Strategy · Constitution

Family constitution — rules that outlive their makers

A family constitution is not a legal document. It is a living set of principles that gives the family a language for its most difficult conversations: about money, power, the entry of outsiders and the departure of insiders.

Why it is needed

Without rules a family is governed by precedent

When there is no constitution, the family makes decisions situationally — and each precedent-setting decision becomes a new unwritten rule. Over time these rules contradict each other, and what seemed resolved becomes a source of conflict.

How we create it

A document that the family wrote itself

A family constitution cannot be written on behalf of the family. It is created through conversation, alignment and conscious choice. Our role is to guide that process, offer structure and help the family articulate what it already knows but has never said aloud.

What is included

Values and mission of the lineage Why our family exists — a formulated answer accepted by all.
Rules of entry and exit How children, spouses and partners enter the family business — and how they leave.
Distribution and inheritance The principles by which assets are divided — transparent to all while the founders are still alive.
Conflict resolution The mechanism that engages before a dispute leaves the family.

A constitution is not written for conflict. It is written to prevent it.

What we steward

IStrategy

— preserves meaning

IILegacy

— sets the direction

IIISuccession

— secures the transition

IVLifestyle

— shapes the texture of life