Practical rural law advice, farm transfers and dispute resolution for farmers and agribusinesses across Wangaratta and the north-east.
Hendersons Legal acts for farmers, agribusinesses and rural property owners throughout Victoria. Founded in 2001 by David Henderson, our firm works closely with rural clients to give practical, commercial advice and clear solutions. The north-east around Wangaratta covers vineyards through the King Valley and Rutherglen, beef and grazing across the river flats, and mixed farming up into the ranges.
Farm Succession, Transfers and Structuring
Much of our rural work happens well before any dispute. We help farming families plan how land and businesses pass to the next generation, and we structure transfers so they are clean, tax-effective and hard to argue about later. Our farm succession and transfer work includes:
- Family farm succession planning, including how to divide land, machinery and business interests fairly between family members and how to record those intentions clearly
- Farm transfers between generations, including advice on eligibility for the Victorian family farm stamp duty exemption and the young farmers duty concession
- Buying and selling rural property, including primary production land, water entitlements and rural conveyancing
- Agribusiness and farm lease agreements, including drafting and reviewing terms before you sign
- Business structuring and asset protection, including trusts, partnerships and company structures for farm operations
Getting the structure right early usually costs far less than untangling it later. If you are planning a transfer or thinking about who will run the farm next, we can help you map out the options.
Buying and Selling Rural Property Around Wangaratta
Rural transactions are not ordinary conveyancing. Water, plant, stock, leases, licences and multiple titles all need to be dealt with in the contract, and the duty position can change depending on how the transfer is structured. We are a full-service firm with licensed conveyancers and solicitors in the one team, so the transaction work is handled efficiently and a solicitor is on hand the moment something needs legal attention. If your matter is a straightforward house or land purchase, see our conveyancing lawyers Wangaratta page.
Resolving Farm and Agribusiness Disputes
As experienced rural litigation lawyers, we provide a full range of support for farm and agribusiness disputes, including:
- Dispute assessment and strategy, evaluating your claims and developing a plan to resolve issues quickly
- Negotiation and mediation, facilitating and taking part in settlement discussions and documenting the terms of any settlement
- Court and tribunal representation, acting for you at VCAT and, where required, in the County Court and Supreme Court of Victoria
Many farm matters overlap with our other practice areas. We draw on our employment law and debt collection and insolvency experience for restructures and worker claims, and on our wills, estates and will disputes team for succession and inheritance matters.
Why Choose Hendersons Legal
Proven Rural Experience
Since 2001 we have advised farmers and agribusinesses throughout Victoria on rural property, contracts, succession and disputes. Our lawyers are experienced and well regarded in the rural sector, and we pride ourselves on practical, personalised service.
No Need to Travel from Wangaratta
Our office in Melbourne’s CBD is steps from all major Victorian courts and tribunals, including VCAT, which matters when a dispute needs to be run. For Wangaratta clients, meetings happen by Zoom, phone call or email, and documents are signed electronically, so you get the same advice without the drive.
Transparent Pricing
We are legally obliged to provide a cost estimate before we commence work, which is confirmed in a Disclosure Statement and Costs Agreement setting out our terms and conditions.
A Practical, Common-Sense Approach
We work to get results efficiently, with strategies grounded in the realities of farming. We keep communication clear and prioritise outcomes that cause minimal disruption to your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the vines if I lease a vineyard near Wangaratta?
It depends entirely on what the lease says, which is why the terms matter so much. Plantings usually become part of the land, so a tenant who establishes vines can lose the value of that investment at the end of the term unless the lease provides for compensation, a right of renewal or an option to purchase. We draft and review these terms before you commit.
Is there a stamp duty exemption for transferring a family farm in Victoria?
Yes. Victoria offers a family farm exemption and a young farmers concession that can reduce or remove stamp duty on eligible primary production land. Eligibility depends on who is involved, how the land is used and how the transfer is structured, so it is worth getting advice before you sign anything.
What are common farm disputes in Victoria?
Planning appeals, neighbour conflicts, lease disputes and succession issues are the most common farm disputes in Victoria. We provide practical, up-to-date advice on each.
How do I resolve a rural property dispute in Victoria?
Legal advice helps identify the issues and the strength of your claims. Many disputes resolve through private mediation; others may proceed to the County Court, Supreme Court or VCAT if required.
Do I have to come to Melbourne to see you?
No. We act for rural clients across Victoria by Zoom, phone call and email, with documents signed electronically. We only ask you to attend in person where a matter genuinely requires it.
How long do farm disputes take to resolve in Victoria?
Mediation can resolve matters in weeks; litigation may take months. We prioritise efficiency to minimise disruption to your farm and business.
How It Works
To get started, call us or fill out our online enquiry form with the details of your matter. We will confirm the scope of work, provide a fee estimate and get to work, keeping you fully briefed at every stage.
Speak to an Agribusiness Lawyer About Your Wangaratta Farm
If you are planning a succession or transfer, reviewing an agreement, or facing a rural dispute around Wangaratta, early advice protects your position. Call (03) 9629 2211 or complete our online enquiry form, and one of our agribusiness lawyers will be in touch.
