Estate Plan Strategies for Small Business Owners

What happens to your business after your death depends a lot on decisions you make now.

Get peace of mind with a comprehensive estate plan

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estate plan strategies for small business owners

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Updated on: July 23, 2025
Read time: 1 min

Lee A. Ciccarelli, founder of Pennsylvania litigation law firm Ciccarelli Law Offices, has witnessed many businesses cease to exist after one or both owners have died.

In the legal space, small to midsize law firms often collapse under the weight of the passing of the rainmaker, the principal, or attorneys essential to its success. With mom and pop businesses, similar situations occur.

A small business owner sits in his office at a desk working on his laptop computer. He is setting up an estate plan so that there is a successor when he dies.
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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

67 days ago
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legal zoom is the way to go

The representative was very knowledgeable about how long it takes to transfer a deed from one person to the next he explained everything and he was very pleasant when speaking to him

Ross
67 days ago
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I find that LegalZoom has all the…

I find that LegalZoom has all the answers if you're starting a business an LLC and incorporation or you're doing a trust or a Will. These are the people you want to trust don't go to an expensive attorney you're just throwing your money away. Legal soon gets five stars!

Sean Christopher
67 days ago
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I spoke to the representative today about a Trust...

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Gareth
76 days ago
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We could not be more Pleased with the…

We could not be more Pleased with the help and service we had during the up dating of our Living Will and Advanced Directive

Richard Poulton
79 days ago
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Legal Zoom has made it easy and affordable for us to create an LLC, a Will, and a Trust for our families.

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82 days ago
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Mark Impink
82 days ago
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Max -Phoenix, Arizona
82 days ago
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Sarah was most helpful today regarding updating my estate plan

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Diane Floyd
88 days ago
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Quick and easy experience creating a…

Quick and easy experience creating a will package.

Kristin Steel
93 days ago
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Used them past 10 years

Used them past 10 years. I needed another will and power of attorney.

MERLYN C
93 days ago
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Tammy was wonderful and very…

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Erin
101 days ago
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Pleasant Experience

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Sharron Martin
103 days ago
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It was a breeze to deal with Legalzoom…

It was a breeze to deal with Legalzoom and finished my estate plan within an hour!! Thanks again

BT
107 days ago
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Great team…

Mark and Legal Zoom make estate planning affordable and attainable.

Christopher Maginnis
139 days ago
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Living Will & Forming my LLC

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Kristen J
151 days ago
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Nadia made it very easy for me to make…

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Melita D'Anna
160 days ago
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Kylie helped me to review my history of…

Kylie helped me to review my history of trying to complete my estate plan and contacting a legal advisor that comes with my account. She was patient, knowledgable, and helpful.

Paula
164 days ago
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I have worked with Mark Champ on… Last Will & Testament, Living Will, Quit Claim Deed

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Cathy Donaldson
199 days ago
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Most Dedicated Representative!

Patti Green was the most informative person in guiding me through the process of completing my estate plan . She was always there for me to answer my questions and give excellent advice . Also , she was very polite and considerate ! Legal Zoom is so fortunate to have Patti on their team . Thank you , Patti for all of your assistance and kindness !

Priscilla Page
277 days ago
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Patti Green is GREAT!

Ms. Patti Green walked me through the Estate Planning process. She was very professional, patient and kind. Planning for when you are no longer here is very intricate and difficult. Working with Ms. Green helped give the assurance that I am doing the right thing for myself and loved ones.

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