The key to a successful transfer, of ownership of family-owned and headed businesses, to the younger generation is in most cases the incumbent. However, there are close and non-close stakeholders who wish to protect their interests. The main purpose of this article is to map the stakeholders in two models, as well as to analyze their interests and possible legal tools when intervening in an ownership succession process. Our reasoning is supported by descriptive data from a recent empirical study. Incumbents are presumed to be aware of the conflicting interests and their potential impacts. It is no wonder, that they hesitate to take the necessary initiative in a succession process! We analyze how consultants can provide a helping hand.