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
“Katie de Swarte is hardworking and has great empathy for her clients.”
Katie is a highly experienced solicitor specialising in Contentious Trusts and Probate matters.
The types of cases Katie deals with include, but are not limited to, applications under the Inheritance (Provisions for Family and Dependents) Act 1975, challenging the validity and structure of wills and trusts, claims for breach of trust and disputes arising between executors/trustees, beneficiaries and third parties. These types of disputes give rise to professional negligence claims as well as claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (ToLaTA) which Katie also has wide experience in. Katie undertakes Court of Protection work, such as obtaining Lasting Power of Attorneys and issues arising from the same, Statutory Will applications and making and contesting Deputyship applications.
Many of Katie’s cases involve international elements and cross-border issues. Katie has experience in dealing with various jurisdictions including Scotland, France, Spain and India.
Awards and memberships
Katie is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and is a STEP Technician. She is also a member of the ConTra, a Contentious Trusts Association for lawyers and a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS). Katie is a member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and was awarded the SFE Older Client Care Practice Award in November 2020.
Personal Interests
In her spare time Katie enjoys socialising with her family and friends, cooking and travelling.
“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 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.
"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!
Katie's directory testimonials
Katie de Swarte and Elspeth Neilson...
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
Katie de Swarte is hardworking and...
Katie de Swarte is hardworking and has great empathy for her clients
Insights from KatieVIEW ALL
25.10.2021Inheritance Claims CFA Success Fee Judgment
The Court of Appeal upholds the recoverability of CFA success fees in 1975 Act claims in the case of Hirachand v...
Read more
20.10.2021Evidence Needed When Contesting A Will
‘Scrap King’ Multi-million Inheritance Dispute Confirms the High Standard of Evidence Needed to Contest a Will Gary Goodwin, son of...
Read more- 20.10.2021
Contentious Probate Dispute Surrounding Interpretation
The ‘nil rate band’ offers an incentive to testators to make their will in a tax-efficient manner, maximising the amount...
Read more 
20.10.2021Handwriting Expert Witness Concludes Will Forgery
It’s not unheard of for an individual to forge someone’s will with the aim of securing an inheritance....
Read more- 20.10.2021
Contested Will Claim Succeeds on Capacity
A sad case in which a bereaved father made a will without the requisite mental capacity to do so has...
Read more - 20.10.2021
Contested Will Claim Against Estate Fails
The recent reported case of Shearer v Shearer highlights that adult children cannot expect an estate to support their affluent...
Read more - 14.9.2021
Dealing with a Contentious Probate Claim
Many people do not know what a contentious probate claim is until they have become embroiled in one. The root...
Read more - 8.9.2021
Will dispute on grounds of lack of capacity
Osbornes Law acts for the potential claimants, the adult daughters of the deceased who assert his last Will to be...
Read more - 12.5.2021
Writing a will stops loved ones being frozen...
An estimated 59% of the UK population have not made a will, so when one half of a couple dies unexpectedly,...
Read more - 27.11.2020
LPAs: How to prevent a loved one entrusting...
Record numbers of us are entrusting our finances to loved ones, with over 800,000 Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) registered a...
Read more
