Don’t Bet the Family Business on No Estate Plan

Being the owner of a family business can complicate your personal estate planning, since no doubt much of the wealth you want to pass on to your heirs is tied up in the business.  Being able to do so in a tax-advantaged way – and in a way that won’t cause a family feud – is one of the best reasons you should be talking with a Creative Business Lawyer about a business succession or exit plan as part of your own estate plan.

Even if you don’t have to pass on as much as the Waltons (Walmart), the Fords or the Murdochs, you do need to plan for what you have.  Here are some things you should be considering:

  • How to handle not only the death of a family business owner, but also his or her possible disability, incapacity, bankruptcy or retirement.  A buy-sell agreement is the usual way to prepare for these possibilities.
  • If you transfer family business assets to the next generation before you die, you may be able to lower estate and gift taxes.
  • Do your heirs want to continue to run the business without you?  If so, a business succession plan needs to be put into place.  If not, then an exit strategy for selling the business and divvying up the proceeds would be a necessary task.

If you’re a small or mid-size business owner, call our office today at 530-581-5455 to schedule your comprehensive LIFT™ (legal, insurance, financial and tax) Foundation Audit with Jill Gregory, your local Tahoe City Creative Business Lawyer™ and Family Business Lawyer™.

This article is a service of Jill Gregory Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by clicking the button below or calling our office today at 949-514-8842 or 530-581-5455, to schedule a free 15 Minute Phone Consult with Jill Gregory, or your Planning Session today. Mention this article to find out how to get this $750 Life and Legacy Planning Session at no charge.