In some ways, it is easier when you have family to leave your business to, in other ways it can be way more difficult as you add family dynamics to the mix

First of all, some statistics: according to the Small Business Administration and researchers at Baylor University’s Institute for Family Business, only 30% of family businesses survive from one generation to the next, and even fewer to a third generation.  The mostly commonly given reason for this huge drop is the lack of a plan for an orderly succession.

If you own a family business, and would like to see your business survive  into the next generation, there are a few questions you should address:

• Do your children or grandchildren want to take over your business?  It is never a good idea to insist your children take over the business.  You know how much hard work it is to make the business you love succeed, imagine if it was not a passion.

• Is the interested family member qualified?  Has that family member worked in the business?  Learned skills at school or on the job?

• If you have more than one child, there are other possibilities to consider.  More than one of your children may want to go into the business, but it is possible that some will not.   Many of us want to treat our children fairly when we leave our assets in our wills.  Can you treat your children fairly if leaving the business to one child?

• If no family members want or are capable of running your business, do you want to hire management to run the business while retaining ownership, or does it make more sense to sell the business?

This is not a decision the business owner should make on his or her own.  The best thing to do is to sit down with your family and discuss it.

One of the most important aspects of family succession planning is estate planning.  If you are ready to start planning for the next generation, contact your Long Island small business lawyer soon.

Starting  from your choice of name for your company (have you named it after yourself?  While law firms in New York have no choice but to include the owner’s name in the name, is your company name going to prevent an orderly transition?) you should be thinking about succession planning.  After all, you would not have started a business if you had no expectations it would live on to support you during your retirement, and hopefully continue to take care of your family after you are no longer able to do so.

A  business succession plan should be considered years before you plan to retire in case of a sudden emergency, such as a serious accident or illness.

Business succession planning should also be an integral part of your estate plan.  You must consider where the money will come from to pay estate taxes, or, if you have a partner, where the money will come from to buy out the deceased partner’s share.

f you own a small business either as a sole proprietor, or an S- or C-Corporation, or LLC, you need to consult with a business lawyer and your accountant to start planning for an orderly transition.