Many business owners treat their operating agreement as a startup formality.

That’s a mistake.

Your Operating Agreement Controls What Happens When You Die

It may determine:

• Who inherits ownership
• Whether heirs can vote or manage
• Whether ownership must be sold

Common Problems

• Agreement conflicts with your will or trust
• No clear succession provisions
• No restrictions on ownership transfers

Coordination Is Key

Your:

• Operating agreement
• Will
• Trust

…should all work together—not against each other.

Example

If your will leaves your business to your children—but your operating agreement requires shares to be sold to partners—you’ve created a legal conflict.

Key Takeaway

Estate planning doesn’t override business documents. They must be aligned.