Business Succession Planning

Protect your business. Preserve your legacy.

A white background with a few lines on it

Why Succession Planning Matters

Without a clear plan, business transitions can lead to disputes, tax complications, and even the collapse of a successful company. Succession planning ensures your business—and your vision—endures beyond your direct involvement.



At Wade Law Offices, we help business owners in California and Washington develop smart, legally sound strategies to transfer ownership smoothly. Whether passing the reins to a family member, selling to a partner, or planning your retirement, we’ll ensure your transition is efficient, tax-conscious, and future-proof.

How We Can Help

Comprehensive support for exit planning and ownership transitions.

Storefront with three people inside.

Family Business Transfers

Create a seamless plan to transition leadership to the next generation while protecting family harmony and minimizing tax liabilities.

Partner Buyouts & Agreements

Contract with a handshake icon.

Draft and enforce clear agreements for purchasing ownership interests during retirement, disability, or departure.

Successor Identification & Training

A person presenting information to an audience with a whiteboard.

Assist in identifying, preparing, and legally supporting new leadership—whether inside or outside the family.

Gear icon connected to a branching structure with four circles.

Ownership Transition Structures

Implement trusts, gifting strategies, or sales structures to transfer business assets while preserving wealth.

Credit card and document with a money bag icon.

Tax Mitigation & Asset Protection

Align your succession plan with estate planning to reduce exposure to capital gains, estate tax, and income tax.

Clipboard icon with gear and checklist.

Contingency Planning

Put in place legal safeguards for unexpected events—illness, incapacity, or sudden death of an owner.

Why Clients Choose Wade Law Offices

Thoughtful planning. Tailored strategy. Trusted guidance.


  • Decades of experience helping small and midsize businesses navigate transitionS
  • Dual-state service in California and Washington
  • Integrated legal knowledge across business, tax, and estate planning
  • Personalized attention with real, long-term relationships


Planning to leave your business someday? Let's build your roadmap now.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When should I start succession planning?

    Now. Even if you’re not ready to leave, early planning ensures a smooth future transition and avoids disruptions.

  • What’s the difference between a succession plan and an estate plan?

    Succession planning focuses on your business. Estate planning handles personal assets—but we integrate both.

  • Can I name multiple successors or transition in phases?

    Yes. We’ll help you structure gradual exits, co-ownership, or layered plans to fit your goals.

  • What if I want to sell my business?

    We can prepare your business for sale, draft agreements, and guide the transaction.

  • Can I transfer ownership to a trust or LLC?

    Yes. We can help structure these options to protect assets and reduce taxes.

  • Do I need a written plan?

    Absolutely. Verbal agreements aren’t enforceable and can lead to costly legal disputes.

We’re Ready to Help

Preserve what you’ve built. Protect your team. Plan your future with clarity.