Estate planning can be a challenge for any family. When you consider multi-generational farm families, the process can become more complex. Every member of the family may have their own desires and opinions about the family farm, and this can lead to problems. For those members of the family that currently own the farm, it may be beneficial to consider …
Most parties going through a divorce do not consider the option of keeping the farm business intact. Everyone’s brains (including the lawyers’) typically go to dividing the farm/ranch assets, along with its inventory. However, there is another option: keeping the business intact. This has several advantages, especially if this is a multi-generational farm family business. This requires careful planning and …
One of the biggest hurdles in successfully passing down a family business (with any kind of family business) is training its successors. Same is true with family farming operations or agri-businesses, which require specialized knowledge and skill sets. Failure to do so adequately can mean the end to a family business with the manager deceases or is no longer able …
Last fall I spoke at the American Agriculture Law Association (“AALA”) 32nd Agriculture Law Symposium on partnership agreements for farms and ranches. Although there is likely a better choice of entity, general partnerships are common among the agriculture community and easily overlooked when there is a good relationship among the partners (or family members). Even so, I highly recommend memorializing …
I make no secret on this blog that I believe farmers and ranchers should make sure to get contracts in writing, including farm or ranch leases. I want to stress that this is just as important for a family farm where the Landlord and Tenant may be family members. Even if the Landlord and Tenant are different entities (with the …
I was recently asked whether I handle animal law mediation. And the answer is, “why yes I do.” I am a previous member of the New York State Bar Association Committee on Animals in the Law, New Jersey State Bar Association Committee on Animal Law, and the New York Lawyers’ Association Committee on Animal Law. I have also had …
I will be at the New York State Fair (“NYSF”) in Syracuse from August 29-30 and September 1-2. State Fair time is my favorite time of year. I am a big believer in 4-H and believe that hard work teaches kids how to become good people. I attribute most of my success in life to the fact that I have …
As I noted in this previous post, I am planning a Family/Matrimonial Law seminar series for mental health professionals in New York City and Long Island. I have been contacted by a few therapists in Manhattan that cannot make the seminar next Tuesday. There will be a webinar next fall for those of you who could not make the seminar …
I have two very exciting announcements today. First, this month’s ABA Journal has an article on yours truly! You can read the full article here. I’m very proud to be one of the few cowgirls in NYC (and I think the only agriculture attorney). Thank you to all my family, friends, colleagues, support staff, “ag tweeps” and regular blog readers …