Personal Legal Services.

Farming Lawyers for Farmers & Farming Families.

A farming business will often involve more than one member of a family — and indeed, many farms involve the whole family.

Legal issues around personal circumstances and finance can have a major impact on the business itself.

Private client and personal law involve things such as wills and trusts, planning for old age, inheritance tax planning and Lasting Power of Attorney arrangements.

So if you, or a member of your family, is getting married, divorced, or having to plan for the care of an elderly member of the family, our experienced agricultural law solicitors will be able to help you through the process.

Private Client Services

There are a wide range of circumstances where our agriculture specialists have helped families through quite complex legal procedures. Common issues we deal with include:

  • My wife may need to go into care, how will that affect the farm?
  • My husband is becoming frail and is starting to rely on me to look after his affairs
  • Can they take the farm off me to pay for nursing home fees?
  • I want to reduce my estate for inheritance tax purposes
  • I’m worried about inheritance tax and Capital Gains Tax
  • My son’s marriage has broken down and I’m worried about his inheritance going to his wife
  • My father has died, how do I deal with the business ownership?

All these questions highlight that farming is more than just a business; it is a way of life and lies at the heart of every farming family. At Lanyon Bowdler, we understand exactly how to balance the commercial considerations of your farm with the needs of your family and your home.

Our Personal Farming Law Services Expertise

Whatever your circumstances, our legal specialists have the expertise, knowledge and experience to advise and support you at every stage. We will deal with your situation sensitively and effectively, as we know just what is at stake and we will take as much of the stress and strain away from you as possible.

Divorce

With our in-depth knowledge of the agricultural industry, we have experience in handling prenuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and divorce, against the unique backdrop of farming and running and managing a rural business.

We are acutely aware of the need to consider not only the divorcing parties in situations like this but also the overall family unit who may be involved in the farming partnership and potentially reside, or have a financial stake, in the marital home.

Dispute resolution

At Lanyon Bowdler we will work with you to find a resolution to any family dispute and often succeed in finding a settlement that works for all parties without the need for court action.

Wills and will disputes

We are able to advise on all areas of succession planning including the preparation and drafting of Wills. Forward planning is essential to avoid future disputes and misunderstandings but we can also help in situations where problems have already arisen. The valuing and division of assets can cause issues upon the death of a family member, particularly where a relative believes they stand to inherit some or all of the farming business but subsequently don’t. We frequently work with clients to find solutions that will preserve family relations and future assets and will enable the business to continue operating while a resolution is reached.

Tax planning

As with all areas of succession planning, advance consideration is vital to avoiding future tax pitfalls. At Lanyon Bowdler we are able to advise you at any stage about what reliefs and exemptions you are entitled to, particularly in relation to inheritance tax.

Retirement

Passing over the responsibility of your farm is an extremely important step. We believe a collaborative approach is the best way to ensure a smooth transition of your family business to the next generation and will involve all interested parties to ensure your legacy is safeguarded for future generations.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.

Martyn
via ReviewSolicitors

Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael
via ReviewSolicitors

I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston
Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors

An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors

Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson
Telford

Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather
via ReviewSolicitors

Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors

Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim
via ReviewSolicitors

We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry

Excellent legal advice on water extraction licence.

Elizabeth Morris
via ReviewSolicitors

Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice

Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors

Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors

Not only professional, but super fast.

Raj
via ReviewSolicitors

Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin
Accreditations

Our awards and accolades.

Contact Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors

Whatever situation you may be facing, talking to an experienced agriculture specialist is an excellent starting point. The solicitors in our agriculture team are approachable and down to earth, and with many being from a farming background themselves, they understand where you’re coming from.

Lanyon Bowdler have established offices with expert teams of agricultural solicitors in Bromyard, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, Shrewsbury Telford, and Conwy.

We are one of the most recognised law firms in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Mid and North Wales. We offer a wide range of pricing options including fixed fees and service level guarantees.

As a leading law firm, we regularly act for clients throughout England and Wales. For more information about how we can advise you, please contact us by phone or use the online enquiry form and a member of the team will get back to you.

Our people

Meet the team.

Edward Rees
Edward Rees
Partner
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
David Pugh
David Pugh
Partner
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
Edward Nutting
Edward Nutting
Partner
Agriculture | Commercial Property | Renewables | Leisure & Tourism
Karl Beckett
Karl Beckett
Partner
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Kevin Thomas
Kevin Thomas
Partner
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
Emma Deering
Emma Deering
Partner
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Georgina Hughes
Georgina Hughes
Partner
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Sophie Burgoyne
Sophie Burgoyne
Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Charles Almond
Charles Almond
Consultant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Sioned Williams
Sioned Williams
Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Nicola Smith
Nicola Smith
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Nicole Cousins
Nicole Cousins
Trainee Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
Julie Langford
Julie Langford
Legal Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Kate Lawson
Kate Lawson
Partner
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Jan Hope
Jan Hope
Legal Secretary
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Val Howard
Val Howard
Legal Secretary
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Aimee Johnson
Aimee Johnson
Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Angharad Hird
Angharad Hird
Associate Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Knowledge

Latest knowledge.

Blog

Changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief

There has been much anxiety among British farmers over amendments to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) in the rece...
Sophie Burgoyne • 26 Nov 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

We Are Farming Minds: Lizzie Cross and Emily Jones

We Are Farming Minds is a registered charity set up to help raise mental awareness in the rural communities of Herefords...
Published • 18 Nov 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

LISTEN AGAIN: Estates and Farming Disputes – Edward Rees and Claire Vale

The various types of farming disputes affecting the estates of farmers - the farm owner hasn't left a will, or when bene...
Published • 12 Aug 2024
Blog

Farm Diversification – Tax Considerations and Consequences

Diversification can lead to new sources of income, and may also be an attractive business project for younger gener...
Emma Deering • 15 Jul 2024
Blog

Farm Disputes

Farms often present a twin dilemma for farm owners when they are contemplating making a will: 1) how to facilitate ...
Claire Vale • 03 Jul 2024
Blog

Farmers and Landowners Should be Aware of Landmark Natural England Legal Ruling

A recent court case in which Natural England was found to have insufficient power to threaten a farmer with jail is...
Stewart Smith • 21 May 2024
Case Study
Oldfields Cider barrels

Oldfields Cider

We found the team to be exceptionally knowledgeable and efficient in resolving any problems quickly....
Edward Burrell • 19 Jan 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

Agricultural Tenancies and Succession – Steven Corfield

We discuss the importance of agricultural tenancies and partnership agreements....
Published • 10 Apr 2023
Podcast icon Podcast

Farming Partnerships – Steven Corfield

What should be covered in a partnership agreement, what happens if the partnership suddenly ends and more. ...
Published • 26 Sep 2022
Podcast icon Podcast

Legal Aspects Relating to Agricultural Property – Steven Corfield

Discussing the legal aspects relating to agricultural property....
Published • 15 Aug 2022
Blog

Discovery of Viking Hoard Leads to Jail Sentences for Metal Detectorists

The legal obligations and responsibilities imposed on metal detectorists were highlighted in a well-publicised case...
Claire Vale • 02 Jan 2020
Blog

Metal Detecting

Metal detecting and the prospect of unearthing buried treasure is something that has always fascinated me. I wanted...
Claire Vale • 21 Sep 2017
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