Martin Justice becomes Partner at Gilbert Stephens Solicitors

24th November 2021

We are pleased to announce that Martin Justice, based at our Okehampton Office, has become a partner in the firm. Martin offers advice over a broad range of Private Client work including Wills, LPAs, Trusts and Inheritance Tax Planning, in addition to the administration of estates, trusts and Deputyships. He specialises in advising farmers, rural business owners and high net worth individuals on inheritance tax and succession planning which is often daunting for individuals and, in the case of Inheritance Tax, with the various reliefs and exemptions, can seem a minefield.

Farmers in the UK are increasingly looking for legal assistance to help them navigate the complexities of agricultural law. Agriculture is a growing business across the world, and there is much at stake when it comes to ensuring that farmers have the correct up to date legal knowledge and adequate resources. Gilbert Stephens offers expert advice on all aspects of agriculture law including:

Buying & Selling
Inheritance Tax
Wills for clients with agricultural assets
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Administration of deceased estates
Tenancies
Occupancy
Environmental issues
Sporting Rights
Woodland

Martin said: “I am really proud to have been made a partner of the firm. Since the firm opened an office in Okehampton nearly 4 years ago it has gone from strength to strength thanks to the hard work of all the team here and the support of our clients. I am looking forward to helping continue the growth of the firm in Okehampton and to serving the community in West Devon in the months and years ahead.”

As a result of ever changing agricultural policy, farmers are experiencing many rapid developments. They must keep pace with a wide range of changes such as reforms in CAP, the impact of planning and environmental policy and reforms to the law of agricultural holdings. There is also the ever present need to arrange their affairs in a tax efficient manner.

Whether buying or selling a farm or farmland, dealing with farming assets, letting your property or considering what happens to a farming business in the future, it is important that you are given the correct legal advice. Through our experience in agricultural matters we understand the pressures on the rural community and are well placed to give practical and realistic advice.