Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Key Questions to Ask During Business Succession Planning

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: August 30, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

Succession planning is an essential component to business continuity, a smooth transition, and effective estate and tax planning.

Key Questions to Ask During Business Succession Planning

Succession planning is an essential component to business continuity, a smooth transition, and effective . However, when there are several individuals under consideration for the job, making a decision can be challenging when there is a great deal at stake. Similar to making important decisions about investments, home ownership and other large financial events, asking simple questions can help business owners assess their options and make more informed decisions.

For instance, owners can begin by questioning which of their employees has the best disposition, training, and inherent skill for both managing a company and taking it to the next level. Many small businesses – may automatically consider a relative or a person who has been a leader’s right-hand man as next in line, a recent Forbes article noted. However, this does not automatically mean that the person is the best for the job, and acting on emotion rather than business mentality can lead to leadership problems in the future. Instead, owners may benefit and protect their life’s work by choosing a person who has the best skill set to handle the challenges of ownership.

Choosing a great leader does not always ensure the continuity and success of a company. It’s also critical to think further ahead about existing and future talent pools, and how well these individuals work with the new leader. Promoting a family member or loyal worker to a higher position may leave gaps in existing roles, which should be filled prior to an owner’s departure. This may help ensure a smoother transition.

Lastly, new owners and employees should be well-versed on the financials of the company, particularly as it relates to tax and estate planning. Ensuring new leaders and managers have access to pertinent documents, know which assets they are inheriting, and how these assets will be affected by tax law can help avoid any unwelcome surprises.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage? post image

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?

Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]

Author: Jesse M. Dimitro

Link to post with title - "Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?"
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer post image

Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer

Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]

Author: Jesse M. Dimitro

Link to post with title - "Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer"
Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC post image

Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC

Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Link to post with title - "Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC"
Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses post image

Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses

Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses"
What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained post image

What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained

What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]

Author: Ronald S. Bienstock

Link to post with title - "What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained"
What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects post image

What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects

If you are considering the purchase of a property, you may wonder — what is title insurance, do I need it, and why do I need it? Even seasoned property owners may question if the added expense and extra paperwork is really necessary, especially considering that people and entities insured by title insurance make fewer […]

Author: Patrick T. Conlon

Link to post with title - "What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Key Questions to Ask During Business Succession Planning

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Succession planning is an essential component to business continuity, a smooth transition, and effective estate and tax planning.

Key Questions to Ask During Business Succession Planning

Succession planning is an essential component to business continuity, a smooth transition, and effective . However, when there are several individuals under consideration for the job, making a decision can be challenging when there is a great deal at stake. Similar to making important decisions about investments, home ownership and other large financial events, asking simple questions can help business owners assess their options and make more informed decisions.

For instance, owners can begin by questioning which of their employees has the best disposition, training, and inherent skill for both managing a company and taking it to the next level. Many small businesses – may automatically consider a relative or a person who has been a leader’s right-hand man as next in line, a recent Forbes article noted. However, this does not automatically mean that the person is the best for the job, and acting on emotion rather than business mentality can lead to leadership problems in the future. Instead, owners may benefit and protect their life’s work by choosing a person who has the best skill set to handle the challenges of ownership.

Choosing a great leader does not always ensure the continuity and success of a company. It’s also critical to think further ahead about existing and future talent pools, and how well these individuals work with the new leader. Promoting a family member or loyal worker to a higher position may leave gaps in existing roles, which should be filled prior to an owner’s departure. This may help ensure a smoother transition.

Lastly, new owners and employees should be well-versed on the financials of the company, particularly as it relates to tax and estate planning. Ensuring new leaders and managers have access to pertinent documents, know which assets they are inheriting, and how these assets will be affected by tax law can help avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!

Please select a category(s) below: