Legacy Planning for Huntingtown Farm Owners | Haskell & Dyer Estate Attorney
If you own farmland in or around Huntingtown, you already know your land isn’t just dirt.
It’s history.
It’s hard work.
And for many families I work with, it’s a legacy they want to protect for the next generation.
But passing down agricultural land takes more than just a will.
It takes a smart plan that protects the property, keeps the family together, and avoids unnecessary taxes or forced sales.
Let’s talk about how to do that.
The Risk of Doing Nothing
I’ve seen what happens when a farm owner passes away without an estate plan.
The land goes through probate.
That means delays, legal fees, and in many cases, confusion among family members about who gets what and how.
Sometimes the farm ends up split between children who can’t agree.
Other times, the estate faces tax bills that force a sale.
And in the worst cases, development pressure or zoning changes can quickly turn farmland into commercial lots or housing tracts.
That’s why legacy planning matters.
Conservation Easements: Keep It Farmland Forever
If you want your land to stay a farm even after you’re gone, a conservation easement is a powerful tool.
It’s a legal agreement that limits what can be built or developed on your land.
You still own it.
You can still farm it. But it ensures the land won’t be turned into a shopping center or subdivision down the road.
In Maryland, you may also be eligible for property tax benefits or state funding if you place your land under an agricultural preservation program.
I help clients evaluate if this makes sense based on their goals and the land’s value.
LLCs and Family-Owned Land
Another smart move is placing the farmland into a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
This gives you more control over how the land is managed, transferred, or protected from liabilities.
If your children or grandchildren want to farm the land or inherit it without red tape, an LLC can make the process smoother.
It can also prevent future legal issues if multiple people are involved in decision-making.
Generation-Skipping Trusts: A Tool for Grandparents
If you’re thinking long-term, a generation-skipping trust might be the right fit.
This allows you to pass assets like farmland directly to your grandchildren, while skipping a layer of estate taxes that would apply if you passed it to your children first.
It’s a bit more complex, but for families with valuable land, it can save tens of thousands in taxes over time.
And it ensures the property is preserved well beyond just the next generation.
Every Family’s Legacy Is Different
I’ve worked with Huntingtown families who wanted their land farmed, rented, preserved, or even donated after their lifetime.
The key is knowing your goals and building a plan around them.
Legacy planning isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about values.
It’s about protecting what matters most: your family, your land, and your story.
If you’re ready to talk through options and make sure your farm stays in the family, I’d be honored to help.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
Matthew J. Dyer, Esq.
Estate Attorney | Haskell & Dyer, Upper Marlboro, MD
