A family business runs on relationships that predate it. Roles are inherited rather than appointed. Difficult conversations get deferred because they are difficult at home as well as at work.
As the family grows, so does the ambiguity. Which relatives can join the business and on what terms. Who gets shares — those who work in it, or everyone. How a family member who wants out converts shares into money. Whether the next generation is entitled to a seat or has to earn one.
None of these are legal questions until they are, and by then a disagreement between shareholders is also a disagreement between siblings. Family businesses rarely fail from bad trading. They fail from unresolved questions about ownership and entry.
Family Business Governance and Family Constitution
A framework separating family, ownership and management — a family constitution setting out shared principles on employment, ownership, dividends and entry, supported by the legal instruments that give it effect: the company constitution, a shareholders agreement, transfer and transmission provisions, and board and family council structures.
Your Vision, Backed by the Right Legal Support
You build the business. We help you protect it.
Imagine a family where the rules on joining the business, holding shares and exiting are written down and were agreed before anyone needed them. Board meetings deal with the business. Family meetings deal with the family. Disagreements are resolved by reference to something both sides accepted in advance.
Who this service is for
This Is For You If…
Families running a business across more than one generation
Founders planning a handover to children or other relatives
Family shareholders with differing levels of involvement in the business
Families where some members work in the business and others only hold shares
Businesses wanting to formalise entry, employment and exit rules for relatives
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What we will do for you
This is what we will do for you
Facilitate the discussion that establishes what the family actually agrees on
Draft the family constitution covering employment, ownership, dividends and entry
Convert the agreed principles into binding instruments where they need to bind
Set up the board and family council structures and how they interact
Build in transfer, transmission and exit routes for family shareholders
What’s Included
What’s Included in our service for you
Facilitated family discussion to establish shared principles
Family constitution covering employment, ownership, dividends and entry
Company constitution and shareholders agreement aligned to it
Board and family council structures with defined interaction
Transfer, transmission and exit routes for family shareholders
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Why Choose Legal That Works?
Why Choose Us To Assist You?
Digital-first
No office visit required—review and sign online
Transparent fees
Fixed price, no billing surprises
Deep experience
Various contracts across industries
Accessible
Our client portal keeps you informed
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We've Helped
You Need To Act Now
Important: Limited Slots
A family constitution is agreed most easily before there is a disagreement to resolve. Afterwards, every clause is read as being aimed at someone.
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Nothing to Lose. Everything to Protect.
No Surprises. No Guesswork. Just Legal That Works.
Before anything starts, we speak with you to understand your business and make sure the service is the right fit. If it is not, we will say so upfront. No pressure. No wasted time. We only take on matters we are confident we can deliver with quality. That is why business owners trust us to get it right.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Legal That Works?
Legal That Works is a business and organisation oriented legal service designed by Messrs Akmal Saufi & Co (the firm that has brought the widely known legal consumer services brand ASCOLAW). We specifically help business owners and organisation leadership to navigate Malaysia’s legal terrain to achieve their commercial goal.
What if I’m not sure what legal service I need?
No problem. Most business owners aren’t legal experts! Just reach out. Our team will guide you to the right service or help you understand your options—without jargon or upselling.
Is a family constitution legally binding?
Generally it is a statement of shared principles rather than a contract. The provisions that need to bind — ownership, transfers, voting, exit — are put into the company constitution and shareholders agreement, which do bind. We build both so they work together.
Should shares go to children who do not work in the business?
That is a family decision, not a legal one, and different families answer it differently. What matters legally is that whatever you decide is documented — including whether non-working shareholders vote, and how they can convert shares into value.
Can we set rules on relatives joining the business?
Yes, and most families that do so find it reduces conflict considerably. Qualification, experience and entry route can all be set out in advance.
What if the family cannot agree?
Then the process has surfaced a disagreement that already existed. It is far better addressed now, with everyone present, than after a death or a departure.
How does this fit with individual wills and estate planning?
The two must be consistent. A will leaving shares to someone the constitution will not permit to be registered creates a problem. We handle the company-side instruments and coordinate with whoever is advising on the personal estate.
Who will be helping me?
All our services are delivered by our licensed lawyers under the Malaysian Bar with proven experience across industries. You’ll work with a real legal team, not chatbots or generic customer support.
