Farming Divorce Solicitors in the East Midlands
Getting divorced is often a fraught and emotional time. If you also run a farm, it can make the divorce proceedings even more stressful.
For many families, farming is their livelihood and is not a job but a way of life. Often a farm will have been in the family for many generations.
You might worry that upon getting a divorce you will have to break up your farm. Or you will have to sell the business and land.
Contact the Family Law teamIf your spouse owns the farm, you might worry that if you divorce, you will lose your house and source of income.
Whether you;
- Are getting divorced yourself, or
- You have passed your farm to an adult child who is getting divorced
And you’re worried about how it will affect your business, our Family Law team are here to help.
On this page:
What steps do I need to take to get a farming divorce?
How can I preserve my family wealth and protect my farming assets during divorce?
Will I have to sell my farm as part of the divorce settlement?
What will happen to my farm if a member of my family divorces?
Do I have to use a solicitor for a farming divorce?
How Do I Get a Farming Divorce?
First, it is important to gather all information relating to the farm.
This includes mortgages, valuations and who owns what. Doing this now will save time and help avoid disputes down the line.
Both parties should also fully disclose;
- All financial assets
- Income and liabilities including bank accounts, business accounts,
- Valuations of the farming land, business and evidence in relation to income stream
Next, you need advice from a divorce solicitor experienced in dealing with farming and agricultural divorce.
This is a complex area. By getting advice early, you can ensure;
- You preserve your farm
- Continue to operate and generate income, as well as
- Keep it to pass on to future generations.
How Can I Preserve My Family Wealth and Protect My Farming Assets During Divorce?
It’s crucial to put a plan in place in advance, which considers;
- Your family’s circumstances, and
- The specifics of your farming business,
This could be in the form of a pre-nuptial agreement, if you are not yet married. If you’re already married, a post-nuptial agreement will set out how you’ll divide current and future assets if you do divorce.
Partnership agreements are also often used by farming businesses. They can state in writing which assets are owned by individuals and which are owned by the partnership.
You might also consider a family, or discretionary trust. This can protect your family assets as well as minimise tax by dividing farm income.
Will I Have to Sell My Farm as Part of the Divorce Settlement?
It’s unlikely that the court would order you to sell the farm as part of the divorce settlement. This is because it would take away your home as well as your source of income.
If other family members own or live on the farm, then it’s sale would also have a significant impact on them.
In some cases, land can be transferred between spouses as part of the divorce settlement. Or, other distributable assets will be considered to avoid selling part of or all the farm.
What Will Happen to My Farm if a Family Member Divorces?
If you have provided;
- Financial support, or
- Housing
to an adult child during their marriage and they get divorced, the Court will consider this when deciding upon settlement.
So it’s crucial to consider the implications of supporting family during their marriage. Especially where you have built up your wealth through a farming business.
Do I Have to Use a Solicitor For a Farming Divorce?
You could apply for the divorce yourself. However, sorting out financial matters resulting from the divorce will need specialist advice.
Farming divorces can be especially complex as the business may have been inherited by one party prior to the marriage. Also, farms are often owned by many family members. As such, their interests and rights also need to be considered. It is important to record any agreement by way of a binding court order.
Additionally, if you own the farm you may want to keep it after the divorce because it generates an income. You might also wish to leave it to future generations.
If;
- Any trusts or gifts have been made, or
- There are contractual arrangements or farming tenancies
This can add further challenges.
Do I Need to Go to Court?
In most cases, you do not need to go to court for a farming divorce. Unless of course, you are unable to reach an amicable resolution.
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is another option that can help couples reach a quick and amicable agreement. This could be in the form of mediation, collaboration or arbitration.
How Are Farming Divorces Dealt With by the Court?
The court usually starts by looking at a 50-50 split, depending on the length of the marriage.
The court will also consider whether an equal division of assets is the fairest option. When doing this they will consider a range of factors, including:
- The needs of any children from the marriage
- The income/earning capacity of both parties
- The financial resources of both parties
- The financial needs of each spouse
- The contribution each party has made or will make towards the welfare of the family
- Any physical or mental disabilities of either of the parties
- How best to preserve the farm as a source of income
- The viability of passing the business on to future generations
- Whether the farm is a marital or non-marital asset
Why Choose Rothera Bray For a Farming Divorce?
We will discuss your case with you in detail. This includes visiting the farm to understand;
- How it operates, and
- What family members are involved in its running
We can work with our Corporate and Commercial team to give advice about the structure of your farm. Whether it is a partnership, family trust or limited liability company. As well as how you can protect your corporate assets in a family-owned business
We can liaise with our Wills and Probate team on inheritance and succession planning as well as trust arrangements
We can also advise on pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. This will set out arrangements for how your farm and assets will be divided if you should divorce in the future
We can advise on cohabitation agreements if you are in a new relationship and are both making financial or practical contributions to the business
We have a network of professionals including accountants and financial advisers we can put you in touch with to advise you on tax and financial ramifications.
Send us a message

“No two divorces are the same, but we can help you navigate your farming divorce with sensitivity and compassion.”
Rebecca Emeleus
Family Law Partner
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Posted 18 April 2025
This divorce started off as a very stressful time for me, but the professional support, on a very specialised subject, provided by Rothera Bray, made all the difference... I can only describe Rebecca as my “GUARDIAN ANGEL” who manifested in human form to offer guidance, support and protection. At the very first telephone call I had with Rebecca, I could sense only fantastic positive vibes, that made me feel comfortable.
A Mullath
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Posted 11 April 2025
I recently had the pleasure of working with Rothera Bray Solicitors during a challenging divorce process, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Their guidance and support were invaluable, making a difficult time much more manageable. A special shout-out to Rebecca Hudson, my solicitor, who was exceptional throughout the entire process. Rebecca's expertise, compassion, and dedication were evident from our first interaction. She provided clear, practical advice and was always available to answer my questions, no matter how small. Her professionalism and empathy helped me navigate the complexities of divorce with confidence and peace of mind.
Paul
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Posted 1 April 2025
Emma Adcock has by far been outstanding in all aspects of her role. Nothing was ever too much, her quick response to my questions (there were many!) and her knowledge and professionalism were outstanding. Again I cannot express how grateful I am to her. I have felt heard and my situation understood fully. I would highly recommend Rotheras Bray.
Kelly Neave
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Posted 31 March 2025
Thank you for checking in, I am so happy it is over I feel like a new woman. You have been amazing I really appreciate everything you have done for me.
Divorce Client
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Posted 14 March 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Emily on my case, and I couldn't be more impressed with her professionalism, knowledge, and dedication. From the very start, she was clear, supportive, and highly responsive, making what could have been a stressful process feel much more manageable. Emily's attention to detail and ability to explain complex legal matters in a straightforward way gave me confidence throughout. She handled everything efficiently and kept me informed at every stage, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome. I highly recommend Emily to anyone in need of a reliable and skilled solicitor. Her expertise and client-focused approach truly set her apart. Thank you, Emily, for your outstanding work!
L Malcolm
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Posted 10 March 2025
On a personal note, I know there is still some way to go, I just wanted to express my gratitude for your help and sage advice you have provided. It is really appreciated and it has been an absolute pleasure dealing with you. Thank you!
Family Law Client
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Posted 20 February 2025
I cannot fault the service and advice I have received from Rebecca and Cindy throughout my difficult, acrimonious and complicated divorce. They have helped me get my life back on track. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves in a similar situation to mine.
Mr H
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Posted 4 February 2025
I highly recommend Emma Adcock at Rothera Bray solicitors, she was most knowledgeable and helpful as well as understanding of my needs to implement my financial settlement and clean break order. She was easy to talk too, was not pushy and explained everything in easy to understand language when you are going through difficult and challenging times you need someone like Emma there to help and guide you and that she did. Thank you for all you did for me and my children.
K Ryan
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Posted 23 January 2025
Emily Sherwood at Rothera Bray was a brilliant solicitor from start to finish. She was thorough, efficient, kind, helpful and I couldn’t have got through it all without her. Her expertise and knowledge was second to none which gave me the reassurance I needed at various points. I couldn’t recommend Emily highly enough, a true professional who supported me wholeheartedly every step of the way.
Gemma
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Posted 17 January 2025
Emily Sherwood was absolutely brilliant throughout my child arrangement proceedings. Emily demonstrated exceptional professionalism, knowledge, and compassion, ensuring that every step of the process was handled meticulously. Her guidance and dedication gave me the confidence to navigate a challenging situation, and her commitment to achieving the best possible outcome truly shone through. Thanks to Emily's expertise and support, we achieved the right outcome for my family. I am incredibly grateful for her hard work and would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone in need of a first-class solicitor.
TM
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Posted 12 November 2024
I want to thank you for your advice and suggested next steps including assistance with my final statement, which played a significant part in the court's final decision making, which I believe is in the best possible outcome for my children’s future. You got to the bottom of the issue straight away and provided simple and effective advice which made a huge difference to the outcome. I spent over a year using another solicitor whose advice in hindsight prolonged the whole process – whereas you simply got to the point which achieved the desired outcome. I also want to thank you for being there for me and caring about the best possible outcome happening, this spirit of going above and beyond makes your services very special and sets you aside from at least some of the other firms out there providing similar services. You are a credit to Rothera Bray.
Mr H
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Posted 9 October 2024
I have used Rothera Bray and do not usually leave reviews. My solicitor was Emily Sherwood she was fantastic. I hopefully never need to use them again but if it I do I would definitely try to get Emily again. She was very friendly did everything that I asked and advised me on things I did not even think about. Thank you
Leanne

Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner & Chairwoman
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors. Working from our Nottingham and Derby offices, Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children matters.

Joanne Millward
Partner & Head of Family Law
Joanne Millward is Head of Rothera Bray’s Family Law department and has over 30 years’ experience dealing in all areas of Family Law in our Nottingham Lace Market, Derby, Beeston and Mapperley offices.

David Berridge
Partner
David has over 30 years’ experience practicing Family Law. He is one of the most experienced family solicitors in Leicestershire and deals with a wide variety of matters.

Rebecca Emeleus
Family Partner & Head of Talent & Resourcing
Rebecca is a Partner in the family team and is based at our Kayes walk, Nottingham office.

Sarah Gill
Partner
Sarah is an experienced matrimonial and family law solicitor, dealing with children matters including Child Care, Financial issues following separation of married couples and divorce. She undertakes court work in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. She is based at our Market Harborough office.

Charley Kelly
Associate Solicitor
Charley is an experienced Family Associate Solicitor who specialises in all areas of Family law. She acts for clients on a wide range of family issues including divorce, financial remedy and children matters. She is based at our Leicester office.

Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.

Emma Adcock
Solicitor
Emma Adcock is a Solicitor with over 20 years’ experience across a wide range of family law matters arising from relationship breakdown. Working from our West Bridgford office in Nottingham, she has significant experience in divorce and the accompanying financial settlements.

Rebecca Hudson
Solicitor
Rebecca is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family Law department and specialises in divorce and matrimonial work. She is based at our Lace Market office.

Gabriella Kent
Solicitor
Gabriella Kent is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices.

Christopher Monro
Senior Solicitor
Chris is an experienced solicitor dealing with most areas of Family and Matrimonial Law and is based at our Market Harborough office.

Emily Sherwood
Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.

Cindy Dodd
Senior Paralegal
Cindy Dodd is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Family Law team and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.

Gita Patel
Senior Legal Secretary
Gita Patel is a Senior Legal Secretary in the Family Law department at Rothera Bray and is based at our Leicester office.

Lorraine Lloyd
Paralegal
Lorraine is a Paralegal in the Family Department based at our Market Harborough office.

Tracey Cosgrove
Legal Secretary
Tracey is a legal secretary in the Family department based at our Leicester office.

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