Succession planning is one of the most challenging aspects of farm management. It involves transferring the ownership, management and operation of the farm business from one generation to the next, while balancing the needs and expectations of all family members.
Why It Matters
Without a clear succession plan, family farms are vulnerable to conflict, inefficiency and the potential loss of assets built up over generations. A well-structured plan provides certainty for all parties and ensures the long-term viability of the business.
Our Approach
We work with farm families to develop succession plans that are practical, equitable and legally sound. Our process includes:
- Understanding the objectives and concerns of all family members, both on and off the farm
- Assessing the financial capacity of the business to support a succession
- Identifying the most appropriate structure for transferring ownership and management
- Coordinating with legal and financial advisers to ensure the plan is properly implemented
- Facilitating family discussions to reach agreement on key decisions
Estate Planning
Succession planning works hand-in-hand with estate planning. We assist clients to ensure their estate plans reflect their succession intentions and provide for all family members in a manner that is consistent with their wishes.
Don Naunton holds a Certificate in Commercial Mediation (1995) and has extensive experience facilitating the sensitive conversations that succession and estate planning require.