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Divorce involving a privately held business is complicated in any state. In California, it’s more complicated than most. The combination of community property law, the state’s specific treatment of goodwill in marital dissolution, and the concentration of high-value businesses in California means the valuation stakes are higher —and the technical requirements are more demanding —…

Partnership buyouts are among the most financially consequential events a closely held business will face. Whether the trigger is retirement, a strategic disagreement, or a change in personal circumstances, the central question is almost always the same: what is this business worth? And more importantly, how do you arrive at a number that all parties…

A buy-sell agreement is one of the most important legal documents a closely held business can have. It governs what happens to an owner’s interest when they die, become disabled, retire, or choose to exit, and it protects the remaining owners from finding themselves in business with an unintended party. Attorneys draft them, CPAs reference…

If you’ve ever wondered what your business is worth, not what you hope it’s worth, but what a qualified expert would say it’s worth, you’re thinking about a business appraisal. A business appraisal is a professional, documented opinion of value. It answers one fundamental question: what is this business worth today, given its financial performance,…

One of the first questions business owners ask is: How much does a business valuation cost? The honest answer is that fees vary, often widely, because valuations are not one-size-fits-all. The purpose of the valuation (tax, litigation, financing, partner transaction, or business sale planning) determines the level of analysis and documentation required, as well as…

Most business owners do not need a business valuation every year. In fact, valuations typically become important at specific times — when a decision, transaction, or legal/tax requirement makes an objective, defensible opinion of value necessary. If you’re wondering, “Do I need a valuation?” the easiest way to answer is to look for trigger events.…

When facing a major business decision such as preparing for a sale, resolving a partner dispute, or planning your estate, you may be told you need a business appraiser. But what does a business appraiser actually do? How is a company’s value determined? And how do you know whether the professional you’re hiring is truly…

For many small and mid-sized business owners, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans provide a critical pathway to growth, acquisitions, and ownership transitions. Whether you’re purchasing a business, buying out a partner, or financing equipment and operations, SBA loans often make deals possible that traditional financing cannot, thanks to favorable terms and broader lender participation. One…

For most small business owners, a professional business valuation isn’t something you do every year, and that’s perfectly normal. Unlike large corporations that may conduct routine business valuations for reporting purposes, small businesses typically seek valuation services at specific moments when an accurate, defensible assessment of value becomes essential. At Sun Business Valuations, we help…

At some point, most business owners find themselves asking a big question: What is my business really worth? The answer is rarely simple, but it can be essential. A business valuation may be needed to buy out a partner, prepare for a divorce settlement, plan for succession, address estate matters, or set the stage for…