At Sintons, our Rural Services Team provides comprehensive legal support for the unique challenges that farming families face.
Our experts in property, wills, trusts, family, employment and corporate law are here to help you navigate everything from farm sales and purchases, agricultural tenancies, resolving disputes and succession planning.
Here are some of the key members of our team:
New Faces, Enhanced Expertise
We are delighted to welcome some new and established experts to our Rural Services Team, who bring even deeper knowledge to the farming community.
This summer, we welcomed Partner Anna Stephenson, an expert in helping farmers protect their assets and plan for the future. Anna joins us from the Durham Dales area and is a trusted practitioner in the region.
We have also been joined by Consultant Derek Pack, a well-known name in family law with nearly 40 years of experience.
Having access to someone with Derek’s extensive background is a huge advantage for our clients as he advises on the unique challenges for farming families.
Planning for the Future
Planning for the future can be especially complex for farming families, particularly with valuable assets that are difficult to divide. Upcoming changes to inheritance tax have also created additional concerns for many and altered the landscape significantly.
Senior Associate Katie Gosling is an expert in navigating these changes. Katie has recently been listed as a “name to watch” by Chambers & Partners, an independent guide to the UK’s top lawyers.
This recognition is a testament to the toptier advice Katie provides and gives our clients confidence that they are in expert hands.
Partner Paul Collingwood and Associate Ed Liddell also bring a wealth of experience advising on private client matters including the administration of complex agricultural estates; succession planning and inheritance tax for business owners; bespoke wills and trusts; and powers of attorney.
Experts in Agricultural Property
Our team, including Solicitor Emily Richardson draw on their expertise and practical understanding of advising clients on sales and purchases of farms and farmland; lending on agricultural property; unregistered land; tenancies; overage; sporting rights; and diversification. With a client-focussed, multi-generational approach, we work as trusted advisors with our clients, land agents, accountants and other professionals to deliver tailored solutions that protect and enhance assets.
As clients increasingly explore alternative income streams such as solar, wind and battery storage projects, we have seen a particular focus on such diversification. With over 30 years’ experience, Partner Paul Liddle has acted for major high profile developments and projects, and has a real specialism in energy and renewables and adapting to change whilst protecting longterm land value and safeguarding assets for future generations.
Support through Disputes and Difficult Decisions
When passing on a family business to the next generation, disputes can unfortunately arise from disagreements over asset division or complications from separations. Our dedicated team is skilled at resolving these complex issues.
Specialising in contentious probate matters, Partner Emma Saunders assists clients with disputes relating to trusts and probate issues such as will challenges, proprietary estoppel and disputes over beneficial interests in property.
Associate Thomas Cumming is also a key member of the Rural Services Team and advises on all aspects of property disputes including tenancy agreements; boundary discrepancies; breaches of covenant; trespass; adverse possession and nuisance.
Whilst these disputes can significantly impact the lives and operations of farmers, landowners and businesses, we understand the unique circumstances of farming families and handle disputes sensitively, always considering the intricate relationships and family dynamics involved.
Protecting and Future-Proofing Farming Businesses
Things are changing for farming businesses and getting the right advice is crucial.
Farming businesses can face challenges involving family members, contractors, and seasonal or casual workers, however, they are still very much bound by the same employment laws as any other sector.
Solicitor Samuel Scott advises our clients on ensuring legal compliance including drafting written contracts; clarifying worker status and managing seasonal and zero-hour contracts; handling holiday pay; putting occupational licences in place and dealing with Employment Tribunal claims.
With the changes associated with the Employment Rights Bill, it is vital employers are up to date with key issues.
Corporate Associate Sophie Townes is also an expert our agricultural clients can rely on. Sophie specialises in helping businesses structure and “future-proof” their operations and advises clients who are considering selling a farm or restructuring.
By talking to Sophie early, you can avoid potential problems and ensure the effective running of your business.
Having so many specialists under one roof means our clients receive comprehensive, integrated advice on every aspect of running and passing on a farm and farming business.
So, whether you’re planning for the future, protecting your assets, or need to discuss any legal issue related to farming, please get in touch.
www.sintons.co.uk