When many people hear the word “succession,” they immediately think of the popular television show about a wealthy family battling for control of a business empire. While the drama makes for entertaining television, real-life business succession involves far more...
Year: 2026
What does a change in state law mean for California trustees?
A change to California law that took effect with estates being administered in 2026 can make things a bit easier for trustees and beneficiaries – and bring California probate procedures regarding trusts more in line with the rest of the country. The amended law states...
Get the business valuated when critical events occur
Significant life events can create sudden uncertainty for closely held businesses. When a partner experiences a divorce, death or other major transition, the value of the business often becomes a central question. A current and defensible valuation helps protect the...
When your best successor may not be a family heir
You have spent years building your business, shaping its reputation and earning the trust of clients. At some point, a decision will stand in front of you that feels both practical and personal: who should take over when you step back? Many owners expect a family...
Avoiding business disputes with a proper buy-sell agreement
If you co-own a business in California, you already know that things rarely stay the same. Partners retire, relationships shift, priorities change and sometimes, unexpected events force hard decisions. The question isn’t if change will happen. It’s whether your...
Why estate planning now includes your digital life
For many people, some of the most important parts of life no longer live in a filing cabinet or a desk drawer. They exist behind login screens, password vaults and cloud accounts. From financial management to family photos and personal communications, a person’s...
Asking a chosen party to be your executor
It’s not uncommon for people to discover they have been named an estate’s executor after the death of the testator (the person who created the will). This often leads to more confusion during a time of grief, which can potentially affect one’s ability to serve...
3 common commercial lease terms landlords might violate
A commercial lease is a binding agreement between a property owner and a business tenant. Business leaders sign leases to acquire office space, a retail shop or an industrial facility. Business leaders often need assistance negotiating appropriate terms in their...
Is ownership transfer the same as management transition?
Many business owners think ownership transfer and management transition are the same. They often happen together, but they are not the same step. Knowing the difference helps you protect your business, your team and your plans. This matters in family-owned or...
Protecting your family from business risk
As a business owner, you know that you will have to take risks. This risk may include simply seeking financing and taking out business loans. The future can be unpredictable, but you hope that your debt levels will be sustainable and allow the company to grow. One...
