Business Owner Death and Complex Estates
What do I do about business contracts after a death?
Short answer
Review each contract for assignment clauses, change of control provisions, or personal guarantee provisions. Some contracts terminate on the death of a key individual. Others continue with the estate. Notifying counterparties promptly is better than letting contracts lapse unaddressed.
What this usually means
Review each contract for assignment clauses, change of control provisions, or personal guarantee provisions. Some contracts terminate on the death of a key individual. Others continue with the estate. Notifying counterparties promptly is better than letting contracts lapse unaddressed.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.