Rural Succession Planning
Succession planning is an important issue for many families, especially those for whom land or a farming business make up a large part of their assets.

Most farms, farming businesses and landed estates are owned and run by families, family trusts or family businesses. Planning for a smooth transition from one generation to the next is therefore a critical issue – all the more so when the farm or land forms the main part of the family’s overall wealth and assets.

Making succession decisions can be a complex challenge. It is important to encourage good communication between all the family members involved and, building on that foundation, expert advice is needed to fully consider all the relevant issues. These vary from client to client, but will typically include consideration of family dynamics; the specific assets and the overall financial position; different ownership structures; legal rights; and taxation. Where assignation or relinquishment of agricultural tenancies is also a factor, the complex Agricultural Holdings legislation must be navigated to ensure that the value of the interest is safeguarded for the family.

We have a great deal of experience in dealing with all of these matters. Combining legal expertise with a real understanding of rural sector’s pressures and concerns, we offer a high-quality, thorough and wide-ranging service that protects your families interests both now and in the future. As part of this, we can review and advise on your wills, powers of attorney, and relevant partnership or company documentation.

We are used to working closely with your other key advisors such as land agents, bankers and accountants. And if additional expertise or insight is required, our own firm’s Private Wealth and Tax team can also provide detailed and practical support that is tailored to your needs.

Meet our key contacts

Petra Grunenberg

Partner and Head of Rural Property and Business

Contact by email

Our expertise

Our sectors

Knowledge

The Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Act 2026

Significant changes to UK Data Protection Legislation – are you still compliant?

Lessons from the litigation after the construction of Blackburn bus station

About us

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Rural Succession PlanningSuccession planning is an important issue for many families, especially those for whom land or a farming business make up a large part of their assets.

Petra Grunenberg

Meet our full team

Laura Barron

Heather Bird

Emma Brown

Alanna Buchan

Gillian Campbell

Morven Cumming

Emma De Sailly

Gillian Gibbons

Alexis Graham

Petra Grunenberg

Hamish Lean

Keith McLaren

Katie McNab

Malcolm Rust

Susie Tweedie

Lauren White

Tanya Yesipova

Petra Grunenberg

Petra Grunenberg

Memberships and accreditations

Rural Succession Planning
Succession planning is an important issue for many families, especially those for whom land or a farming business make up a large part of their assets.