Wills, Probate and Disputed Estates Solicitors
Protect your loved ones and secure your legacy
Our Wills, Probate and Disputed Estates Solicitors specialise in assisting individuals create legally sound wills and navigate the complex legal processes involved in estate administration and probate proceedings.
“The practice at Osbornes often acts for a wide range of HNW individuals and families on complex estate and trust cases, frequently dealing with cross-border estates.”
“Jan is highly regarded by other private client lawyers: honestly, she’s the lawyer other lawyers would choose to deal with their own affairs. She keenly identifies the issues to focus on and delivers.”
Whether you’re planning for the future or dealing with a loved one’s estate, our specialist wills and probate solicitors guide you through every decision with clarity and care.
Osbornes Law is a London-based firm with a dedicated private client team ranked in Chambers High Net Worth and the Legal 500. We provide expert advice on wills, probate, estate planning, inheritance tax, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and contentious probate disputes.
Making a will or administering an estate can feel overwhelming, especially at difficult times. Our wills and probate solicitors in London work with individuals and families across the UK and internationally to make sure your wishes are respected, your assets are protected, and your dependents are provided for.
We help with everything from writing straightforward wills to managing complex international estates and resolving disputes between beneficiaries. Whether you need a simple will, advice on inheritance tax planning, or support through probate, we give you practical guidance in plain English.
Making a will
A properly drafted will is the only way to make sure your assets go to the people you choose and that your family is looked after when you die. Without a valid will, the laws of intestacy decide who inherits — and this may not match your wishes.
Our will solicitors help you:
- Draft a clear, legally valid will that reflects your wishes
- Appoint guardians for children under 18
- Update existing wills to reflect life changes (marriage, divorce, new children, property purchases)
- Store your will securely and provide copies to executors
We also advise on more complex arrangements, including lifetime gifts, family protection trusts, and international assets. If you own property abroad or have beneficiaries in multiple countries, we work with our network of international lawyers to make sure your will is effective across jurisdictions.
Probate and estate administration
When someone dies, their estate must be administered and their assets distributed according to their will (or the laws of intestacy if there’s no will). This process is called probate, and it involves legal, tax and administrative steps that can be complicated and time-consuming.
Our probate solicitors in London guide executors and administrators through:
- Applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
- Valuing the estate and identifying all assets and liabilities
- Paying inheritance tax and submitting inheritance tax returns to HMRC
- Settling debts and distributing assets to beneficiaries
- Closing accounts and transferring property ownership
- Dealing with HM Land Registry and financial institutions
Probate can take several months, and the process is more complex if the estate includes business interests, overseas property, or disputes between beneficiaries. We handle estates of all sizes, from straightforward cases to high-value and international estates involving trusts, foreign assets, and tax planning.
Inheritance tax planning
Inheritance tax (IHT) is charged at 40% on estates above the nil-rate band (currently £325,000, or £500,000 if you’re passing your home to direct descendants). With proper planning, you can reduce or eliminate this liability and pass more of your wealth to your family.
Our inheritance tax planning solicitors advise on:
- Making lifetime gifts to reduce the value of your taxable estate
- Setting up trusts to shelter assets from IHT
- Using spouse exemptions and nil-rate band transfers
- Claiming business and agricultural property relief
- Structuring life insurance policies to pay IHT liabilities
- Charitable giving to reduce IHT and support causes you care about
Inheritance tax rules are complex and change regularly. We keep up to date with legislation and case law to make sure your planning is robust and your family doesn’t pay more tax than necessary.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity through illness, injury or dementia. There are two types:
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA — gives your attorney power to manage your money, pay bills, sell property and deal with banks
- Health and Welfare LPA — gives your attorney power to make decisions about medical treatment, care homes and life-sustaining treatment
Without an LPA, your family may need to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order, which is expensive, time-consuming and restrictive. We draft LPAs that give you control over who makes decisions for you and what powers they have.
Contentious probate and will disputes
Disputes over estates are more common than many people realise. Arguments can arise over whether a will is valid, whether someone was left out unfairly, or whether executors are acting properly.
Our contentious probate solicitors help with:
- Contesting a will on grounds of lack of capacity, undue influence, or fraud
- Inheritance Act claims for reasonable financial provision (for spouses, partners, children and dependents who were left out or inadequately provided for)
- Executor disputes and removal of executors for breach of duty
- Challenging the validity of gifts made before death
- Disputes over the interpretation of wills and trusts
- Proprietary estoppel claims (where someone relied on a promise of inheritance)
We understand these disputes often arise at the worst possible time, when you’re grieving and emotions are running high. We aim to settle cases quickly and cost-effectively through negotiation and mediation, but we will take prompt and aggressive action in court if necessary to protect your interests.
International estates and cross-border probate
If you own assets in more than one country, or if you’re a foreign national living in the UK, your estate will be subject to different legal systems and tax regimes. This can create complications for your executors and beneficiaries.
Our international estate planning solicitors advise on:
- Wills for UK and international assets
- Inheritance tax and succession law in multiple jurisdictions
- Repatriating assets and obtaining foreign Grants of Probate
- Dealing with overseas property, bank accounts and investments
- Domicile planning to reduce tax liabilities
We work with a trusted network of lawyers in Europe, the US, the Middle East and Asia to co-ordinate cross-border estates and make sure your will is effective in every country where you hold assets.
What does a wills and probate solicitor do?
A wills and probate solicitor helps individuals and families plan for the future and deal with legal matters after someone dies. This includes drafting wills, advising on inheritance tax, setting up trusts, applying for probate, administering estates, and resolving disputes between beneficiaries.
When you instruct a wills solicitor, they take detailed information about your family, your assets, and your wishes, and then draft a legally valid will that reflects your intentions. They also advise on tax-efficient structures and make sure your will is stored securely.
When you instruct a probate solicitor after a death, they guide you through the legal process of administering the estate, dealing with HMRC, paying debts, and distributing assets to the right people. They handle all the paperwork and liaise with banks, insurers, and HM Land Registry on your behalf.
Why choose Osbornes Law
Our private client team is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth, the Legal 500, and the Spears 500 index of leading private client advisers. We are members of STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and the Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS).
We act for individuals, families and high-net-worth clients in London and across the UK, as well as international clients with cross-border estates. Many of our clients have been with us for decades, and we regularly act for multiple generations of the same family.
We offer clear pricing, fast turnaround times, and practical advice in plain English. Whether you need a simple will or complex estate planning, we give you the time and expertise to make informed decisions and protect the people who matter most to you.
Speak to a wills and probate solicitor today
Call us on 020 7485 8811 or fill in the contact form below to arrange a meeting with one of our wills and probate lawyers.
Accreditations
The responsive team at Osbornes acts for a wide range of wealthy individuals and families on a variety of trusts and estate matters.
The team work efficiently together and exceptionally good at sharing their extensive knowledge and ideas so that their cases can move forward quickly.
They are friendly, responsive and knowledgeable.
When I refer to Osbornes I know that my clients will be well looked after and advised.
Very good at general advice on estate and inheritance tax planning and dealing with IFA's where trusts have funds under investment.
They are on the ball, efficient and not phased by complexity. Sound advice and reliable.
I instruct them in both straightforward and complex cross-border probate applications.
The practice at Osbornes often acts for a wide range of HNW individuals and families on complex estate and trust cases, frequently dealing with cross-border estates.
The Osbornes contentious trusts team is a force to be reckoned with in the London market.
Osbornes is a strong medium-sized firm based in North London but with a regional presence.
Most of the team have a solid grounding in non-contentious work which greatly assists in finding effective compromises to complex disputes.
A team of dedicated specialists led by Jan Atkinson.
An ambitious team with high quality work.
Osbornes has a young and dynamic team that is really going places. They have a real passion for private client work with the ability to deliver great results.
They have a personable, sensible but commercial approach.
Osbornes has good clients and an extremely capable team of private client litigators. All of the partners are excellent and the trainees are also very helpful.
We'd like to thank all of you for the excellent work you've done with regards to our case. We're going to suggest Osbornes Law and in particular Jan, Angela and everyone else we worked with to others in similar situations. We express our sincere gratitude to everyone we worked with for their professionalism and great work! We're glad that we had the best law firm and the best team on our side!
We'd like to thank all of you for your professionalism in helping us deal with everything for the past 17 months. Even though our choice of law firm at the beginning was random, we're glad we came to you. We're very grateful that you're on our side and fighting for what's rightfully belongs to us! We couldn't have had a better lawyer representing us and we appreciate you more than you can imagine.
A full service team which punches above its weight, dealing with a range of UK and international clients.
Very high standards of client care, efficient and very good collaboratively when working for clients in common with our firm.
Jenny Walsh is a full member of STEP and a key figure who specialises in non-contentious private client matters, often with a cross-border dimension.
The nimble team at Osbornes acts for trustees, executors, personal representatives, and other high-net-worth individuals.
Excellent team doing high-end work. Would always consider for referral and conflict work.
Jan Atkinson heads up the team and is a respected senior lawyer.
An ambitious team who work hard for their clients.
The calm and experienced Jan Atkinson is at the helm of the team.
Osbornes acts for a wide range of high-net-worth individuals, families, and trust companies in complex estate and trust litigation.
Osbornes has a practice which is big enough to take on substantial cases and small enough to retain a personal touch.
With a deep sense of gratitude, I want to thank you all for your diligent and comprehensive contributions and assistance in my legal travails.
I am sure you know how stressful legal proceedings can be for everyday laypersons like myself. Thankfully, you have been a bastion of support and reassurance during these trying months, and I struggle to find the right words to express my sincere gratitude.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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!
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