Farm inheritance disputes
Explore how we can help businesses, families and individuals with their legal requirements around farm estate planning.
Contact our teamFarm inheritance disputes often occur when family members, business partners, or other beneficiaries disagree on how to divide the assets of a farm after the owner’s death.
Farms represent more than just land and buildings; they are family businesses, livelihoods, and legacies. This makes the division of assets particularly contentious. Disputes can arise from conflicting interpretations of a will, unclear succession plans, or disagreements about the future direction of the farm.
The emotional attachment to the land and its operations can fuel tensions. Disputes can include arguments over ownership, the distribution of farming equipment or livestock, or the continuation of agricultural practices. Without proper planning and communication, even the smallest disagreements can escalate into legal battles.
Common causes of disputes on the farm
One of the primary sources of conflict arises from outdated or unclear estate planning. A will that doesn’t clearly outline how the farm should be divided can lead to confusion. Often, farm owners may not account for all their heirs, leaving one or more family members feeling left out. Similarly, a lack of proper succession planning, who will run the farm after the owner’s death, can create confusion and disputes among family members or employees involved in the business.
Another common cause is unequal distribution. Farms often have multiple assets, including land, equipment, and livestock. When the distribution is not perceived as fair or balanced, tensions can rise. Siblings or relatives may dispute who gets to live on or manage the land, while others might object to the financial fairness of the distribution.
Sarah Jordan
Partner | Real Estate, Landed Estates and Farming, Rural Services
IHT: guidance for businesses & families
At Moore Barlow, we’re not just legal advisers—we’re passionate partners deeply connected to rural communities and the issues that matter. Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning is close to our hearts and our rural law experts can support you, your business, and your family with tailored guidance.
Legal solutions and resolving farm inheritance disputes
Resolving farm inheritance disputes requires sensitivity and a strategic approach. We guide clients through this delicate process, aiming to protect family relationships and preserve the farm. By reviewing the will, succession plan, or trust documents, we can identify areas of contention and address them effectively. Our goal is to reduce conflict by clarifying the wishes of the deceased and finding a fair solution that honours those wishes.
Mediation and negotiation are often the first steps in resolving these disputes. When communication breaks down, it is crucial to have experienced legal professionals to advocate for your interests and help facilitate conversations. If these methods fail, we provide skilled representation in court to ensure your rights are protected and a fair resolution is achieved.
Preventing disputes with proper planning
The key to avoiding farm inheritance disputes is proactive planning. Drafting a clear and comprehensive will is essential, and ensuring it reflects the intentions of the farm owner is critical. In addition to wills, a farm succession plan can set out clear guidelines for the future of the farm, including who will manage it and how assets will be divided. This can prevent family members from feeling overlooked or excluded.
Working with professionals can help ensure that these documents are legally sound and comprehensive. By anticipating potential issues and addressing them early, it’s possible to avoid lengthy and costly legal battles.
Our team of rural solicitors
Charlotte Brackley
Partner | Real Estate, Landed Estates and Farming, Residential Property, Rural Services
Julian Parkes
Partner | Commercial Property, Real Estate, Landed Estates and Farming, Rural Services
Sarah Jordan
Partner | Real Estate, Landed Estates and Farming, Rural Services
Nellie van der Lande
Senior Associate | Commercial Property, Landed Estates and Farming, Real Estate Finance, Rural Services
Louise Williams
Associate and Notary Public | Landed Estates and Farming, Notarial Services, Rural Services
Oliver Appelboam Meadows
Solicitor | Commercial Property, Landed Estates and Farming, Rural Services
Beccy Prince
Senior Property Executive (ACILEx) | Landed Estates and Farming, Rural Services
Megan Smith
Senior Paralegal | Landed Estates and Farming, Rural Services
Why act early and prevent future disputes?
Proactive planning helps preserve the long-term viability of the farm. Clear estate and succession planning ensures that future generations can continue the farm’s operations without conflict or legal hurdles. With the right approach, you can protect your farm’s legacy and provide clarity for all involved.
Get in touch today
Farm inheritance disputes can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to define the future of your family farm. Resolving conflicts early, or preventing them altogether, requires skilled legal advice. Contact us to discuss how we can assist with your farm inheritance needs, ensuring your legacy and assets are protected for generations to come.
Contact our rural law team
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