Divorce, Farms & Rural Estates

We represented a landowner in resolving the financial aspects of their divorce, where the family farm had been passed down through generations and needed to be preserved for future children. The estate included multiple interconnected businesses, from a livery yard to holiday cottages, all forming part of the wider farming operation.

We successfully argued that the farm was non matrimonial property, and the court accepted this position. This ensured the core estate remained intact and under our client’s ownership.

A fair settlement was reached, with the other spouse receiving a property from the estate, providing them with both security and future flexibility without disrupting the long term succession of the farm.

Outcome: Our approach protected a multigenerational estate, maintained the viability of the family businesses, and delivered a balanced agreement that avoided prolonged dispute while securing stability for both parties.

We acted for the spouse of a landowner following a long marriage. Despite our client repeatedly attempting non‑court dispute resolution, including mediation and several early offers that would have preserved the farming estate for future generations, the landowner refused to make reasonable provision or engage constructively. With no meaningful progress, our client was left with no option but to proceed to a final hearing.

At that stage, the court had no alternative but to order the sale of the farming enterprise to realise a lump sum for our client’s housing and financial needs. Had the landowner accepted an earlier settlement, legal costs for both sides would have been significantly lower and more flexible solutions could have been achieved.

Outcome: Our client secured the financial provision they required, and the case highlighted the importance of early engagement and realistic negotiation in preserving family assets and avoiding unnecessary litigation.

A landowning client approached us before their marriage seeking to protect significant inherited assets, including farming land, business interests and investment properties, while their future spouse had limited financial resources. We helped the couple create a clear and workable prenuptial agreement to provide peace of mind and future security.

We supported our client in obtaining a realistic valuation of the farming estate and addressed key complexities, including multiple family co owners affecting liquidity, tax and disposal costs impacting true value, and future proofing considerations such as development potential and expected inheritance.

To ensure complete confidence, we worked closely with our agricultural, tax and estates teams, as well as the client’s land agents and accountants.

Outcome: The final prenuptial agreement was fair, robust and mutually acceptable - protecting the estate, giving both partners clarity, and supporting long term stability should the marriage ever come to an end.