For Tennessee business owners, the company you’ve built represents more than financial success — it’s your legacy. The question is not just how to grow your business today, but how to ensure it continues after you retire, transition leadership, or in the event of the unexpected. Without a thoughtful succession plan, even the most successful enterprises risk conflict, financial loss, or collapse.
At Champagne Law Firm, we partner with business owners across East and Middle Tennessee from our offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville to create customized succession strategies. What sets our firm apart is the leadership of Kelly Champagne-Deutekom, who brings a rare combination of experience as both a former financial advisor and now as a seasoned attorney.
Why Succession Planning Is Essential
A succession plan ensures your business can thrive beyond your direct involvement. Without one, disputes may arise over ownership, management decisions, or distribution of assets. A strong plan can:
- Provide a clear roadmap for leadership transition
- Minimize estate and tax liabilities
- Protect your family’s financial security
- Preserve jobs for employees and stability for clients
- Prevent forced sales or undervaluation of your company
In short, succession planning protects both the people you care about and the business you’ve worked hard to build.
The Kelly Champagne-Deutekom Advantage
Many attorneys draft legal documents for succession planning. Few bring the depth of financial and business insight that Kelly does.
Before becoming an attorney, Kelly Champagne-Deutekom worked as a licensed financial advisor, managing complex portfolios, advising high-net-worth clients, and analyzing business valuations. She knows firsthand how assets are structured, how retirement and investment plans function, and how financial institutions view ownership transfers.
Today, as an attorney, Kelly integrates that financial knowledge with legal precision. She understands not only what the law requires, but also how business, family, and financial interests must align for a plan to succeed in practice. This dual perspective makes her uniquely equipped to guide Tennessee business owners through every facet of succession planning.
Tools for Effective Succession Planning
At Champagne Law Firm, we use a wide range of strategies to create comprehensive plans tailored to each client. These often include:
- Buy-Sell Agreements – Agreements between partners or shareholders that set terms for selling or transferring ownership upon retirement, disability, or death.
- Trusts and Estate Planning – Structures to protect business interests, minimize taxes, and control future distributions.
- Life Insurance Funding – Ensuring liquidity to cover buyouts, taxes, or family needs without forcing the sale of the business.
- Tax Planning – Coordinating with financial advisors and accountants to reduce estate and gift tax exposure.
- Management Transition Plans – Preparing and training the next generation of leaders for long-term stability.
For business owners exploring long-term strategy, the Small Business Administration (SBA) succession planning resources offer helpful insights.
Planning Early Brings Peace of Mind
One of the most common mistakes business owners make is waiting too long to start succession planning. Unexpected illness, disputes, or economic downturns can create turmoil if no plan is in place. Starting early allows you to gradually prepare your successors, test strategies, and ensure the business is positioned for the future.
At Champagne Law Firm, Kelly works closely with business owners to build plans that are both practical and protective. Her dual experience ensures that your strategy doesn’t just look good on paper, but also works in real-world financial and legal contexts.
For Tennessee-specific resources, visit the Secretary of State Business Services Division, which provides guidance on business entities and legal filings.
Champagne Law Firm: Defending Today. Planning Tomorrow.
Your business deserves a plan as strong as the effort you’ve invested in it. With her unique combination of financial advisory experience and legal expertise, Kelly Champagne-Deutekom stands apart as a trusted advocate for Tennessee business owners.
If you’re ready to protect your company’s future, contact Champagne Law Firm today to begin building a succession plan that safeguards your legacy and provides peace of mind for generations to come.
