Martin Oliver
Martin specialises in inheritance disputes such as contesting a will and litigation involving wills and trusts.
About Martin
Martin regularly acts in matters concerning high profile estates and matters reported in the national press including the leading authority Ilott v Mitson UKSC 2015/0203 which was heard in the Supreme Court on 12 December 2016. .
Martin regularly advises families on what to do if they think that the deceased lacked the mental capacity to make a will or was subject to undue influence. He advises on how to make applications to substitute or remove executors, claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 and how to deal with proprietary estoppel or resulting/constructive trust claims.
Martin is listed as a Ranked Lawyer in Private Wealth Disputes in the 2024 edition of the Chambers High Net Worth Guide.
Martin is exceptionally talented and adeptly tactful in his approach to litigation.
Experience
Martin is an experienced advocate having qualified as a solicitor-advocate (all Higher Courts) in November 2005. He specialises in inheritance disputes and has acted in high profile matters including the leading authority Ilot v Mitson UKSC 2015/0203 which was heard in the Supreme Court on 12 December 2016.
He has also acted in a contentious probate dispute involving the Estate of Gerry Rafferty (high profile singer). Further he has dealt with matters which are now leading authorities in relation to domicile issues/injunctions involving probate matters and also costs, most notably Morris v Davies & 4 others [2012] EWHC 1981(Ch) and Wharton v Bankcroft [2012] WTLR 693 and [2012] WTLR (Costs).
In addition, Martin is recognised as a specialist in contentious trust and probate work and is a Member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS). ACTAPS were set up in 1997 for lawyers specialising in contentious trust and probate work.
Career
After graduating from Durham University in 1997, Martin completed the Common Professional Examination and Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, York. Martin trained and qualified in Birmingham before moving to Wright Hassall in 2006. He was promoted to partner in 2008 and has grown the contentious probate team significantly.
Memberships
Interests
Martin spends his spare time cycling, travelling and looking after guide dogs in training.
"Provided very efficient service, kept us informed all the way. Explained everything. Conducted themselves in a friendly, efficient, professional manner."
