Rural Disputes

Disputes in the rural sector often involve deeply personal and longstanding connections to land, property and farming businesses. Whether you are a landowner, farmer, rural business operator or part of a farming partnership, any disagreement can have serious consequences for your livelihood, relationships and future plans.

At JMW, we help clients work through rural disputes with specialist advice and a practical, strategic approach. From agricultural land disputes and commercial disagreements impacting rural businesses to boundary disputes, easement disputes often involving access to land and adverse possession, we have the expertise to resolve even the most complex matters in a timely manner.

Our team acts for clients across England and Wales on rural property disputes, agricultural tenancies, partnership disputes and proprietary estoppel claims. With in-depth experience in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution, we focus on achieving the best outcome while reducing stress and protecting long-term interests.

To speak to a member of our commercial litigation team about resolving an agricultural dispute, call us on 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online contact form and request a call back.

How JMW Can Help

At JMW, we provide tailored, practical advice to farmers, growers, landowners and rural business operators who need to resolve disputes with clarity and purpose. We are acutely aware of the financial pressures faced by the rural economy and we tailor our advice to be commercially astute and delivered in a cost effective way. 

Our commercial litigation team is one of the largest in the North West. With in-depth experience across a wide range of agricultural disputes, we support clients in both resolving immediate issues and protecting their long-term interests. We advise on everything from agricultural property and tenancy disputes to partnership breakdowns and contractual disagreements - all with a strong commercial focus and a clear understanding of the rural economy and rural community.

We operate nationally and work with rural clients across England and Wales. Our approach is built on long-standing client relationships, clear communication and a deep knowledge of both farming businesses and commercial litigation strategy. We take the time to understand your objectives, your working practices, and the pressures unique to the agricultural sector. That way, we can deliver dispute resolution strategies that are not only legally sound but commercially realistic.

Our work in this area is led by Stephen Topping and Nathan Dean. Both Stephen and Nathan are close to rural communities in Lancashire and Cheshire, respectively.

Stephen has worked in commercial litigation for over 25 years, and has developed a strong reputation for advising clients in the farming and rural business community. Based in the North West, Stephen works with clients across the Ribble Valley, Garstang, Lancaster and the South Lakes. His experience, understanding of the sector and track record of successful outcomes make him a trusted adviser for rural clients dealing with disputes involving agricultural matters.

Nathan has a decade of experience in assisting farming families and horse owners to resolve disputes. Based in Cheshire, Nathan is familiar with the distinct legal challenges of rural life and business and has successfully helped clients navigate contractual disputes, misrepresentation claims, and problems arising from defective design and construction of agricultural buildings, machinery and equestrian facilities and vehicles.

Meet Our Team

Case Studies

What Type of Rural Disputes Do We Handle?

We act for farmers, landowners, estates and rural businesses involved in a wide range of disputes. With extensive experience in both agricultural law and commercial litigation, we support clients through complex and high-value matters involving rural property, farming contracts, and business arrangements.

Here are some of the most common types of rural disputes we resolve:

Farming partnership and rural business disputes

When relationships between rural business partners break down, we advise on:

• Disputes over shareholdings and control of farming businesses
• Valuation of farming assets and land
• Asset acquisition, title disputes, and business dissolution
• Proprietary estoppel in family-run enterprises and informal succession arrangements
• Partnership winding up or restructuring

Equestrian and specialist rural services

We advise clients in the equestrian sector on disputes including:

• Misrepresentation in horse auction sales
• Veterinary negligence claims
• Horsebox disputes and installation problems
• Arena construction and international horse race track installation disputes
• Claims arising from breaches of sale contracts or professional services agreements

Each case we handle is approached with the same goal: to resolve disputes efficiently, effectively, and with your commercial and personal objectives in mind. Whether we are advising on litigation or pursuing alternative dispute resolution, our focus is always on securing the best outcome for our clients.

How Do We Resolve Agricultural Disputes?

Every rural dispute is different. Whether the matter involves land, contracts, partnerships or professional negligence, our approach remains the same: to resolve disputes in a timely manner and cost effective manner, with minimal disruption to your business or personal affairs. We do this by combining legal expertise with a clear process that puts your objectives first.

Through our experience of rural disputes, we understand that the rural community is tight-knit and we try to preserve commercial relationships with others in the community where possible. 

We start by reviewing the details of the dispute and providing straightforward advice on your legal position. This includes:

• Reviewing relevant documents such as title deeds, tenancy agreements or supply contracts.
• Identifying the main issues in dispute and any deadlines that apply.
• Advising on your options and likely outcomes.

This initial phase allows you to make informed decisions about how you want to proceed and what outcome you are seeking.

In many agricultural disputes, especially those involving family members, neighbours or long-term business partners, the best starting point is to explore informal resolution. JMW can:

• Draft letters of claim or responses.
• Open without-prejudice discussions.
• Engage with the other side directly or through representatives such as land agents.

Where appropriate, we’ll encourage constructive dialogue to resolve disputes early without the need for formal proceedings.

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

If informal talks are not successful, we often recommend alternative dispute resolution before considering court action. This can include:

• Negotiation: Direct talks to achieve clear, workable outcomes without escalating the dispute
• Mediation: A neutral mediator assists both parties in reaching a voluntary agreement.
• Arbitration: The dispute is submitted to an arbitrator for a binding decision.
• Adjudication: This provides a fast, interim decision by a neutral adjudicator, which can later be reviewed if necessary.
• Early neutral evaluation: An independent legal expert gives a non-binding opinion on the likely outcome of a dispute, helping the parties reassess their positions.

ADR can save time and cost, and help protect business or family relationships where those are ongoing.

Where necessary, we prepare and manage claims through the courts. This includes:

• Drafting and issuing court proceedings.
• Managing evidence, witness statements and expert reports.
• Representing you in hearings and working to bring the case to trial or a negotiated settlement.

We have a strong track record of success in rural litigation and are experienced in dealing with disputes that reach the County Court, High Court and specialist tribunals.

Throughout the process, you’ll deal with specialist solicitors who understand agricultural matters and the rural economy. We aim to provide realistic solutions, supported by our in-depth experience and commitment to achieving the best outcome.