Martin is a Partner and head of Tozers’ Dispute Resolution team, with over two decades of experience in dispute resolution. He acts for a broad range of clients, including businesses, charities, schools, social enterprises, and individuals, delivering clear, strategic advice on a wide variety of contentious issues.
Martin has particular expertise in contentious trusts and probate, a field in which he is a recognised specialist and a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS). His extensive experience in this sensitive area of law includes representing clients in complex will and trust disputes, often at emotionally difficult times. He is known for his calm, empathetic approach, helping clients navigate high-stake situations with clarity and confidence.
Alongside his probate work, Martin regularly advises on construction disputes, contractual disagreements, insolvency matters, professional negligence claims, and high-value debt recovery. His cases span the County Court, High Court, and Supreme Court, as well as the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal. He is particularly skilled in mediation and is highly regarded for resolving disputes effectively outside the courtroom.
Martin plays a key role in the firm’s thought leadership, delivering seminars on employment law, insolvency, and probate litigation, and contributing regularly to Tozers’ Insights.
He is also a member of the Charity Law Association and works closely with charities and not-for-profits, especially in the development of Tozers’ specialist offering in contentious trusts and estates within the charity sector.
Outside of work, Martin is actively involved in his local community. He is a trustee of the SW Police Heritage Trust, Chair of Governors at a local primary school, and supports several local charities. A devoted family man with two young daughters, Martin enjoys spending time with his family and, on sunny days, can often be found sailing his boat down the Exe.
“The range of work I undertake for clients enables me to give practical and commercial advice as well as the legal advice all clients would expect of me. I am a firm believer in understanding your objective from the outset and working towards it from day one.”
Martin Laver
Martin has specialist expertise in contentious probate and wills disputes. He is a member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS), reflecting the depth of his experience in advising clients on disputes involving wills, trusts, estates, deputies, and attorneys.
Martin understands the sensitive nature of these matters, which often arise at a difficult and emotional time. He combines empathy with a strategic, solution-focused approach to help clients contest or defend a will or trust, including:
- Disputed wills
- Inheritance Act claims
- Intestacy disputes
- Complex Trust disputes
- Proprietary Estoppel claims
- Advising charities and legacy officers
- Disputes involving executors
- Matters involving deputies and attorneys
His experience includes complex, high-value disputes, and he is particularly adept at resolving matters through mediation. Martin acts for individuals as well as charitable organisations. Martin’s work in contentious probate covers all the Courts in England & Wales, representing clients where both financial stakes and family relationships are involved.
Recognised for his sensitivity and pragmatic advice, Martin works closely with clients to find the best resolution — whether through negotiation, mediation, or formal proceedings. He also delivers seminars and contributes articles on disputed trusts and wills.