Protecting Your Legacy Across Generations
Business succession planning is critical even without regard to estate taxes — 90% of all family-owned businesses are gone by the third generation. Parents who own a business must consider the goal of preserving the value of the business, or even the business itself, sooner rather than later.
This is especially important for “blended families” in the United States — non-U.S. citizens who own property in the U.S. while having one or more U.S. beneficiaries (children or spouses). These unique family structures require careful, culturally sensitive planning.
Our Approach
We work with business-owning families to build succession plans that protect both the enterprise and the family relationships that sustain it. Our process includes:
- Business Valuation — Establishing fair market value for equitable transitions
- Ownership Transfer Strategies — Gradual or structured transfers that minimize tax exposure
- Key Person Planning — Ensuring the business can operate through leadership transitions
- Buy-Sell Agreements — Protecting all parties in the event of death, disability, or departure
- Family Governance — Creating frameworks for decision-making across generations
Cross-Border Succession
For families with ties to both the U.S. and China, wealth succession involves navigating two legal systems. We help clients structure their holdings to comply with both jurisdictions while minimizing friction and tax burden.
Why Act Now
The longer you wait, the fewer options you have. Early planning gives you maximum flexibility — to train successors, to structure transfers tax-efficiently, and to ensure your wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable.