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Business Succession Planning

Business succession planning is about much more than just having a valid Will in place.

To plan for business succession, you need a comprehensive understanding of the business, the key personnel, and to really think about what would happen if you or your business partners retire, lose the ability to work or die.

Business succession planning requires the analysis of a complex mix of factors, such as:

  • Identification of all assets and liabilities

  • Establishing who owns or is responsible for those assets and liabilities

  • Investigation and review of the companies, trusts and related documents associated with both the business and the key personnel

  • Consideration of superannuation entitlements of key parties, and whether there are business assets owned by a superannuation fund

  • Control of superannuation – particularly self-managed superannuation funds

  • Taxation law

  • Succession law (inheritance, probate, estate administration)

  • Family members and relationship dynamics

  • Prior marriages and relationship breakdowns, including the implication of divorce and separation

Proper investigation and analysis of these issues, and the ability to craft all of these factors into a business succession plan, requires a clear understanding across the various areas of law, and years of practical business experience.

Our managing partner, Andrew Smyth, has literally written the book on this subject, co-authoring the Business Succession Law portion of the legal reference text “Estate Planning” published by the multi-national law publisher LexisNexis.

So, you can either buy the book, or come and see us (Andrew recommends you do both!).

Meet the team

Andrew Smyth

Partner

Marcus Woodfield

Partner

Connie Ung

Associate

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What our clients have to say

As first home buyers Emma from Robbins Watson made the experience stress free. With her professional service and excellent knowledge of industry. Couldn't recommend her more. Thank you!

Kimberley G

Very pleased with this firm and the outcome we received. Highly recommend Robbins Watson for any Family Law matters.

Cate B

Sean and his team have always been incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. Couldn’t recommend Robbins Watson Solicitors more!

B.M.

I recently had the opportunity to work with Alexandra Coyle, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. From the outset, she demonstrated exceptional professionalism and a deep understanding of the legal issues involved which was very reassuring. I felt well-informed throughout the process, and she worked tirelessly to ensure a successful outcome for me. I’m glad I reached out to this firm. Thank you for making a challenging situation so manageable. I highly recommend Alexandra for anyone seeking reliable and empathetic legal assistance.

Justyna B

I was so pleased with Bell’s work. I found her easy to get along with, explain things clearly and make the whole process calm. I would recommend her to anyone going through an estate dispute.

Taylah C

Marcus, thank you again for your support throughout the settlement process, we very much appreciate your professionalism, advice and communication from start to finish! We would be happy to recommend Robbins Watson to our family and friends.

Angela

Good morning – just wanted to send a quick email off and let you know how impressed (my wife and myself) have been with Emma – We have bought a couple of properties up there over the last year or two – we’re from Wagga Wagga, NSW and are relocating up there at the end of this year. Emma has been absolutely fantastic to deal with and we couldn’t be happier!!! It makes things really easy when you have someone on the ball like she is – so yeah, just a quick ‘Well done’ – thanks so much, we really appreciate it and keep up the good work!

Jarrod

Thank you again for your services, I cannot fault you and your team. You are always such a pleasure to deal with and make what would normally be a stressful time, quite the opposite.

Emma (& Helen)

Please extend my warmest thanks to All that have assisted me. You all have made the process of dealing with Wills, selling property, and soon with my own Will and things. Robbins Watson have exceeded my expectations in ability, personal interactions, pleasant meetings; in short, you are my Solicitors of choice, and I say so to any and all.

George

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