Wills & Probate Solicitors
Leading Wills & Probate Lawyers in London
Our Wills & Probate Solicitors specialise in assisting individuals create legally sound wills and navigate the complex legal processes involved in estate administration and probate proceedings.
“The ‘approachable, friendly and motivated’ 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.”
“Jan is excellent with clients. She approaches complex cases with confidence and skill.”
Our Wills & Probate Solicitors can help.
Our team of experienced Wills and probate solicitors can help you with anything from making a Will to estate administration and gifting property to children. Our specialist lawyers also have the expertise to assist you with contentious probate and contesting a will.
Wills advice
The wills and probate solicitors team at Osbornes Law appreciate that when it comes to personal wealth planning, tax, trusts and succession, your individual concerns are just as important as the technical issues. Our Wills solicitors take time to understand your specific circumstances, family situation and business and financial arrangements.
Probate advice
The death of a close family member or friend can put you under great emotional stress. Dealing with legal, tax and administrative responsibilities is often the last thing on your mind and can be daunting. Additionally, you may be unfamiliar with what to do and certain terms, such as Probate and Estate Administration.
Our probate lawyers at Osbornes Law can help you deal with these responsibilities. Whether you need some advice on what steps to take in dealing with the estate of a loved one, or you would like someone to carry out all the relevant services on your behalf – our probate solicitors team are here to help.
Probate disputes
Wills and the law of intestacy do not always produce a fair result; reasonable financial provision is not always made for everyone entitled to expect this. We understand that when this happens, and you become involved in contesting a will, making an Inheritance Act claim or other contentious probate issues, these matters are often very emotive and sensitive. With this in mind, our advice to you is always professional, empathetic and sensitive. During the process, you can be sure that we will always represent your best interests.
Estate planning
Estate planning is the process of organising and managing your financial and legal affairs. Estate planning aims to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and to minimize taxes, legal fees, and other costs. There are several key elements to estate planning, including making a will, setting up trusts, designating beneficiaries and planning for long-term care. Estate planning can be complex, and it is important to work with an experienced estate planning solicitor to ensure that your affairs are in order and your wishes are fulfilled.
Lasting Power of Attorney
Our Power of Attorney Solicitors can guide you in creating a Lasting Power of Attorney. An LPA ensures that should you be unable to manage your own affairs, the people you have appointed can manage your financial affairs and make medical decisions on your behalf. This proactive step ensures the protection of your best interests and efficient, trustworthy management of your affairs. You have the flexibility to appoint multiple attorneys, specify their collaboration, grant them various powers, including healthcare decisions, impose restrictions, and revoke the LPA while mentally capable.
Court of Protection
The Court of Protection makes decisions for people who lack the mental capacity to manage their own affairs because of an injury, dementia, disability or learning difficulty. Whether you have a disabled child or are caring for a vulnerable adult or elderly relative, our Court of Protection Solicitors can help you make the right decisions to safeguard and protect their financial interests.
Specialist wills and probate advice for those with international assets
It is best practice for everyone to make a will; therefore, we have a broad range of clients. Our lawyers have particular expertise in advising those with an international asset base of high value. Our clients include those who work in business and finance, entrepreneurs and well-known individuals.
Because it is usual for our clients to have assets and wealth in various international jurisdictions, we have developed a network of lawyers and professional advisers who can work with us on international estates. We are happy to recommend to you these trusted and highly experienced lawyers.
Why choose Osbornes Law for wills and probate advice?
- Give you peace of mind by putting your affairs in order.
- Avoid unnecessary distress for your family and friends.
- Ensure your dependents are properly provided for.
- Make sure only your chosen family or friends benefit from your estate.
- Avoid unnecessary tax being paid.
- Maximise financial benefits from your income and savings.
- Preserve your wealth.
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’.
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."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."
"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."
"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."
"I wish to thank you for your advice, efficiency and professionalism throughout which has been greatly appreciated."
"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."
"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"
"A medium-sized London firm dealing with big litigation and doing it extremely well because of a depth of expertise and experience."
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"
The team is very caring, experienced and detailed and was clear about the next steps and offered very helpful advice and suggestions
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
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"Elspeth Neilson is very reliable and practical."
"The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."
"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."
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."
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 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.
I would like to thank everyone in my case for the excellent job!
Wills and Probate News and InsightsVIEW ALL
- 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...
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What is Proprietary Estoppel?
What is Estoppel? In general terms, estoppels operate where one party has acted on the basis of a statement made...
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Duties of Trustees
When someone sets up a trust, they will appoint trustees to manage the trust and its assets. The exact duties...
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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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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...
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Proprietary Estoppel Case Law
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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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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...
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Helpful articles
The Wills & Probate Team View the whole team
Jan Atkinson Partner
Wills, Probate and Disputed EstatesSuzanna Baker Partner
Wills, Probate and Disputed EstatesKatie de Swarte Partner
Wills, Probate and Disputed EstatesElspeth Neilson Partner
Wills, Probate and Disputed EstatesJenny Walsh Partner
Wills, Probate and Disputed EstatesFlorence Arbuthnott Senior Associate
Wills, Probate and Disputed EstatesView the
whole team