Running a business in California means juggling a lot—and it’s easy to put estate planning at the bottom of the list. But without a clear plan in place, your business could face court delays, family disputes, or even end up in the wrong hands.
At Vistas Law Group, LLP, we help business owners take simple, effective steps to protect what they’ve built.
What Every Business Owner Should Know
A solid estate plan starts with the basics. Choosing a successor, creating a will or revocable trust, and having a buy-sell agreement can make all the difference. These tools help you avoid probate, reduce confusion, and keep your business running smoothly if something happens to you.
California’s community property laws add another layer. If you’re married, how your business is owned and transferred matters—and not planning for that can lead to unintended outcomes. Business owners in tech or creative fields should also consider how their intellectual property is protected through their estate plan.
And while California doesn’t have its own estate tax, the federal threshold still applies. A thoughtful plan now can help you avoid unnecessary taxes and make life easier for the people you leave behind.
A Few Missteps That Can Cost You
Some of the most common mistakes we see? Forgetting to include the business in the estate plan, skipping formal agreements with partners, and not updating documents after major life changes. These gaps may not seem urgent—but they can create major problems later.
Let’s Make Sure You’re Ready
We’ve worked with business owners across Los Angeles and the Inland Empire to put clear, no-nonsense plans in place. Call us at 213-745-8747 in Los Angeles or 909-415-0540 in Inland Empire to set up a consultation.
You’ve built something that matters. Let’s help make sure it lasts.