Formation & Structure
Entity choice, governance, and operating agreements designed to match how the business actually runs.
Preparing what you've built for what's next.
The business you built will outlive the way you run it today.
Succession is not a single event. It is a decade-long process of preparing owners, managers, and family members for the transition that will eventually occur.
We work with founders and family enterprises to structure ownership, document agreements, and prepare the next generation — so that the business continues to serve the people who depend on it.
What we do.
Contracts
Drafting, review, and negotiation of the agreements that define relationships with partners, employees, and customers.
Succession Planning
Buy-sell agreements, ownership transfer, and the sequencing of a transition across years, not months.
Family Business
Governance and communication structures for families that own a business together — before, during, and after transition.
Ownership Transition
Sale, gift, buyout, or internal restructuring — planned in advance with the tax and personal consequences in mind.
Integration with Estate Planning
Aligning business succession with personal estate plans so the two move together.
A framework for transition.
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01
Clarify
Establish what the owners actually want — long before the transition begins.
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02
Structure
Put in place the governance, agreements, and documents that will support the plan.
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03
Prepare
Equip the next generation of leaders with the skills, context, and confidence they'll need.
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04
Execute
Carry out the transition with clear timing, clear roles, and continued counsel along the way.
“A business transition succeeds when it is prepared for years before it happens.”
— Client perspective
Common questions.
When should succession planning begin?
Ideally five to ten years before a transition is expected. Beginning early allows for orderly preparation and reduces the risk of rushed decisions.
What is a buy-sell agreement?
A contract among owners that governs what happens when one wants to exit, becomes disabled, dies, or otherwise triggers a transfer. It's essential for multi-owner businesses.
How do you prepare the next generation?
Through structured governance, education, and clear communication — often years before the actual transition. We help families design the process, not just the documents.
Can a business sale and an estate plan be coordinated?
Yes, and they should be. Coordinating the two often produces better tax outcomes and greater clarity about the family's overall intentions.
Do you work with businesses outside our state?
Yes. Many of our clients operate in multiple states. We coordinate with local counsel as needed.
Related practices
The right time to plan
is before you need to.
Tell us about your business. We'll help you plan for what's next.