Every family business is different, but many will face similar challenges.
While family businesses are likely to benefit from inherent advantages (for example loyalty, stability, tradition and long term vision) they also face unique challenges, balancing the needs and expectations of the family and the business.
Family members may have specific role or succession expectations, which need careful consideration alongside the commercial realities of running the business. The operation of the business itself will change and the structures needed to provide governance and common purpose will need to evolve.
Our experts advise on the family, ownership and commercial issues which affect family businesses of all sizes and across all sectors
Our work
We help with issues ranging from governance and succession planning to asset protection, business structuring, and commercial advice on all areas of the business, including finance, real estate, and commercial contracts.
We advise families on milestone life events, which can shape the long-term future of their business, and how to protect against the risk of divorce, or disputes between family members.
Where conflict arises, our Family Business Dispute Resolution team is experienced in resolving matters in a constructive way with a view to retaining family relationships and the commercial success of the business.
Areas of focus
- Succession planning, through gifts, trusts, Wills and other structures
- Inheritance Tax and other tax structuring
- Family and Business governance
- Shareholder and constitutional arrangements
- Wealth preservation and asset protection including pre- and post-marriage (pre-marital and post-marital agreements)
- Representation and advice on divorce and financial settlements on relationship breakdown, including advising on living together agreements and co-owned property
- Incentive arrangements for non-family managers
- Family business dispute resolution and risk mitigation
- Administration of estates involving shares and business assets