Succession planning is an essential component to business continuity, a smooth transition, and effective estate and tax 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.
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
Read Before You Sign: IT Contract Pitfalls Every NJ Business Should Know
In today’s digital economy, New Jersey businesses of all sizes rely heavily on technology vendors, software providers, cloud platforms, and managed IT services. Whether your company is purchasing software, migrating data to the cloud, engaging a cybersecurity consultant, or entering into a long-term managed services agreement, a careful IT contract review can have significant operational, […]
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]
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.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
