Farming Divorce – A Supportive & Compassionate Approach
Farms and farming communities are integral to rural life and play a vital role in our country’s economy. They are often referred to as the backbone of rural communities, but with the challenges that come with this way of life, families can face unique difficulties when it comes to a farming divorce. That’s why it’s crucial for farmers to have a legal team that understands their particular way of life and the complexities that come with it, like the team at Denney King does.
The life of a farmer is not just a job, it’s a way of life, where farming is intrinsic to their identity. With that being said, it can also be an incredibly isolating existence, where many farmers spend long hours working, with little or no support. This can lead to strained relationships and unfortunately, in some cases, divorce.
One of the biggest challenges facing farmers during divorce is the issue of assets and finances. Many farmers are ‘asset rich’ with capital tied up in land, machinery and livestock, but ‘cash poor’ with very little liquid cash available. The truth is that many farmers work long hours and put in a significant amount of effort, yet their lifestyle is often inconsistent with their declared income. This can make dividing assets during a divorce complicated and time-consuming.
A challenge for lawyers arises out of casual arrangements that many farming families have with each other, family members and neighbouring farms. It is common for farmers to work together in an informal arrangement, where they share equipment and labour when working on various parcels of land. This type of arrangement can make it difficult to determine who owns what, and it can be a complex issue to resolve during divorce proceedings. We at Denney King work closely with our property team in order to ensure accuracy when establishing the legal ownership and occupation of land.
It’s important for farmers to have legal advice and support from lawyers who understand the intricacies of a farmer’s unique way of life and the complexities that come with it. Mercedes and the family team at Denney King are dedicated to providing the support and guidance necessary to navigate these difficulties and achieve the best possible outcome.
Get in touch with Mercedes or Holly for chat if you think you could benefit from our expertise.
