Farming Disputes

Typical challenges:

• The failure to record partnership arrangements in a formal agreement can lead to unexpected consequences, particularly with reference to ownership and beneficial use of property. (Note: costly and divisive battle in Wild v Wild 2018)
• Passing the business to the next generation can create real tensions within the family
• Next generation may have different appetites for involvement in the business, but how to treat all fairly?
• Passage of time or illness in family leaves next generation in conflict over farm management decision-making
• Disagreements are threatening value already created, and hampering creation of future livelihood.

A mediated conversation will cut through communication barriers and introduce a realism to enable family dialogue to focus on:

• Achieving fair outcomes and moving on
• Preserving relations
• Understanding the true cost and divisiveness of a legal battle (Wild v Wild 2018)
• Enabling farm management changes that allow a return to building a successful future.

Other areas where mediation can help

• A dispute over breach of contract, either with customer or supplier