How does a succession plan help to protect my business?

Your business succession plan will be developed to fit the specific needs of your business. Common questions that need to be considered to develop the plan are:

• Who takes over the immediate day-to-day control of your business in the event you are incapacitated?
• Is it clear to your employees, business associates, and family who will take over in your absence and will they accept that person as their leader?
• Does the individual designated to take over have the legal authority to do so?
• Will your family continue to benefit financially from the success of the business if you are incapacitated?
• If you become permanently disabled, or retire, who will take over your business?
• Will your business be included in the probate of your estate?
• If your business will be part of your estate, what will happen to the value of your interest in the business if it is sold and how will the value of your interest be determined?
• If your business is a family owned business, have you prepared the next generation to take over?
• Have you set up the proper legal structure for the business to facilitate the transfer to the next generation?
• What will the tax implications be for your business should you die?
• Does the business have sufficient liquid assets to cover any tax debt that might be owed when you die?