Farming Partnership Disputes

Farming partnership disputes are particularly difficult for all concerned, because often they involve siblings or parents and given that farming is usually a family affair, spouses and children find themselves swept up in the fall out too, adding to the stress and anxiety of the dispute itself.

There is no question that a proper partnership deed will forestall many-a-farming partnership dispute.  These are easily obtainable, and our agriculture team specialise in preparing them.  However, the reality is that numerous partnerships are ‘at will’ and come down through the generations.  In other cases, a poor, or ‘homemade’ partnership agreement is worse than no agreement at all.

Our approach to farming partnership disputes is governed by robustness, pragmatism and practicality.  We seek to understand  what our clients want and to understand what is driving the other side’s behaviour.  We look for areas of common interest and where matters get serious, we take care to get definitive information in relation to crucial matters such as valuations.

Whilst we are experienced and confident in court proceedings, it is almost universally acknowledged that a negotiated settlement is cheaper, surer and better than leaving a dispute to the judge.  We have years of successful experience of mediating settlements without recourse to trial.

For more information regarding farming partnership disputes please contact our Dispute & Litigation team on 01270 624225 or email enquiries@hibberts.com