enforceable if the breach occurred less than two years ago. Even if it has been longer, it should be investigated whether or not there is some writing that can bring it into a four year statute of limitations. Contact me directly.

I doubt that the two-year and four-year statutes of limitations for oral and written contracts, respectively, would be controlling in a dispute over the existence of a partnership and the alleged partners' rights to partnership assets.

Your question lacks sufficient detail to provide you with a truly useful answer. For example, you mention what the "friend" is not admitting in court, but you say nothing about either of them having filed a lawsuit, whether either is represented by a lawyer, or whether the proceeding in court is already at the trial stage.

It sounds to me as though proof of facts will be the deciding factor here. A lawyer experienced in partnership litigation should review all the facts that show the existence of a partnership and the status of the capital accounts (money put in plus profits, less money taken out) of each partner. If there is something in court now, it is very urgent to have legal representation. Defending or prosecuting a partnership dispute is no place to be your own attorney.

The only, and obvious, answer is to sue. Assuming they have some evidence of the payment and the 'deal', and are serious about hiring counsel to take action for them, feel free to contact me if serious about doing so.