This study was conducted on the basis of a survey analysis. Survey was distributed among the top management and executives of the family owned firms in Turkey, resulting in 75 responds obtained in total. Although the number of respondents might be perceived as low, the results seem to be reliable and valid, according to the tests of Cronbach's Alpha, Criterion related validity testing, and Structure validity testing. The main results of the research suggest that the most important factors affecting the succession process are family relations, interpersonal relations, and the succession planning process. In addition, gender issues should be addressed in order to identify the possibilities of utilizing more human resources within the company.