Farm, land and business
Farm, land and small-business law
Land is usually a family's largest asset and a business its living. We help you buy, rent, run and pass on both, with paperwork that survives the next generation.
Farm succession
A plan for handing the farm to a son, daughter or neighbor, and treating the other children fairly.
Farmland leases
Cash-rent and crop-share leases in writing, with the notice dates spelled out.
Buying and selling land
Home, acreage and farmland purchases, from the offer to the closing.
Easements, fences and drainage
Access lanes, fence lines and tile drains between neighbors, settled before they become disputes.
Starting a business
Choosing between an LLC, a partnership or a corporation, and filing it properly.
Contracts and business sales
Contracts, commercial leases, and buying or selling a business or its equipment.
Around the table
We read the papers before you sign them
Daniel and Ruth review the title, the survey and every contract before a closing or a lease starts. If something is wrong, an old easement, a missing signature or a boundary off by a rod, we find it while it's still easy to fix.
Bring to the first meeting
The deed, lease or contract you have
Any survey or abstract of title
The names of everyone on the land or in the business
Common questions
Should our farm be in an LLC?
Sometimes. It can help with passing the farm on and with liability, but it changes taxes and leases. We'll talk it through with your accountant.
Do I need a lawyer to buy a house?
You're not required to have one, but we review the title and the purchase agreement so there are no surprises at closing.
Can you help with a dispute with a neighbor?
Yes. Most fence, drainage and access disputes settle with a letter and a meeting. When they don't, we take them to court.
How do you charge for business work?
Setting up a business and most closings are a flat fee, quoted in writing. Disputes are billed by the hour.
Bring us your farm, land or business question
Call the office or send a short note. We'll set up a first meeting.