Does anybody know of a business succession planner? We are at the early stages of passing/selling a 3rd generation business on to the 4th generation. We have a large legal firm involved, that has always helped us with these matters, but it really feels like they are trying to reinvent the wheel… and are starting this from scratch… when we feel this has had to have been done before by some family-business and that there has to be more of a template. We are looking for a planner that has experience in this and can tell us how this should be done. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I assume you already have a solid CPA? If not I highly recommend. If they're not in lockstep with whatever the attorneys draw up it can wreak havoc.

Also ask your banker as that may have a wealth management group that has people that can help guide the attorneys. Which bank do you have the business with? Same as personal? I might know if they have a group that could help you.

And when you say small business are you talking:

Small - sub $50 million in annual revenue or
Middle market - $50-500 million in annual revenue
Sounds like attorneys wanting to rack up the hours.