Questions about succession planning will come up quite naturally when business owners are doing their estate and retirement planning. When key employees need to be retained, ownership and succession matters are again likely to be put on the table. Among the early questions to be addressed:

  • What are the prospects for the business, and the economic sector of which it is a part?
  • Who will be available to succeed to management? Do they already have the necessary skills and training?
  • What is the structure of the ownership of the business? Can it be made uncomplicated and understandable?
  • What will be the cash flow needs of the business at the founder’s death? What impact will the founder’s death have on the value of the business?
  • What will be the cash flow needs of the founder’s estate at his or her death? How will those needs be met?
  • What role will non-family members play in the succession?
Answering these questions requires the services of a professional team. Typically, this will involve an attorney, an accountant, an appraiser, an insurance advisor, and a trust officer. A trust can be a particularly useful mechanism for providing ownership across several generations. The trust may hold investment assets as well as the business interests. A corporate trustee can handle trust administration, providing custodianship and investment management, as well as fiduciary supervision of the trust. When some family members participate in the business and others do not, a trust may provide a mechanism for balancing interests and addressing conflicts without rancor or bias.

To schedule an appointment, contact a Team Member or call today at 1.800.894.6900 option 6. 

 


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