In many cases parents delay handing over their farms because they do not want to feel redundant or dependent on their children. Problems arise when people fail to discuss matters (if at all) until it is much too late. In these circumstances, children and parents can take too much for granted and misunderstand what was expected or intended. Often, families rely too heavily on the use of their wills to solve farm succession issues, which can get caught up in destructive, time-consuming and costly disputes.

See also the Law Topics section on: Wills and farm transfer planning (Some information contain in Law Topics will be specific to Victoria.)