Ask the lender, agency or advisor for their exact list. This one covers the common ground.Print this checklistDecide who needs to be at the table, including family who do not farmWrite down what each person wants, in their own wordsList what the farm owns: land, equipment, livestock, buildings, entitiesList debts and who has signed for themNote who works on the farm now, and how they are paidList documents that exist: wills, trusts, leases, buy-sell agreements, powers of attorneyChoose a neutral facilitator or extension program if talks stallBook time with an attorney and a tax advisorSet a date for the next meeting before this one endsSources and official linksUSDA Farm Service AgencyFarmers.govIRS Farmers and RanchersLast reviewed: November 12, 2026. See also related guides.