Succession Planning

Plan for the future of your practice and everything connected to it

At Finn Legal, we help dentists build secure succession and estate plans to protect their practice, family, and legacy.

Our services are led by Katie Finnegan, JD, an attorney who focuses exclusively on estate planning, probate and trust administration. Katie brings a calm, practical approach to complex decisions and believes succession planning should be accessible not just for those nearing retirement, but for anyone who wants to feel prepared.

Our Capabilities

We help dental professionals build estate and succession plans that account for both business and personal priorities to ensure continuity, security, and peace of mind.

Wills & Trusts: Drafting comprehensive wills and trusts (revocable and irrevocable) to manage and distribute personal and business assets.
Power of Attorney: Establishing durable powers of attorney for both healthcare and financial decision-making.
Healthcare Directives: Creating advance directives and living wills to communicate healthcare preferences clearly.
Asset Protection Strategies: Protecting personal and business assets from lawsuits, creditors, and other risks.
Tax-Efficient Planning: Structuring the estate and transition to minimize estate and inheritance taxes.
Beneficiary Designations: Reviewing life insurance, retirement accounts, and other policies for consistency with the broader plan.
Business Interest Disposition: Integrating the practice into the estate plan to ensure a smooth transfer or sale in the event of incapacity or death.

Why is this important?

Succession planning creates clarity—not just for the dentist, but for families, staff, and partners who depend on that leadership.

Financial Security: Helps preserve the value of the practice and secure the owner’s legacy.
Reduced Stress & Uncertainty: With clear decisions made in advance, others aren’t left guessing in difficult moments.
Maximized Practice Value: A structured plan helps avoid rushed sales or undervalued transitions.
Tax Optimization: Planning ahead helps reduce the financial burden on heirs or buyers.
Conflict Prevention: With roles and intentions clearly outlined, future disputes are less likely.
Personalized Solutions: Every plan is tailored to the owner’s goals, values, and circumstances.

Who is this for?

Practice owners nearing retirement
Dentists planning to sell or transfer in 1–10 years
Dentists with an associate they intend to transition to
Professionals preparing for the unexpected
Anyone integrating business ownership into a larger estate plan

FAQ

When is the best time to start succession planning for my dental practice?

Ideally, at least 3–5 years before a transition—but it’s never too early to begin. Even if you’re not ready to retire, having a plan in place brings peace of mind and helps avoid future complications.

What happens if I don’t have a succession plan in place?

Without a plan, decisions about your practice may be left to the courts, family members, or business partners without clear guidance—leading to stress, disputes, or lost value.

How does estate planning specifically benefit a dental practice owner?

It protects both your business and personal assets, ensures your wishes are honored, and helps support your family and patients if you’re no longer able to run the practice.

How often should I review my succession and estate plan?

We recommend reviewing your plan every 3–5 years, or sooner if there’s a major change—such as a new partner, a personal life event, or changes in tax law.

Our Process