What is partnership/General Partnership?

A friend of mine recently bought into a small consignment shop, no legal documnation drawn up, only a piece of paper signed by both parties. She invested $l2,000, is receiving only a small amount monthly (no set amount was agreeded on), she is not on the checking account, and the books are kept very loosely, She now wants her money back, the agreement stated that this could be done, only now the other party is saying there is no money to refund the money invested back to my friend. Short of going to court what can she do.