Don't allow these issues to 'lock up' the process, thus creating 'we can't' or 'we won't do anything' situations. Find the persons in your community who work with and understand family businesses to give you counsel and guidance. Succession is a process, not an event. These plans require time, and likely professional assistance, to create and implement. It's best to start earlier rather than later.
Good communication is critical.
Learning to talk together in family business meetings, or as a family council, is vitally important. In fact, it's the basis upon which real success in a family business is built. Leonard Geiser is professor of business and director of the Goshen College Family Business Program.