The Need for Business Succession Planning

According to the Small Business Administration, roughly 90% of American businesses are family-owned, yet only 30% of these companies are successfully transitioned into the second generation, and a mere 15% survive into the third. See J. H. Astrachan and M. C. Shanker, Family Businesses’ Contribution to the U.S. Economy: A Closer Look, Family Business Review, September 2003. The primary reason that many closely-held businesses fail to continue in successive generations is because they do not have articulated succession plans. Whether you want to reward a hard-working family member or a loyal employee for his or her help in making your business a success or just want to sell the business and retire, a comprehensive business succession plan can help ensure a seamless transition in ownership and minimal disruption to operations. No matter what your situation may be, Strauss Attorneys, PLLC. can help you successfully plan for the future.

What Our Clients Say

Efficient. Courteous. Professional. Thorough. Educative. Detailed.
Lee did a great job guiding us through the process.

D.H. & E.H. – Candler, NC

We found it a pleasant experience, not the ordeal we thought it would be.

N.H. & M.H. – Flat Rock, NC

Very professional. Prompt service.

D.B. & B.B. – Pisgah Forest, NC

Very professional, objective and precise, yet presented in easy to understand language.

E.M. & J. M. – Brevard, NC

I sincerely thank all of you and I feel comfortable concerning my will.

S.H. – Asheville, NC

Strauss Attorneys PLLC does a terrific job of estate administration.

B.A. – Waynesville, NC

Reinstatement of our trust since moving from CA. Brad. Alex and Kim were so welcoming and professional in every way including some very personal issues with family members. Brad...

Mark & Kathy Willard

I need help with a final accounting and I think I’ve found the right person.

Robert Todd Dorsey

Our experience with Strauss Attorneys PLLC in Hendersonville, North Carolina has been nothing short of fantastic. At our age, we were long overdue to generate a Will or Trust to...

RK

Andy Strauss is the best. He’s smart, caring, a good listener, a clear communicator, and collaborative. Highly recommend him.

L — Asheville, NC

I needed to get a document notarized and it was a wonderful experience. The professionalism was outstanding with an extremely knowledgeable young lady.

Richard Ehlers

I was taken care of very well. James Fleming was polite and well knowledged.

L.H., Hendersonville, NC

Very friendly, informative, and thorough. All personel seem very professional.

Anonymous, Hendersonville, NC

We felt important and have had for years a good relationship with Lee Mulligan

Wiley & Betty, Hendersonville, NC

I have been particularly impressed with the thoroughness of document preparation and explanations in writing of what I should do to maximize the provisions & benefits of my ...

P.A., Hendersonville, NC

Professional assistance in a friendly atmosphere!

William & Linda, Hendersonville, NC

I was unaware of the document called a Living Trust until I attended a seminar presented by Lee Mulligan comparing the advantages of a trust with those of a traditional will. At...

Anonymous, Hendersonville, NC

Our experience was wonderful. Spoke with a language we both could understand and digest. You are a keeper.

MZ & BZ, Hendersonville, NC

Forming a trust for my family was a great experience with Mr. Henry’s professional and personal approach. I felt well informed and treated with the utmost respect. I appre...

PA, Hendersonville, NC

The experience & staff were courteous, professional, and we got what we needed.

GG & NG, Hendersonville, NC

Brad Henry was brilliant and precise. We highly recommend him.

DC & EC, Hendersonville, NC

Impeccable knowledge of NC Trusts & Wills. Difficult questions answered clearly and easily

WH, Hendersonville, NC

Great experience. Brad took time to explain everything thoroughly and was very thoughtful with looking at our entire situation. Grateful to him and the team that supports him.

Adam & Stephannie, Hendersonville, NC

Brad was very helpful in explaining the whole legal process – Brad explained the whole process in a very clear and understandable manner – Two notaries were very eff...

RL & NT, HEndersonville, NC

Our attorney, Lee Mulligan, and the staff were professional, courteous, and friendly.

D. R., Hendersonville, NC

Our experience was pleasurable, informative, emotionally satisfying, and confident that we are in good hands. Everyone is always courteous, helpful, considerate, and caring. The...

Burton and Doris, Hendersonville, NC

I have always been made to feel welcome and very well cared for by a most professional team of kind people who know their business well. Lee Mulligan in particular!

Anonymous, Hendersonville, NC

Professional, congenial, comforting. We have confidence in what you’ve done for us.

Steven & Carmon, Hendersonville, NC

We felt Brad welcomed us, educated us and made himself available for clarifications.

Sandy, Hendersonville, NC

Even though I feel intimidated by the “Big Book”, Lee was thorough in her explanations.

Nancy Pew, Hendersonville, NC

Lee explained everything in terms we could understand and the chart she drew was very helpful. We are confident our children will be well advised when settling our estate.

J.E. & B.E., Hendersonville, NC

We had a series of issues that Brad was able to incorporate into the discussion and explain the implications of each.

Cindy & Pam, Hendersonville, NC

Restatement of my trust was a stressless experience- Felt very comfortable with Brad & staff.

J.H., Hendersonville, NC
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Designating Your Successor

We help clients with the difficult and sometimes overwhelming process of succession planning. Please note, you do not necessarily have to designate your child or children as successor to a family business. In fact, professional and personal matters must be separated if a son or daughter does not possess the skills or business acumen to run a business built with hard work and solid leadership.

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Business Succession Towards a Smooth Transition

The end of your tenure as a business owner should not represent the end of your company. A smooth exit plan and ownership transition will help your business continue its success. Let us put our extensive experience in succession planning to work for you. Together, we can work to acquire the peace of mind in knowing that your business will continue to succeed long after you are gone.

Plan with Confidence, Protect What Matters

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Our Team: Certified and Award-Winning Attorneys

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Andrew A. Strauss Partner, Board-Certified Specialist

With over four decades of experience, Andy takes a comprehensive approach, guiding clients through everything from basic will preparation to complex trust structures and business succession planning.

  • Top-Rated Lawyer in Trust & Estates
  • Member of the North Carolina, Florida, and Pennsylvania State Bars
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Lee C. Mulligan Partner, Attorney at Law

With a keen eye for detail and a client-focused approach, Lee helps individuals and families safeguard their legacies, minimize tax burdens, and confidently navigate complex legal matters.

  • President of Summit Title Insurance in Hendersonville, NC.
  • Numerous non-profit board services in New Jersey and North Carolina
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Cory Howes Partner, Attorney at Law

Cory combines legal expertise with a strong financial background in tax, investments, and insurance. His practice is centered around a deep commitment to assisting families with their estate planning and administration needs.

  • North Carolina Bar Association
  • Virginia Bar Association
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Larry S. Hartley Partner, Board-Certified Specialist

A former U.S. Naval Diving and Salvage Officer, Larry brings dedication and expertise to protecting seniors and their families, with a focus on estate planning, Medicaid, and veterans benefits.

  • Member, North Carolina Bar Association
  • Member, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
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Brad Henry Partner, Attorney at Law

With over a decade of experience practicing law, Brad brings extensive expertise in estate planning, guardianships, fiduciary litigation, and probate and trust administration, as well as a dedication to helping clients protect their legacies.

  • AV Preeminent® rating by Martin Dale Hubbell
  • Florida’s Real Property and Probate Trust Law (RPPTL) Section
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Peter McGuire Partner, Attorney at Law

Leading our estate and fiduciary litigation team, Peter has practiced law in Western NC. since 2002 and specializes in trust and estate disputes, advanced planning, and business succession.

  • Member of the North Carolina Bar Association
  • Inaugural Member of the Harry C. Martin American Inn of Court
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Daire Roebuck Attorney at Law

With nearly two decades of experience, Daire guides clients through estate planning with clarity and compassion. Dedicated to giving back, she actively supports pro bono initiatives and community advocacy.

  • Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Section, North Carolina Bar Association, since 2008
  • North Carolina Bar Admission
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James B. Fleming Attorney at Law

Inspired by witnessing seniors’ challenges, James is passionate about guiding families through estate planning and elder law. Through Wills for Heroes, he proudly provides essential estate planning services to first responders.

  • North Carolina Bar Admission, 2019
  • South Carolina Bar Admission, 2021
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Samantha Reichle Attorney at Law

With nearly two decades of experience, Samantha specializes in estate planning, trust administration, and fiduciary income tax matters. She has a unique ability to make complex estate planning discussions approachable.

  • North Carolina Bar Admission, 2013
  • Member, 10th Judicial District Bar
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Understanding your Business Transfer Motives

We take the time to develop a clear understanding of your Business Transfer Motives to help match the right techniques to your goals.

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Let’s Start Planning Your Future Today

Whether you need to create a simple Will, protect your assets, or plan for your business, our team is here to help.

Schedule Your Free Consulation
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