Florence Arbuthnott

Senior Associate
Wills, Probate and Disputed Estates

Contact Florence

  • A private client team offering a range of services to assist with private client matters including trust and probate services. A friendly approach with a keen eye for detail.

    Legal 500 2024

  • I have been a client of this firm for a number of years and been impressed by particular individuals, the care and thoughtfulness with which they have worked.

    Legal 500 2024

  • An efficient firm which provides an excellent service at highly competitive charging rates.

    Legal 500 2024

  • The team receives a steady flow of instructions from high-net-worth individuals and families on an array of tax planning, wealth preservation, estate and succession planning issues

    Legal 500 2024

  • I think this firm has excellent strength and depth in this area, for both contentious and non-contentious work, and they can hold their own against any other firm.

    Legal 500 2024

  • I have found them to be incredibly knowledgeable and pragmatic in settling claims for their clients.

    Legal 500 2024

  • The contested estates team is strong with talented young solicitors doing good quality work

    Legal 500 2024

  • The nimble team acts for a broad range of high-net-worth individuals and families on a variety of complex estate and trust litigation.

    Legal 500 2024

  • Osbornes has a ‘strong private client department’ and ‘the firm seems to be going from strength to strength’.

    Legal 500 2024

  • Thank you for managing my case, following a complete fiasco before I contacted Osbornes Law. I know that the work involved was rather complicated, possibly frustrating and often time consuming. I was impressed with your current knowledge of the case when we had the first meeting at your office. I regard a face-to-face meeting as imperative in developing positive relationships. Members of your team, such as Alex and Ella were impressive too, with their efficient, friendly manner of working.
    I am grateful for your patience, advice and excellent support at a difficult time. Hopefully it won't be necessary to contact you again regarding this matter! I will definitely use Osbornes Law in the future.

    Client

  • "I wish to thank you for your advice, efficiency and professionalism throughout which has been greatly appreciated."

    Client review

  • "I am proud to be a private client of Osbornes Solicitors LLP, a client of many years. I appreciate the swift and efficient work of the Private Client Department Team."

    Client

  • "Jan Atkinson, with her steely, steady, calming presence, instils confidence in the most highly-strung of us clients. With her masterful knowledge of the law, old and new, and its application, Jan can navigate through the most complex of cases to a successful end."

    Legal 500 2021

  • "I find Osbornes’ client-friendly approach welcoming and refreshing"

    Legal 500 2021

  • "A medium-sized London firm dealing with big litigation and doing it extremely well because of a depth of expertise and experience."

    Legal 500 2021

  • My family had the pleasure of Jan Atkinson working with us on the will and probate issues of [my mother's] estate in Camden and Ireland after she passed on last year. Jan and her assistant(s) offered us a fantastic service at a sad time.

    Client Review

  • "Jan Atkinson stands out for her wide-ranging knowledge and experience of estates; whatever problem you throw at her, she has seen it all before and is able to find a creative and sustainable solution. She has exceptional commitment to her clients and explores every avenue to find the best solution for them"

    Legal 500 2021 - Jan Atkinson

  • The team is very caring, experienced and detailed and was clear about the  next steps and offered very helpful advice and suggestions

    Legal 500

  • Jan Atkinson has extensive experience in private client matters, which underpins her excellent skills in the contentious probate area. Plus she is strong on international matters

    Legal 500 2020 - Jan Atkinson

  • A small but formidable team, punching above its weight. Jan Atkinson is a seasoned pro. Approachable but no push-over

    Legal 500 2020 - Jan Atkinson

  • "They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."

    Chambers UK

  • "Elspeth Neilson is very reliable and practical."

    The Legal 500

  • "The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."

    The Legal 500

  • "The team were extremely professional in putting my needs first. There was a joined-up approach to catering for the client, and all lawyers involved were briefed and constructive."

    Chambers UK

  • The situation was handled by your extremely competent, efficient hands - I would not hesitate to recommend Osbornes to others.

    Wills, Probate and Disputed Estate Client

  • "Service prompt and effective. I have absolute confidence in Maggie."

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • I am happy with the service that I got and would recommend you to other potential clients.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • I found Osbornes always very helpful and efficient.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • We are very pleased with the services of Osbornes. Highly professional and through with close attention to detail.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • I would highly recommend Jan Atkinson in any probate matter and Osbornes Solicitors in any other legal matters.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • Jan Atkinson is a very proficient lady whom I would highly recommend to anyone involved in probates.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • Thanks for all your work and explaining everything so clearly. For any legal matters in the future I would not hesitate in instructing Osbornes.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • We have found your service to date as the most informative we have come across.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • Osbornes Solicitors always responded promptly to any request for information I had.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • “Geoffrey’s affairs were dealt with just the right combination of friendliness and professionalism, which really helped.”

     

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • Jan Atkinson is confident with a straightforward approach. Her practice covers both contentious and non-contentious matters, including wealth planning and estate administration.

    Chambers UK

  • I would like to thank everyone in my case for the excellent job!

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates client

News & InsightsVIEW ALL

  1. Forged will pic
    22.3.2024

    Forged Wills

    If the contents of a will comes as a surprise, then one of the things to consider is whether the...

    Read more
  2. 14.2.2024

    What is Proprietary Estoppel?

    What is Estoppel? In general terms, estoppels operate where one party has acted on the basis of a statement made...

    Read more
  3. 14.2.2024

    Duties of Trustees

    When someone sets up a trust, they will appoint trustees to manage the trust and its assets. The exact duties...

    Read more
  4. Deed of variation to a will
    3.11.2023

    Deed of Variation: Making a Change to an...

    What is a deed of variation? After someone dies, it is possible for the beneficiaries to change the way the...

    Read more
  5. Constructive Trusts
    31.10.2023

    Constructive Trusts

    Property rights are not always clear-cut. Sometimes, a person who does not legally own a property could be entitled to...

    Read more
  6. man looking at a lake
    31.8.2023

    Can Someone With Dementia Make A Will or...

    It’s a sad reality in an ageing population that more people than ever suffer from dementia in the UK....

    Read more
  7. waiting
    31.8.2023

    Can a Lasting Power of Attorney Be Challenged?

    The number of people recognising the importance of making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) has risen dramatically in recent...

    Read more
  8. older lady
    2.8.2023

    Undue Influence in Wills

    Contesting a Will Due to Undue Influence Undue influence occurs when someone pressurises another person to change their Will in...

    Read more
  9. 10 tips
    26.7.2023

    Wills Disputes: The Duty To Account Is Not...

    Beneficiaries frequently ask us whether trustees or personal representatives can be required to provide a financial account. Their request may...

    Read more
  10. international map and money
    9.6.2023

    Will Dispute Case Law

    New Births And New Relationships? Review Your Will To Avoid A Dispute You’d imagine a wealthy businessman with assets...

    Read more
  11. diamond held by tweezers
    9.6.2023

    Proprietary Estoppel Case Law

    On A Lick And A Promise? The First Hurdle In Proprietary Estoppel Claims Solicitors are increasingly instructed by clients who...

    Read more
  12. older couple
    9.6.2023

    Of Bad Character: Undue Influence Claim Succeeds

    Naidoo v Barton: undue influence and the risks of mutual wills Can someone’s bad character be used to prove...

    Read more
  13. lady holding a cup
    22.5.2023

    Case Law: Dementia-Induced Mild Cognitive Impairment

    Dementia is a harsh reality for increasing numbers of families. Sadly, it means the disputed wills solicitors at Osbornes Law...

    Read more
  14. eu flags
    26.4.2023

    German Court Rules on EU Succession Regulation

    Succession laws vary from country to country which historically made the administration of cross-border estates potentially complex. Since 17 August 2015, the...

    Read more
  15. couple holding hands
    16.3.2023

    Are trusts protected from divorce?

    Can trusts protect an inheritance from your spouse? A trust is a separate legal entity. Neither spouse owns its assets. ...

    Read more
  16. the moon
    1.3.2023

    How to prevent someone contesting a will

    It is fairly rare in my experience for a parent to write a child out of their will but that...

    Read more
  17. primrose hill london
    8.2.2023

    Gifting Property to Children

    Can I gift property to my children? Gifting a property to your adult children is a relatively complex transaction but...

    Read more
  18. house in regents park london
    15.11.2022

    Contentious Probate Case Studies

    Contentious probate involving business assets Our contentious probate solicitors act for the defendants to a claim issued to pronounce in...

    Read more
  19. last will and testament disputes
    27.10.2022

    Contesting A Will Case Studies

    Will dispute on grounds of lack of capacity Our contesting a will solicitors acted for the claimants, the adult daughters...

    Read more
  20. Closeup of a hand signing
    2.8.2022

    Do you need to register your trust?

    The Trust Register was introduced in 2017 as part of anti-money laundering regulations. Previously, only trusts with a UK tax liability...

    Read more
  21. Businessman and Male lawyer or judge consult having team meeting with client, Law and Legal services concept
    19.7.2022

    Beware of appointing your children as executors

    Where tensions exist between family members, making your children the executors of your will can cause huge problems with probate,...

    Read more
  22. money in different currencies
    19.1.2022

    Does your will deal with cross-border assets?

    If you own assets in more than one country, it’s important to make a robust Will that deals effectively...

    Read more
  23. older man on a bench
    1.1.2022

    Married with children from a previous relationship – how...

    There are several ways of doing this. If sufficient assets are available apart from the family home, dividing those between...

    Read more
  24. Elderly woman hold smartphone feels disappointed by received bad news
    18.11.2021

    Family Tensions and Deputyship 

    Disputes between a deputy and the family of the individual concerned, can escalate and become increasingly distressing if issues are...

    Read more

VIEW ALL

Contact Florence today

For a free initial conversation call 020 7485 8811

Email us Send us an email and we’ll get back to you






    Accreditations

    • Times best law firm 2024
    • Spears 500 logo
    • legal 500 leading firm
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