An entrepreneur in Pennsylvania may find themselves facing conflicting urges when it comes to estate planning. While one might see a great future for their business, they may also want to give a large bequest to their children. In addition, an entrepreneur could be troubled by the thought that their child will eventually be in charge of the family business, especially if they have never shown much interest.
However, there are alternative options that a parent considering the future can choose. They don’t have to cut their children out of the business’ proceeds in order to keep it in the hands of someone committed to its growth. Instead, they can set up a succession plan that puts the operations of the business in the hands of capable, paid managers while passing on the benefits and profits accrued by the business to the children on an ongoing basis. Rather than providing a one-time wealth transfer, the company can continue to be a source of income.
When developing an estate plan as an entrepreneur, it is important to remember that business management and control does not need to be in the same hands that receive a financial benefit from its profits. Some successful people actually sell off their businesses toward the end of their lives in order to pass on a legacy in a lump sum. For those who would rather retain control, a legacy plan can provide great benefits to the children while keeping the business itself strong.
An estate planning lawyer can work with a business owner to develop a succession plan that protects the future of a business while drawing up documents like wills, trusts and powers of attorney to govern the distribution of their assets. Legal counsel can help an entrepreneur develop an estate plan that benefits both the family and the business.