Agricultural law

Farm succession is a central area of agricultural law that is subject to special rules. In Lower Saxony and some other federal states, the Höfeordnung is a special inheritance law for farms. This stipulates that a farm is generally only taken over by one person as the heir to the farm in order to preserve the farm undivided; other heirs (e.g. siblings) only receive compensation. Our law firm supports you in arranging your farm succession in a timely and legally secure manner. Together, we plan transfers to the next generation - whether by will, inheritance contract or farm transfer contract (farm transfer during your lifetime) - and draw up agreements for the retirement portion for the passing generation. We also advise on agricultural inheritance law outside of the farm regulations, for example in accordance with general BGB inheritance law and land ownership law

Court disputesConflicts within the family over farm succession are unfortunately frequent. We represent heirs to farms as well as heirs who do not inherit in inheritance disputes concerning the farm. Thanks to our expertise in agricultural law, we can seek out-of-court solutions or, if necessary, assert your interests before the agricultural court. Typical points of dispute are the status of a farm, the selection of the heir to the farm and the amount of the compensation claims of the co-heirs. This is where legal advice pays off: Early and sound advice can help to avoid intra-family conflicts and ensure a fair transfer of the farm. We are familiar with current case law and know what is important in farm transfers and inheritance disputes.

Another focus of our law firm in Celle is land lease law. Many farmers are landlords or tenants of land. We draft and review lease agreements, clarify questions regarding the lease term, termination or management obligations and enforce your claims arising from land lease agreements, for example for rent or return in proper condition. In the event of disputes regarding the lease - for example regarding notice periods or damage to the lease - we will represent you both in and out of court with the necessary tact and sensitivity.

In agricultural property law, we advise on the purchase, sale or transfer of agricultural land and farmsteads. The acquisition or sale of agricultural and forestry land is often subject to approval (keyword: Land Transfer Act) and is associated with special conditions. We guide you through these procedures, check pre-emptive rights (e.g. of the settlement authority or of tenants) and draft contracts that meet the special requirements of agricultural law. We are also at your side in disputes relating to estates and properties - for example regarding rights of way, boundary lines or rights to a share in farmsteads. Expert advice is particularly important for rural real estate and farm properties in order to avoid lengthy legal disputes.