As a small business owner, you undoubtedly have a lot on your plate. There’s the day-to-day operations of running your business, managing your staff, budgeting, inventory, and much more. With your busy schedule it can be easy to forget about succession planning, but it’s an important question all business owners must ask themselves: What happens to my business when I die?

We often hear about the importance of planning for your personal estate, but small business owners must also have a plan in place for their businesses. Having a clear succession plan in place helps avoid confusion, litigation, and disputes when you are no longer here. Lawyers who specialize in small business law can help you create and secure a succession plan that ensures your business is run exactly the way you desire. 

How to find the right small business lawyer for you:

• Ensure your lawyer specializes in succession planning. There are many types of small business lawyers: bankruptcy, compliance, trademark, copyright, litigation, and more. You want an attorney that specializes in helping people plan for what happens to their business after they pass away. It’s especially important if you own a large business with multiple locations and many employees.
• Make a list of your company’s needs. Your industry, the size of your business, the number of staff, and the number of locations will all be factors in your succession plan, so we recommend working with a firm that has experience with companies that are similar to yours. It may be worth asking fellow owners in your industry if they have any recommendations. 
• Come to the initial meeting with all your questions ready. The lawyer you meet with should be able to provide answers that are more than satisfactory. If the firm is experienced then they’ll be able to tell you exactly how they’ll help you, and what your options are. 

Make a plan with a New Jersey business lawyer 

We know it can be unpleasant to think about end-of-life issues, but you’ve worked so hard to get where you are and the legacy of your business should be treated like the valuable asset that it is. Whether you own a small, family-run business or a larger, franchised company, it’s crucial to make decisions about succession planning. 

For more information about succession planning, or if you have any estate planning questions, please contact our team at SCC Legal today. As both an elder law firm and small business firm, we are uniquely positioned to help you navigate the succession planning process. Discover why so many small business owners in New Jersey choose us as their trusted counsel.