What To Do When Someone Dies
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Jenny Walsh
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When a loved one dies, getting to grips with what you need to do can seem bewildering. The first question clients often ask us is, what practical issues should we be dealing straightaway?
While the key immediate steps include registering the death, locating any will and arranging the funeral, thought also needs to be given to subsequent matters. For example, the value of all estate assets will need to be quantified, documents gathered and legal and tax-related matters complied with.
Failing to follow the legal steps can result in financial and legal complications. With specialist professional help, you can comfortably navigate what can otherwise be a challenging and stressful process. The expert probate and estate administration team at Osbornes Law have years of experience advising families, executors and beneficiaries with reassurance and compassionate support.
Key legal steps following a death
Confirming and Registering the Death
Following the death of a relative, you will need to register the death. It is important to know that the legal process for death registrations has recently changed and you will not be given the doctor’s medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) straightaway.
From September 2024, a medical examiner must now review every death (unless it has been referred to the coroner) before the death can be registered.
What this means practically is that the doctor will complete and sign the MCCD certifying the cause of death, and send it straight to a medical examiner for review. The medical examiner will then contact you to explain the cause of death and, if you wish, answer any questions.
The medical examiner will also tell you when you can register the death. You then have up to 5 calendar days to register the death with the local registrar in the area where your loved one died.
If your loved one’s death was referred to the coroner, registration of death cannot take place until an inquest has concluded. You can read about our inquest solicitors.
Registration of death
If you’re unsure where the local register office is located, you can find it here. It is sensible to contact them before going in person as may need to take your relative’s documents (eg their passport, birth certificate and marriage certificate). You can then book an appointment to register the death.
When the death is formally registered, you will be able to buy copies of the death certificate (currently £12.50 each). If you need more copies later on, you can buy them online.
We understand that recent changes to registrations of death may add to your distress. Our specialists lawyers are available to guide you and your family through this initial stage, including cases of sudden or unexpected death and deaths abroad. Contact us on 020 7485 8811.
Handling the deceased’s estate
How to find a will
One of the key tasks locating the will. It’s not unusual for someone to make successive wills, which means finding the latest will is vital. Unfortunately, not everyone tells their relatives where their will is located – in which case a bit of creative searching will be necessary.
If you’re struggling to find the will, you have several options:
- Searching any safes, locked drawers or other secure areas in the house or any other properties your relative may have owned. If appropriate, seek permission before conducting a search to avoid the risk of trespass, family tensions etc
- Make enquiries of solicitors who acted for the individual in recent years – they may have it in storage and you can as for its release. Make enquiries of other solicitors local to where the deceased lived, in case they changed solicitors.
- Contact the deceased’s bank to see if they have it in storage
- Search the National Will Register. Thousands of wills are registered every year (though not compulsory) and (at a fee) you can search the register to see if your loved one’s will has been registered. This search can also be extended to cover searching with local solicitors for an additional fee.
Our lawyers can help locate a missing will. If you’re sure there is a will but you’re unable to find it, let us know and we can make enquiries. But if no will can be found – it will be assumed your loved one died intestate and the statutory rules of intestacy will apply.
The will’s terms
The terms of a will can be simple and straightforward, or complex and wide-ranging. Once the will is located, we can check its validity; who the executors are; and review the provisions of the will. Wills are not always drafted clearly and professionally, potentially making it challenging to determine the person’s actual intentions.
However, correctly interpreting and carrying out the deceased’s wishes is a crucial responsibility of the executors. Expert legal assistance is important to ensure a will is properly interpreted, particularly those containing complex or ambiguous terms.
Dealing with intestacy where there is no will
When someone dies without leaving a valid will, the administration of the estate will be conducted according to the statutory intestacy rules. These rules dictate who is entitled to apply for the grant (Letters of Administration); and who will inherit as beneficiaries.
Appointing administrators – If you are the surviving spouse or civil partner, you top the list of who is legally entitled to act as estate administrator (the Administration for Estates Act 1925). In the absence of a spouse/partner, the surviving children or grandchildren can apply, or if no children or grandchildren, a parent, siblings then grandparents (in that order).
If there are no surviving close relatives, we can advise who else may be able to apply for the grant.
Care must be taken when there is a minor who will inherit. Two administrators are usually required.
Beneficiaries – There is a strict order, set out in Inheritance and Trustees’ Powers Act 2014, for who inherits under an intestacy, depending on whether the deceased is survived by a spouse or civil partner:
- A surviving spouse/partner inherits everything if the deceased left no children. If the deceased has left children, the surviving spouse/civil partner inherits all personal chattels plus a statutory legacy of £322,000. The remainder of the residuary estate (if any) is split in two – half going to the surviving spouse/civil partner and the other half either passing outright to adult children or held on trust for the deceased’s children until they reach 18 years
- Where the deceased left no surviving spouse/civil partner, the order of entitlement to inherit the estate is children and/or grandchildren (including adopted); then parents; siblings; half-brothers and half-sisters; your grandparents; then your aunts and uncles. Where no surviving relatives can be found – the estate passes to the Crown though this is quite rare.
The intestacy rules establish a clear framework to work to, but we know that its practical application can be challenging at time. With blended families and family members frequently living and working abroad, establishing who is entitled as beneficiary and minimising the risk of potential disputes can be tricky.
With the support of the specialist probate solicitors at Osbornes Law, we can guide you though the potential complexities and ensure a smooth estate administration.
Apply for probate or letters of administration
Save for the smallest of estates, the administration of an estate cannot be undertaken without a grant of representation. The two main grants are the Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration and are issued by the probate court.
Note that there is a key difference in the two grants in their legal effect. The Grant of Probate confirms the executor/s’ authority (their authority is derived from the will itself), while the Letters of Administration grants the PRs their legal authority.
What is Probate?
The estate administration, whatever the nature of the grant, is commonly known as ‘probate’. The grant is required because without it, the personal representatives (PRs) – the executors/administrators – may be unable to access money and assets in the estate. A grant is also needed to sell or otherwise dispose of land and property and other assets held in the name of the deceased.
But until the grant is received from the court, the PRs will not be able to deal with other assets, save for assets of low value. Before a grant is received, the PRs may still be able to access certain assets, including cash accounts of a minimal value and life assurance payouts.
Accessing small amounts can be helpful when there are immediate costs to the estate, Unfortunately, a backlog at the probate court means months-long delays in obtaining the grant. This has a knock on effect for PRs trying to sell property or access larger sums of money held in financial institutions.
You can get ahead by applying for the grant as soon as practical.
Once we have sufficient information to value the estate, we will prepare the tax return (if necessary) and the application to the probate court.
How to apply for Probate or Administration
The steps for apply for a grant of probate and letters of administration are similar. We will need to provide an estimate of the value of the estate; and calculate any inheritance tax (IHT) due. IHT, or at least the first instalment, will need to be paid before the application for the grant can progress. The banks will release funds directly to HMRC for this purpose. We can help with your Inheritance Tax Return.
To estimate the value of the estate, we will need information about the deceased’s money and assets, such as bank accounts, investments, property, shares, business interests, as well as any debts in the estate.
We will also need to know about any lifetime gifts made by the deceased in the 7 years prior to death. We suggest you gather as many details as possible, including bank and other financial accounts, shares, policies, any property and business interests and valuable chattels such as artworks, antiques and so on.
The application
Applications are now usually made online, though there are some exemptions that must be made via post., The fee is currently £300 (nil if the estate is £5,000 is less) and the application must be accompanied with the will and any other documents in support.
The process can be frustrating because of the need to first value the estate, as well as calculating and paying IHT and completing the relevant tax forms. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for a probate application to be unnecessarily delayed because of human error in the application or important information is missing.
Specialist support from experienced probate solicitors relieves much of the pressure on family members, minimises the risk of errors and speeds up the process of obtaining the grant. The team at Osbornes Law are available to do the hard work on your behalf.
Paying inheritance tax (IHT) and other taxes
Understanding IHT obligations
Comparatively few estates are liable for IHT on death, but where IHT is a consideration – great care is needed to ensure IHT calculations are accurate and that all available reliefs and exemptions and accounted for.
The Labour government has frozen the current IHT threshold of £325,000 until 2030. This is the nil rate band (NRB) below which the value of the estate is charged 0%. Where an estate is valued higher than the NRB at the date of death, IHT is charged on the excess at 40% – subject to the following reliefs and exemptions:
- Spousal exemption – Any gifts to a spouse (or civil partner), before or after death, are exempt from IHT if domiciled in the UK
- Unused spousal NRB – On the death of the surviving spouse, the estate can claim the proportion of NRB that they did not use – effectively increasing the total available NBR up to £650,000
- Main residence allowance – No IHT is payable on the value of the deceased’s home (up to £175,000) if it passes to their direct descendants. If the estate is valued in excess of £2m, the allowance is reduced. As above, any unused residence nil rate band can be transferred from one spouses estate to another.
- Charity exemptions – any gifts to charity in the will are exempt from IHT; and if the deceased has left more than 10% of their estate to charity – any IHT due will be charged at the lower rate of 36%
- Business property relief and agricultural relief – available where, respectively, the estate comprises business interests and or agricultural land and property. Qualifying assets are charged at 50% or 100% of the usual IHT rate
- Wills trusts – Money or property left for the beneficiaries under a trust are ring-fenced from IHT liability
So, while the £325,000 base level above which IHT is potentially payable is relatively low – there are several ways an estate could claim reliefs and exemptions to reduce or potentially avoid IHT liability.
Expert legal help
IHT and how the various exemptions and reliefs work together is complex; and arriving at the correct calculations can be challenging without expert assistance from probate lawyers. The executors risk paying too much IHT – or find themselves presented with a demand for more tax if they underestimate the tax due.
Various IHT forms and documents also need completing depending on whether, for instance, the estate is an ‘excepted estate’, or where tax is due on a trust, and to correct a previous IHT account.
The team at Osbornes Law are experienced in dealing with HMRC on a regular basis on IHT and other tax matters and we strongly recommend you contact us about any IHT issues you may have.
How can we pay IHT?
The PRs are personally responsible for the payment of IHT, yet many PRs find it financially difficult or impossible to fund the bill upfront. It’s not difficult to understand why: as the grant is not issued until IHT has been paid, it may not be possible to free up funds from the estate to pay the IHT if the estate is mainly made up of property or shares which cannot be sold until the PRs have the grant
Banks will release funds directly to HMRC to pay some or all of the IHT due.
Until recently, PRs often had to resort to expensive commercial bridging loans to pay the IHT bill. But that is no longer necessary – HMRC can now postpone payment of IHT in response to an application for a grant on credit (subject to interest). HMRC will need to be shown that the estate is solvent and when the tax will be paid.
So, if you’re concerned about getting a potential IHT bill paid – discuss it with us and we can consider making an application to HMRC to delay payment.
Other tax matters
The PRs might need to consider capital gains tax (CGT) and income tax – as at the date of death and then during the estate administration itself. They will have to settle the individual’s outstanding tax liabilities on death and account for those liabilities in the tax accounts to HMRC and in the estate accounts.
The PRs are also liable for income tax on the income received from estate assets, such as , rental properties and investments, during the period of the administration.
CGT may also arise where a sale of an estate asset, such as artwork or property, makes a profit. During an estate administration, CGT is calculated on the difference between the market value of the asset at the date of death and the eventual sale value of an asset. If, for example, the deceased owned a holiday home with a market value of £400,000 on death, and it sells a year later for £500,000 – CGT is potential payable on the profit of £100,000. The rate for 2024/25 is 24% for all gains made by PRs
Various exemptions and reliefs are available depending on the nature of the asset. For example, Principal Private Residence Relief may be available, but this depends whether the deceased lived there at the date of death – and the extent of their interest in the property.
Administering the estate and distributing assets
- Identifying and Valuing Assets
- Process of identifying assets, including property, savings, investments, and personal belongings.
- How lawyers can support asset valuation to ensure fair distribution.
It is the PRs’ responsibility to identify and call in all estate assets and work out their probate value. Any debts of the deceased at the date of death much also be identified. The value of the net estate is the total value of the assets less any debts as at the date of death.
Those assets typically include, for example:
- Bank and building society accounts, investments and premium bonds: The financial institution can the valuation or account balance as at the date of death
- Shares: shares may be more challenging to value, particularly if in a family business. A professional valuer or stockbroker may be required to provide a probate valuation
- Land and property: Valuation of the deceased’s interest will depend on the nature and extent of their share, and any legal charges
- Valuable chattels, such as artwork, jewellery, collections and antiques – professional valuations may be necessary
- Digital assets – digital assets may be valuable and demand a proper valuation
We regularly work alongside professional valuers and experts who provide probate valuations for PRs. Please don’t hesitate to mention any collections or other assets that you believe may be valuable and should be properly taken into account.
- Also see: Executors’ and Administrators’ Duties
Paying Off Debts and Liabilities
Contrary to popular belief, a person’s debts are not automatically wiped out on death. They are taken into account when valuing the estate – and the PRs must ensure the debts are paid off.
All creditors much be contacted whenever possible, for example a residential care home, mortgage lenders, credit card companies, banks, and personal creditors, such as friends and business associates. The value of any debt as at the date of death must be determined and paid off out of estate assets when they are available.
Delays to a grant being issued mean debts may not be payable for months, or longer. However, creditors generally have six years to take legal action to recover a debt.
There may be complications if, for example, the estate is looking insolvent or the extent of a debt is in dispute. It is vital to seek expert professional support from lawyers experienced in dealing with estates and estate creditors and potential problems that can arise.
Distributing the Remaining Assets
Personal representatives have the legal responsibility to ensure the net estate is distributed according to the deceased’s wishes in the will; or, where there is no will, the intestacy rules. This means identifying and locating any beneficiaries and classes of beneficiaries entitled.
Usually, all beneficiaries are ‘present and accounted for’ – but not always.
If there are missing beneficiaries, or you suspect a potential beneficiary could make a claim against the estate, significant problems can arise. For the PRs, it is critical to take precautionary steps to protect them and the estate from a potential claim against them personally.
Specialist probate lawyers play an important part in ensuring estate distributions are legal and in line with the deceased’s wishes. We also have a vital role in protecting the PRs and the estate from potential legal claims from unknown or missing beneficiaries.
We can advise you on what reasonable steps ought to be taken, including:
- Placing notices in The Gazette and in appropriate local newspapers
- Asking genealogy firms to trace a complete family tree of the deceased
- Commissioning tracing agents to help locate a beneficiary
- Taking out missing beneficiary insurance
- Securing written indemnity from all other beneficiaries
Without reasonable attempts being made to trace a missing or unknown person, it will be highly risky to make distributions. However, it is possible, if no other options are left, to ask the court for a determination on how the estate should be distributed.
Resolving legal disputes after death
Estate disputes can be distressing, yet the number of probate disputes and contested wills seems to rise every year. Fortunately, most disputes are resolved with careful negotiation and, sometimes, mediation. The most common causes for disputes include:
- Contested wills – such as on the grounds of lack of capacity to make a will, want of knowledge or approval or duress
- Disagreements over asset distribution – Eg a property dispute or a family conflict over a promise made to a non-beneficiary that they would inherit an asset
- Dependency claims – a dependent child of the deceased may, for example, claim that the will has not provided adequate provision
Our probate team works alongside the specialist contested probate team at Osbornes Law to support PRs and beneficiaries who face a legal claim.
How Lawyers Can Help
If a probate dispute arises, we can help the parties negotiate a resolution sensitively with the aim of resolving matters as quicky as possible. In many cases, mediation with a specialist and independent mediator is highly effective in identifying the key issues and facilitating a fair agreement between the parties in dispute – indeed, the courts actively encourage disputed parties to go to mediation. We can help arrange for mediation if appropriate – providing legal guidance throughout.
We always aim to achieve a fair and timely resolution for clients and to minimise the stress these disputes can cause. Where it becomes necessary to protect the interests of the PRs and estate beneficiaries, we will be ready to take court action to ensure a just result. We will be ready to represent our clients in court and support them throughout the process.
Complex family situations (e.g. step-families)
We are acutely aware that today’s family structures are often complex. Step-families and blended families, subsequent marriages, adoptions and cohabitation – and families living and working internationally – pose significant challenges for the PRs.
When looking at the deceased’s family structure for inheritance purposes we help identify all who are entitled to inherit under the will or intestacy, however complicated the situation.
We also need to account for anyone who may have been financial supported by the deceased at the date of death, for example a grandchild who was being funded through university or a disabled relative being financial supported at home or in care. They may have a statutory right to make a claim against the estate for reasonable financial provision.
Our specialists will provide the robust legal guidance you need to make sure all beneficiaries are identified before the estate can be distributed.
Handling foreign assets or international wills
We frequently deal with estates where the deceased’s assets are located in other jurisdictions. Cross-border estates present challenges: the deceased may have left a separate will dealing with foreign assets, in which case the foreign will must be located and arrangements made for it to be admitted to probate or dealt with in the relevant country.
Crucially, we will need to carefully consider the terms of the English will to determine the deceased’s intentions regarding assets here and abroad, eg if the will states their preferred choice of law.
If there is no foreign will available, we may need to determine how the inheritance laws in the other country apply. At the outset, we must determine the domicile of the deceased – that is, which country’s jurisdiction applies to the individual. The country of domicile dictates how the estate is treated for IHT purposes.
Our specialist lawyers have good working connections with lawyers in other countries and are able to tap into their skills when we’re instructed in cross-border estates. For more information about foreign estates or wills read here.
Why choose Osbornes Law?
At Osbornes Law, our probate team are known for their compassionate but robust approach to probate. We are mindful that ensuring a smooth estate administration is in the interest of the PRs and the beneficiaries.
We work hard to guide clients throughout the process to ensure the experience is as stress-free as possible and to support grieving family members through what if often an alien process.
Our lawyers are highly ranked as leaders in high net worth wills and probate in UK national legal directories. We are also registered Trust and Estate Practitioners (TEP) and registered Contentious Trust and Probate Specialist (CTAPS). Our lawyers also include members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and Solicitors for the Elderly.
Contact Us for Support
Contact us today for a consultation with our specialist probate lawyers who can advise you on what to do next. To book an appointment with an expert contact us by:
- Filling in our online enquiry form; or
- Calling us on 020 7485 8811
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Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I have been a client of this firm for a number of years and been impressed by a particular individual, the care and thoughtfulness with which they have worked. Jenny Walsh
Working with Janet and Suzanna has always been a very smooth process. They render advice that is practical, often going beyond what was required of them and they respond very swiftly
Suzanna Baker is very easy to work with. She has great knowledge on tricky areas and is practical and sensible
Samantha Tayler has been the key person for making a huge difference
Elspeth Neilson is an individual I work with and is a pleasure to work with
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. Elspeth Nielson especially as a very capable solicitor that I enjoy working with
Katie De Swarte – she is very client-focused and attuned to their needs without being fearful of setting out where she perceives there may be weaknesses in their position.
Katie develops a good rapport with clients and is a good specialist estates litigator.
Katie develops a good rapport with clients and is a good specialist estates litigator.
The right blend of experience from a leading partner who’s spent a career in this field to enthusiastic specialist nqs. I work most often with Katie de Swarte.
Jan Atkinson is very client-focused and responsive, and seems very much on top of both the relevant law and of the details of my matter.
Jan Atkinson is an excellent contentious probate solicitor, as well as an experienced private client lawyer. The combination of both skills is relatively rare but results in a formidable lawyer
Jan Atkinson is calm, sensible and a very talented lawyer. She is honest with clients and gets very good results for them.
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.
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.
An efficient firm which provides an excellent service at highly competitive charging rates.
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
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.
I have found them to be incredibly knowledgeable and pragmatic in settling claims for their clients.
The contested estates team is strong with talented young solicitors doing good quality work
The nimble team acts for a broad range of high-net-worth individuals and families on a variety of complex estate and trust litigation.
Osbornes has a ‘strong private client department’ and ‘the firm seems to be going from strength to strength’.
I would like to take this opportunity to say, I am very grateful for all your efforts, help, and consistently good, professional advice. At the end of the day, I consider myself lucky to have found you and would certainly not hesitate to refer you to anyone that needs Wills, Trusts, Probate expertise.
Katie is a very capable solicitor who can be relied on to do a great job in all kinds of disputes in this area.
Katie has a wealth of knowledge of her subject area and brings a robust but pragmatic approach to the resolution of private client disputes.
Jan Atkinson is very experienced, professional but also very easy to work with.
Jan is excellent with clients. She approaches complex cases with confidence and skill.
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.Fantastic - Thank you so very much for your impressive input in this matter.
"Thank you, all of you, for everything you have done on my behalf, I could not have asked for more friendly and sympathetic solicitors."
"Many, many thanks for your extreme patience, professionalism and understanding Jan. I’m not sure we would have got there without you."
"We would like to thank you very much for your help.
You always got back to us quickly and gave us very precise information.
I don't know how we would have handled our father's inheritance without you.
Thank you very much!"
"We have worked with the wonderful Joseph Gunn over the last 2 years."
Jan Atkinson is a well established and respected partner in the field. Knowledgeable and sensible
Jan Atkinson has huge experience in this area. She knows the law thoroughly and is an excellent tactician always looking for a good outcome for her clients which she generally achieves’.
"Commitment to the cause, willingness to go the extra mile and complete command of the area mean they always give the right advice and do the best job possible."
"They are completely committed to doing the absolute best they can for every single client. They are bright, knowledgeable and innovative."
"Most of the team conduct both contentious and non-contentious work, giving them a solid grounding in estate and trust managing principles including tax that is valuable in conducting litigation."
"This team perhaps does not have the reputation in this area it ought to have. It quietly handles some very big, high profile disputes. It has an expert team to do so and provides sensible pragmatic advice to its clients."
"Katie de Swarte is extremely client focused and caring and supportive to her clients."
"Elspeth Neilson and Katie de Swarte are very competent private client lawyers, with good instincts for the merits of the case and a good manner with sometimes difficult clients."
"I’ve worked with Elspeth Neilson and Katie de Swarte on various pieces of private client litigation – two in the Court of Protection and one probate dispute. I’ve found them, and the firm, very efficient and capable and dealing successfully with some
difficult clients.""The department handles complex and high-value litigation on behalf of individuals and trust companies and many of its cases have a cross-border dimension."
"The agile team at Osbornes acts for a wide range of high-net-worth individuals and families in complex estate and trust litigation, advising on a wide array of contentious trust and estate matters."
"Jan Atkinson handled a difficult situation with great aplomb and tact. A wealth of experience which means clients are very well advised in these circumstances."
"Elsepth Neilson - very competent private client lawyer, with good instincts for the merits of the case and a good manner with sometimes difficult clients."
"A capable contested probate team that seems to care. Katie de Swarte is an up and coming star."
“I very much appreciate all your help and support on this. I hope to never have to go through anything so dark again, but you made a huge difference… You're great at what you do and, with my new knowledge of solicitors, I wish there were more with the integrity that you have.”
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your sincere, supportive and professional approach and services provided to me over the past few months with preparing the necessary paperwork; furthermore I have very much appreciated your friendly and accessible manner."
Thank you also for all your hard work over the last two years. I would like to commend your patience and diligence, your understanding and communication.
"I wanted to say a huge thank you for your tremendous help and advice throughout and I am incredibly grateful for your knowledge, support and striving to get us the best outcome possible in this situation. I very much appreciate it. Thank you again for working patiently with us and for your sensitive approach throughout. "
I would highly recommend Katie de Swarte. Her attention to the details of my case, combined with her sensitivity and support, to what was an emotionally challenging and complex legal matter, was much appreciated and excellent. I felt she always listened to what I was saying and never rushed me. She was happy to work with me collaboratively where appropriate, as well as guiding my decisions with solid, legal advice at all times.
"A doyenne of family law in international children work. She is phenomenal, and lives and breathes this work. There's nothing she doesn't know."
I can't thank you enough for all you have done to help me through this ordeal. I really appreciate your time, effort and good humour. I shall absolutely know who to recommend if anyone needs a top lawyer in London.
Katie de Swarte and Elspeth Neilson have both instructed me recently, and both seemed to me to be able to build excellent relationships with their clients and to run their practices very efficiently
Jan Atkinson is always a delight to work with
Elspeth Neilson – incredibly impressive and hardworking.
Jan Atkinson – Rolls Royce advice
Elspeth Neilson is a clever and efficient solicitor, who gets great client feedback.
Jan Atkinson is fierce and dedicated to her clients.
Jan Atkinson has a wealth of knowledge and experience combined with a terrier-like ability to investigate the relevant facts, which make her an excellent choice in a contentious probate or trust dispute. She has outstanding commitment and always delivers for her clients.
Katie de Swarte is hardworking and has great empathy for her clients
Elspeth Neilson is a well-regarded junior partner
Well-established, busy practice. Jan Atkinson has a long-standing solid reputation in the field. Knowledgeable and formidable.
A very heartfelt ‘thank you’ to you and the whole team there. I am very happy with everything that has been achieved by you. I will certainly contact you in the future and recommend yourself and Osbornes to others whenever the need arises.
"I have come to trust your expertise, professionalism and honesty, I do appreciate that you have gone the extra mile. In particular you have shown a huge amount of common sense and a measured approach, coupled with doggedness and determination, all of which I believe have been vital factors in reaching the point we have reached."
"I would also like to express my sincere thanks to you for a job well done over the last five years in working towards a successful outcome for myself and my family... It has been frustratingly slow at times, and there were many barriers and obstacles put in the way, but the final outcome is a credit to your intelligent and diligent work."
“Jan is an impressive lawyer who knows her way around private wealth dispute matters.”
"I wish to thank you for your advice, efficiency and professionalism throughout which has been greatly appreciated."
"She's very able, she can do both the non-contentious and contentious sides very, very well."
"Incredibly dedicated and committed to her clients."
"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."
“Thank you for your 1st class professional service and support on this.”
“Jenny was fabulous….full stop!”
“Many thanks for all your assistance in this matter [making a will] we are very pleased we chose to come to you and Osbornes.”
"Your help and service has been excellent; timely responses and robust attention to detail have made the task for us very easy and straightforward. Thank you, all your work much appreciated and you have been a fine representative for Osbornes."
"Thank you for all your work you did for me you were amazing, I would definitely recommend you to my friends and I would definitely use your service again."
"Thank you for holding my hand through this procedure and your kindness which has been greatly appreciated."
"Appreciated the professionalism of my solicitor, Miss Samantha Tayler in particular her clear explanation of legal terms and situations, her attention to great details which reassured me and put my mind at rest, her patience in helping me to make sure that I was satisfied to all aspects of my will before I signed the final draft. Since I have assets in Malta, she also clarified for me the situation regarding the European Succession Law."
"Thank you again for all the courteous help you gave me over the time of settling my husband’s will. I am very grateful to you."
"For probate, I'd recommend Samantha Tayler at Osbornes. Excellent client service, responsive and helpful during a difficult time. Proactive in flagging incoming changes to court fees, thereby saving the estate significant costs and securing probate in a timely and efficient manner. Many thanks."
"Thank you for all your help with the Estate affairs. It has been a pleasure dealing with you and you have helped to make the whole process a lot more bearable."
“Jill and I are extremely grateful for all the hard work you did on our behalf, in such a professional manner. You kept us fully informed at all times which was much appreciated and achieved the best possible outcome. We would have no hesitation in recommending both you and Osbornes to any of our family and friends in the future”.
“Mr Joseph Gunn provided outstanding legal advice about my Will. His attention to details and his knowledge of national and international regulations were invaluable”.
“You have truly shone out from anyone I have known with your experience and knowledge in these types of situations”
“You have completely amazed me and I have such heart-felt gratitude for your dedication and perseverance”
“Thank you all very much for your professional service, it has been reassuring throughout.”
“I should note that it is refreshing to deal with an efficient, professional, and well written lawyer such as yourself.”
“I wanted to say that I am grateful beyond words at the effort Jan Atkinson has been putting in towards fixing our situation.”
“Jan Atkinson is a very proficient lady whom I would highly recommend to anyone involved in probates.”
“I would highly recommend you in any probate matter and your firm in any other legal matters.”
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you and your integrity. You are one in a million! I trusted you all along the way.”
“Once more this year your professionalism, hard work, perseverance, dedication and expertise with my case has truly humbled me. You kept me going when I had lost all strength… your action and your ability to power through is remarkable and outstanding.”
“I feel so humbled at your dedication from start to end when I was 100% lost. Also, I am in awe of your skills and knowledge with how to handle all the steps in this case and also how you helped throughout this whole thing. Your kindness and understanding to me is overwhelming… honestly, in each part of this, you’ve amazed me more than the last time.”
“Jan is one of the most client-friendly, ‘savvy’ solicitors I’ve ever met. A solicitor who knows exactly how to navigate a case to the best possible outcome. In my case, being able to contain my over- zealous demands, which, without her control, could have come to nothing. Jan has this great command of the law and knows exactly, how to execute it, in the interests of her client. I have her to thank for everything. My family members and I are all with her excellent firm, Osbornes Solicitors LLP, ‘a chain, solicitors and right-hands, with no weak link.”
“Thank-you Jan from the bottom of my heart for all your care and for standing up for me this whole time in addition to constantly pushing this along, sharing your help and advice with everyone and for having such clear focus with direction. Each step of the way you have amazed me more than the last time. I am so grateful and appreciative of all that you have done. This chapter of my life will close, thank-you to you. My words are so small for all that you have done. You have given me more than you know”
"Thank you Jenny for all you have done... I am very appreciative and glad that we selected you to do the work. It has made the path of Probate smoother than anticipated and your expertise has been reassuring throughout."
“Thanks so much for work on this, very happy with your service and the team involved. Best law firm 2019 & 2020 says it all.”
“I have greatly appreciated your help, guidance and support throughout the whole process of dealing with the estate. It has been a real pleasure working with you and in particular being able to discuss my thoughts and questions on how particular aspects should be handled; and I have valued as your common sense approach as well as your technical/legal knowledge. I know I speak for all the family, nieces and nephew included, when I express our heartfelt thanks for all you have done and, not least, your sympathy for the family.”
“Thank you for all your hard work and professionalism in all you have done and are doing on our behalf”
“I received an outstanding service from Osbornes Law in relation to the processing of a complicated overseas Will. The service provided by Suzanna Baker and Jan Atkinson was very professional, their communication was clear and concise, and I felt that they did all they could to ensure as smooth a progression through probate as could be expected."
“Thanks again for all your efforts, it is so much appreciated that I will be recommending Osbornes to family and friends in the future”
“I am emailing to let you know the Fantastic work Suzanna Baker does. She is handling the will/estate for my late Uncle. I am located in Australia, so as expected there are geographical and time differences hindering communication. In a few emails and one phone call we had sorted the whole matter out and finalised. This was impressive to say the least! All I wish is that Suzanna be recognised for her fantastic work.”
I received an outstanding service from Osbornes Law in relation to the processing of a complicated overseas Will. The service provided by Suzanna Baker and Jan Atkinson was very professional, their communication was clear and concise, and I felt that they did all they could to ensure as smooth a progression through probate as could be expected. I would 100% recommend this law firm.
Appreciated the professionalism of my solicitor, Samantha Tayler, in particular her clear explanation of legal terms and situations, her attention to great details which reassured me and put my mind at rest, her patience in helping me to make sure that I was satisfied to all aspects of my will before I signed the final draft. Since I have assets in Malta, she also clarified for me the situation regarding the European Succession Law .
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.
Jan Atkinson is a stand out partner who combines a non-contentious and contentious practice. She is calm, persuasive and persistent. Clients would undoubtedly trust her and she is able to call on a super nice rock solid team around her.
Jan Atkinson is an impressive lawyer who knows her way around private wealth dispute matters. She is very experienced in lengthy and fraught disputes and knows how to achieve good solutions for all parties involved. She is very on the ball and works very efficiently.
She brings a depth of experience in estate administration to her respected disputes practice.
Elspeth explained everything very clearly and made us feel comfortable.
I am truly amazed by and exceedingly happy with the rapid progress being made by you and your team in handling matters on my behalf.
"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."
"I find Osbornes’ client-friendly approach welcoming and refreshing"
"Jan Atkinson is a formidable litigator in succession disputes – you want her on your team in any such case"
"A very capable team headed by the wonderful Jan Atkinson. She is both able and charming, which is a winning combination"
"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"
"Osbornes does high-quality work. Jan Atkinson is the go-to partner for independent administrations"
"A medium-sized London firm dealing with big litigation and doing it extremely well because of a depth of expertise and experience."
"Jan Atkinson is extremely experienced and an expert in this area of law. She is utterly pragmatic, always looking at what the client wants to achieve. She can be extremely tough when she needs to be but always knows when to compromise"
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.
"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"
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
A small but formidable team, punching above its weight. Jan Atkinson is a seasoned pro. Approachable but no push-over
The team is very caring, experienced and detailed and was clear about the next steps and offered very helpful advice and suggestions
Jan Atkinson is "terrific," "extremely professional" and "enormously experienced."
Jan Atkinson's "in-depth knowledge of the non-contentious work gives her an advantage when she's dealing with very difficult contentious issues, because she really understands what has gone wrong and how to get it right"
"Elspeth Neilson is very reliable and practical."
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"Osbornes feels like a local firm but with a Big City reach."
"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."
"Recognised for its expertise in both domestic and international adoption, as well as assisted conception."
"Mark Freedman draws acclaim for his work in high net worth divorce cases, including those involving company structures, family trusts and overseas assets."
The situation was handled by your extremely competent, efficient hands - I would not hesitate to recommend Osbornes to others.
"Service prompt and effective. I have absolute confidence in Maggie."
Elspeth explained everything very clearly and made us feel comfortable.
I am happy with the service that I got and would recommend you to other potential clients.
I found Osbornes always very helpful and efficient.
We are very pleased with the services of Osbornes. Highly professional and through with close attention to detail.
I would like to thank Elspeth Neilson for her kindness and professionalism in dealing with all our legal requirements during this difficult period. It has been a pleasure working with her.
I would highly recommend Jan Atkinson in any probate matter and Osbornes Solicitors in any other legal matters.
Jan Atkinson is a very proficient lady whom I would highly recommend to anyone involved in probates.
Thanks for all your work and explaining everything so clearly. For any legal matters in the future I would not hesitate in instructing Osbornes.
We have found your service to date as the most informative we have come across.
Osbornes Solicitors always responded promptly to any request for information I had.
“Geoffrey’s affairs were dealt with just the right combination of friendliness and professionalism, which really helped.”
Jan Atkinson is confident with a straightforward approach. Her practice covers both contentious and non-contentious matters, including wealth planning and estate administration.
Naomi Angell is the doyenne of inter-country adoption and the font of all knowledge in this area.
Elspeth's assistance and services are much appreciated. Her instructions are clear and she managed the process well despite the many external delays beyond her control.
I wanted to say that I am grateful beyond words at the effort Jan Atkinson has been putting in towards fixing our situation.
I would like to thank everyone in my case for the excellent job!
Jan Atkinson has helped me so very much! Thank you!
[The Family Law department] handles significant matrimonial finance cases and complex nuptial agreements. Respected for its expertise in cross-border children law matters.
Elspeth was unfailingly kind, responsive and very patient. At times she was like a counsellor. She is a star.
This team is perhaps best known for its children work, often involving complex international dynamics.
Osbornes handles a growing stable of wealthy international clients. The firm receives glowing plaudits from clients.
"Mark Freedman receives a lot of instructions from clients based abroad, often relating to complex divorce proceedings. Sources say: “His main strengths are his enthusiastic passion for the job in hand and his total dedication to his clients.”
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