Succession planning can feel overwhelming. Far from the simplicity of watching the rugby or cricket. The process requires balancing deeply personal goals with long-term strategy.

You might be wondering what matters most:

• Keeping the farm in the family?
• Ensuring financial security for retirement?
• Giving a child the chance to farm?
• Treating all children fairly – or equally?
• Strengthening family relationships?
• Maintaining independence?
• Avoiding risk with the legacy you’ve built?

Answers to these questions all matter.

Where It Can Go Wrong

Learning from others’ mistakes is helpful, to choose a different path. Inaction isn’t the answer. We’ve seen it all before, including:

1. Family fallout:  Succession decisions can fracture relationships.  The Christmas table is empty and the off-farm kids are distant
2. Mum and Dad left vulnerable:  Prioritising the farm meant giving away too much, too soon. The cash reserves are gone. Retirement security? Uncertain
3. Broken promises:  The on-farm child committed early with the promise of ownership, only for the farm to be sold years later. The trust and relationship were broken
4. Control never handed over:  Legal ownership passed, but not practical control.  Family tensions play out in front of staff
5. The missing prenup:  A future child-in-law or new spouse is part of the family in every way, except the prenup conversations never happened
6. Weak implementation and legal structures:  Without clear legal and financial structures, plans unravel under pressure.  Vague promises aren’t enough

The solution, engage early.  We’ve seen the best and the worst.  We know how to help avoid the pitfalls.  Done right, succession planning can be a process that protects the farm, the family and the future, with everyone still around the table at Christmas lunch.  We’d be proud to support you through your journey.