Preserve your legacy. Protect your land.

Managing an agricultural estate involves more than day-to-day operations - it’s about planning for the future. At Porter Dodson, we help landowners, farmers, and rural businesses protect their assets, reduce tax exposure, and ensure a smooth transition to the next generation.

Our experienced team provides tailored legal advice on succession, inheritance tax, trusts, and business structuring - all designed to safeguard your agricultural legacy and support long-term sustainability.

How We Help

Succession Planning for Agricultural Estates

Strategic advice on passing land, assets, and management responsibilities to future generations
Balancing family dynamics with business needs
Structuring partnerships or trusts to support long-term continuity

Inheritance Tax (IHT) Planning

Minimising IHT through Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR)
Advising on lifetime gifts, charitable donations, and tax-efficient transfers
Structuring estates to reduce tax burdens for heirs

Trusts & Estate Management

Establishing and managing family, land, or business trusts
Ongoing trust administration and compliance
Protecting agricultural assets for future generations

Tax-Efficient Business Structures

Advising on partnerships, family companies, and sole proprietorships
Restructuring for operational and tax efficiency
Supporting estate planning through business model optimisation

Will Writing & Estate Administration

Drafting clear, comprehensive wills tailored to agricultural estates
Probate and estate administration services
Managing asset distribution and legal obligations after death

Land & Property Tax Advice

Guidance on SDLT, land value tax, and other property-related taxes
Tax planning for land sales, transfers, and development
Ensuring compliance while maximising tax efficiency

Dispute Resolution in Agricultural Estates

Resolving inheritance, succession, and family disputes
Mediation, negotiation, and litigation support
Protecting relationships and preserving the agricultural legacy

I have used Porter Dodson over very many years. Their level of personal service, professionalism and understanding is incomparable. I would be very happy to recommend and appoint Porter Dodson for any legal advice. In particular I would like to express my personal thanks to Vicki Thyer who has advised, guided me and given me such confidence through several matters but very recently the recent probate of my late Father. I cannot thank you enough.

Andrew

It has always been a great pleasure to deal with Marie as she is friendly, warm and courteous and what is more, she has always responded promptly to my emails as well as answering any queries I may have had in a most helpful and reassuring manner which I have very much appreciated. Based on my recent experience, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Marie's professional services.

Catherine

As Executor for my late husband ‘s will, I have been impressed by the service I have received from Porter Dodson Solicitors Wellington. Without exception, I have been treated with courtesy and kindness by the staff members I have had contact with throughout the process of obtaining Grant of Probate. Their professionalism is outstanding and I have been kept informed throughout. I have no hesitation in using their services in the future should the occasion arise. I felt their fees are reasonable and kept to the minimum where possible.

Judith

Ellice was very helpful and professional, she guided us through each stage of the documents that we completed and was very patient with us.

Private Client