Wills, Probate and Disputed Estates
Leading Private Client Lawyers in London
Osbornes Law advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters. Our expert lawyers can help you make a will and deal with the estate of a deceased individual. We also specialise in contentious matters including contesting a will and and probate disputes.
“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 is an expert in international probate work and is praised for a sensible and pragmatic approach to cases.”
Planning now for the future
Our London-based lawyers are here to help individuals and families who wish to plan now for the future. We help our clients manage their affairs by assisting them to draw up instructions on how wealth and assets should be distributed in the future and who should manage their estate in the event that they should become incapacitated or lose capacity.
How our lawyers can help
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 a great deal of emotional stress. Dealing with legal, tax and administrative responsibilities is often the last thing on your mind and can be a daunting task. To add to this you may be unfamiliar with what to do and with 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 London team are here to help.
Disputing an estate and probate litigation
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 professional, empathetic and sensitive at all times. During the process, you can be sure that we will be representing your best interests at all times.
Estate planning
Estate planning is the process of organising and managing your financial and legal affairs. The goal of estate planning is 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 that your wishes are carried out.
"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!
Specialist advice for those with international assets
It is, of course, best practice for everyone to make a will and 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.
Accreditations
Our services, provided by our specialist wills and probate solicitors in London are designed to:
- Give you peace of mind by putting your affairs in order.
- Avoid unnecessary distress for your family and friends.
- Ensure your dependants 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.
New and Insights From our LawyersVIEW ALL
22.5.2023Case 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 - 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 Osbornes Law acts for the defendants to a claim issued to pronounce in favour of...
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27.10.2022Contesting 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,...
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19.1.2022Does 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- 18.11.2021
Family Tensions and Deputyship
Disputes between a deputy and the family of the individual concerned, can escalate and become increasingly distressing if issues are...
Read more - 18.11.2021
Particularly sensitive issues around mental capacity
Mental capacity, the right to sex and the carer’s risk of prosecution Does everyone have the right to a...
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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- 20.10.2021
Evidence 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...
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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
Understanding Testamentary Capacity
What is testamentary capacity? Testamentary capacity refers to a person’s ability, both legally and mentally, to create a valid...
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 - 17.9.2021
Funding of Probate disputes
Contentious Probate can be very expensive and clients often find it difficult to find the money to cover their legal...
Read more - 13.9.2021
Worldwide Probate Dispute
The deceased died in Ireland leaving very considerable wealth and assets all over the world, including England, but without leaving...
Read more - 13.9.2021
Estate administration with a value of £6million
In this international probate case, we are acting for the executors in an estate administration with a value of £6million....
Read more - 13.9.2021
International probate involving 17 properties
Osbornes Law represented the administrator of this international estate where the deceased was domiciled in India. There are ongoing court...
Read more - 13.9.2021
Complex probate involving 4 wills
The case study relates to complex probate involving four separate wills. The deceased had made four wills in rapid succession,...
Read more - 13.9.2021
Probate with assets worth between US$600m & US$800...
This probate case relates to a property in London which was funded by our clients, who are based in Australia...
Read more - 13.9.2021
US/UK cross border probate
Our probate lawyers in London were instructed by a US-based widow of her late husband’s £8 million English estate. As...
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The Will, Probate and Disputed Estate Team View the whole team
Jan Atkinson
Partner
Wills, Probate and Disputed EstatesElspeth Neilson
Partner
Wills, Probate and Disputed EstatesJenny Walsh
Partner
Wills, Probate and Disputed EstatesFlorence Arbuthnott
Associate Solicitor
Wills, Probate and Disputed EstatesSuzanna Baker
Senior Associate
Wills, Probate and Disputed EstatesElla Coles
Paralegal
Wills, Probate and Disputed EstatesView the
whole team
