Rural Succession Planning Solicitors

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

+44 (0)1224 343 554

+44 (0)758 588 8647

Connect on LinkedIn

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Laura Barron

Associate

Heather Bird

Director

Emma Brown

Solicitor

Alanna Buchan

Solicitor

Gillian Campbell

Partner

Emma De Sailly

Senior Associate

Lauren Finlay

Senior Solicitor

Gillian Gibbons

Director

Alexis Graham

Partner

Petra Grunenberg

Partner and Head of Rural Property and Business

Hamish Lean

Partner

Keith McLaren

Partner

Malcolm Rust

Partner

Susie Tweedie

Senior Associate

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Related articles and insights: Rural Succession Planning

16 April 2025

A brave new world (of succession planning) following the October 2024 Budget?

Contributor: Petra Grunenberg

With the introduction of the new Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules in the October 2024 budget, succession planning is more important than ever in order to look out for future generations. 

11 November 2024

Succession planning now a must post budget

Contributor: Petra Grunenberg

The recent budget, announced on 30 October 2024, brings significant changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) reliefs that could impact the future of farming businesses. Find out what you need to consider as part of your succession planning.

22 February 2024

The new RCI rules – what does it mean for farming businesses?

Contributor: Petra Grunenberg

As part of reforms to land ownership in Scotland, a new publicly accessible register with the details of anyone who controls decision-making on management, use, or development of land has been created and will come into force on 1 April 2024.

9 February 2024

Croft tenancy succession

Contributor: Stephanie Hepburn

Transferring tenanted crofts can be a complicated matter. This article explores the process of transferring a croft and the legal steps that must be taken, to provide clarity for those seeking to navigate this complex field.

Contact us

Petra Grunenberg

Partner and Head of Rural Property and Business


Contact by email

+44 (0)1224 343 554

+44 (0)758 588 8647

Connect on LinkedIn

Download vCard

Key Contacts

Petra Grunenberg

Partner and Head of Rural Property and Business


Contact by email

+44 (0)1224 343 554

+44 (0)758 588 8647

Connect on LinkedIn

Download vCard