Shareholder advice as families expand or divide

What happens to company shares when family relationships change? What happens to company shares when family circumstances change? In this episode of The Debrief, Keith Melling, head of corporate, and Helen Lucking, head of family, discuss how marriage, divorce and succession planning can affect shareholders and family businesses. They explain how shares are treated on divorce, the key differences between married couples and cohabitees, and why courts are generally reluctant to transfer shares to a non‑business spouse. The episode also explores the limits of shareholder agreements and why prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can play a crucial role in protecting business interests and family wealth. A practical discussion for business owners and families thinking about the future.