International Estate Planning
International Estate Planning Solicitors London
Living and working in an increasingly international community means more people than ever own property and other assets abroad. Osbornes Law have a sophisticated international estate planning team working alongside international lawyers to protect our clients’ global assets.
Call 020 7485 8811 today.
“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.”
Expert International estate planning lawyers
International estate planning is important for anyone owning foreign assets – whether you are an individual who has a holiday home in Europe or you’re a high-net-worth entrepreneur with global business interests and properties. The last thing you want is to be faced with unexpected and unwelcome taxation and inheritance rules in another country.
Why consider international estate planning?
Effective estate planning involves considering each asset you own and looking at how the rules of the relevant country may apply. With assets and business interests outside of the UK, there may be complicated cross-border succession and taxation issues that need special consideration to ensure your goals can be met.
The expert international estate planning lawyers at Osbornes have significant exposure to clients owning foreign assets, including in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, the USA, Brazil, Argentina and beyond. Our clients are British nationals, UK-based foreign nationals, ex-pats and non-doms.
- Related article: The Benefits of Early Inheritance Tax Planning
If international estates become disputed, whether due to forced heirship disputes, offshore trust disagreements or multi-jurisdictional succession issues, our international private wealth disputes team can coordinate strategy across multiple legal systems tp protect your interests.
We provide a tailored strategy
Robust estate planning and wealth structuring for clients owning cross-border assets is a complex business requiring detailed technical knowledge of local laws and regulations. This includes how succession, forced heirship and inheritance tax rules apply in a given jurisdiction and how they may conflict with UK rules. It may also be necessary to consider how the EU Succession Regulation may impact clients.
We, therefore, work closely with local lawyers in different jurisdictions, as well as chartered tax advisers and other professionals, to achieve the most effective mechanisms to protect clients’ assets and interests.
Our approach to each client is holistic; we strive to understand the full extent of your unique financial circumstances and foreign holdings, and then we consider your specific priorities and goals.
Only then will we develop a bespoke strategy that utilises the rules in the relevant jurisdictions alongside English rules to best protect your assets and estate.
- Read our blog post Cross Border Issues – Wills and Succession
Common issues that arise in international estate planning include:
Succession planning
Succession rules in different jurisdictions vary quite significantly and it is important to understand how they may interact in your case. We help clients ensure that ownership and the transfer of foreign assets and business interests are structured in the most tax-efficient way to protect future generations.
Tax mitigation
A key objective in estate planning is to minimise the potential income and capital gains tax; and the inheritance tax liability on death. Owning global assets means you ought to consider how the tax rules in the relevant jurisdiction apply – and what you can do reduce your tax bill. It may also be advisable to take steps to change your tax domicile to make your international wealth more tax efficient. We can advise you on the domicile and deemed domicile rules.
Family disputes
The need to control cross-border assets can arise during a relationship or family breakdown. We advise clients in what can be distressing and difficult situations to protect their control and ownership of assets held in their name.
Cross-border wills
A will is one of the best ways to safeguard your wealth and your family. Owning foreign assets means it may be desirable to have a foreign will, in addition to an English will, to protect your cross-border assets. In some cases, a ‘worldwide will’ will suffice. Our specialists will advise you on the merits of having multiple wills to ensure your inheritance goals are achieved in accordance with applicable local laws.
Trusts
Setting up a trust can prove highly effective in protecting assets and providing for your family. A robust trust can provide a regular income for your loved ones and can effectively ring-fence your assets for tax purposes, saving potentially significant sums of money.
Alternative structures
There are other holding vehicles that can achieve a similar objective to trust structures, including family investment companies, family limited partnerships and foundations with the aim of keeping assets within, for example, the control of your family or to benefit a charity – or even to protect assets from confiscation.
Protecting elderly clients’ assets
We have an empathetic team that is experienced in protecting the elderly and vulnerable who own assets abroad and need help managing their finances. These are delicate situations and can become quite complex, but with specialist help, we can assist family members who are concerned about protecting their loved one’s cross-border wealth.
Make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
It’s never too early to appoint attorneys under an LPA to make decisions about your property and finances if you lose mental capacity. But whether it will be acceptable in another jurisdiction depends on its own laws. Therefore, it might also be prudent to appoint attorneys using the equivalent of an LPA in the relevant country in case the need arises and the English LPA is not accepted. We can also advise on whether a power of attorney made abroad can be ratified and used in England.
Owning property and other assets in other countries gives rise to complex legal and tax considerations and it is wise to take specialist legal advice. Wherever you are based, we can assist.
A large proportion of Suzanna Baker’s work involves non-UK jurisdictions.
She is incredibly personable, efficient and capable.
She provides an excellent service and I have always had excellent feedback from clients I have referred to her.
Suzanna Baker has been my 'go to' for wills and estate planning for many years now.
Suzanna has a good manner with clients and brings confidence. She has a really good team behind her.
Suzanna Baker is outstanding - reliable and a really good lawyer.
Jenny Walsh is adept at covering diverse issues, such as estate administration, the resealing of foreign grants of probate, as well as advising on lasting powers of attorney.
Elspeth Neilson is regularly instructed by high-profile clients.
Jan Atkinson spearheads the practice.
Jan Atkinson is knowledgeable and empathic.
Jan Atkinson is an impressive operator, especially in the role of independent administrator.
Katie De Swarte specialises in contentious trust and estate matters, including those with cross-border issues.
Katie builds good relationships with clients, she takes time to understand people to help them achieve their objectives.
Katie de Swarte is an experienced specialist.
Katie de Swarte is a standout member of the team: a very capable lawyer with sound commercial instincts who works tirelessly for her clients.
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.
She has so much experience and is completely unfazed by anything. She is good at finding ways to resolve cases.
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.
She is extremely experienced at discharging responsibilities in contentious matters. She is very reliable and fair with clients.
Katie has a good balance of being technically good but also emotionally intelligent. She has a really good understanding of the emotional side of these disputes while being pragmatic.
Katie de Swarte has a real passion for the work she does. She is not afraid to fight her corner and her tenacity means she can pull off miracles.
Katie is very easy to get on with, personable and pragmatic.
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.
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support and guidance you provided during the settlement of my late uncle's estate. Your professionalism and compassion made a challenging time much easier for us. I would also like to extend my thanks to your team for their assistance throughout this process. You have a dedicated group of individuals working alongside you, and their efforts did not go unnoticed.
Thank you so much for all your efforts to make our wills right for us. I have been so stressed and anxious about the process and so nervous about the signing and your care and kindness made it such a relaxing, reassuring and pleasant experience.
We engaged Osbornes to gift a property to our daughter. We came across the firm via the internet which gave good reviews and indicated the award the firm holds.
We were not disappointed. We received a first class service with good advice and easy access and communications at all times.
A professional , efficient and friendly service and at a good price.
Many thanks Julia, Angela and Tom.Many many thanks for everything, you have been simply amazing, really appreciate all your help!! You're a superstar!!
Both my wife and I would like to thank you and your colleagues for completing our Wills and for providing an excellent service.
Clare and I are very grateful for the time that you have taken in explaining each of the trust options available to us, and for the guidance / advise within your concluding comments. Once again, thank you for your support and for the professional service that you have personally provided to Clare and I.
Thank you so much for all your work and attention to detail on the estate Roshni. Aliz, Juli, and I appreciate it very much!
We would like to thank you for the outstanding service during this process.
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.
I'm very happy we contacted you, we couldn't have asked for a better lawyer! Thank you for your professionalism and having my back!
Jan Atkinson is responsive, reliable, fair, knowledgeable, experienced in cross-border estates, and very professional.
Suzanna Baker is a a pleasure to work with. She is diligent, knowledgeable and responsive. I have full confidence when sending clients her way.
A full service team which punches above its weight, dealing with a range of UK and international clients.
The ability to look across the borders of UK law and take into account considerations and rules of other jurisdictions. That makes it very nice to work with each other.
A good understanding of the legal matter at hand and the ability to provide both legal and practical solutions for cross-border matters.
Suzanna Baker offers practical and considered advice.
Have enjoyed working with Jan Atkinson who offers confident, skillful and practical advice.
Jenny Walsh is a stand out partner who has taken on many cases and assisted urgently where required so her responsiveness and expertise is particularly notable.
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.
Elspeth Neilson is a first-rate lawyer. She has a wealth of experience in acting as an independent administrator.
Katie de Swarte is a first-rate lawyer.
Jan Atkinson is a top-class contentious probate lawyer. Always on top of the detail and pleasant with opponents and peers alike, she is much sought-after for referrals work.
Katie is professional, capable and I know and trust her to look after clients I refer to her.
I would recommend Katie de Swarte, who is easy to deal with and a knowledgeable, formidable opponent.
Excellent team doing high-end work. Would always consider for referral and conflict work.
Elspeth Neilson is excellent. She develops trusting client relationships based on good advice.
Katie de Swarte is very good with clients and committed to helping them achieve their objectives.
Jan attracts superb clients and she deals with them brilliantly. She is supported by strong associates.
The focal point is very much Jan Atkinson, who has a wealth of experience and expertise in this area.
Katie de Swarte is a hard working and ambitious lawyer.
Jan Atkinson heads up the team and is a respected senior lawyer.
A well-established contentious trusts and probate team.
An ambitious team who work hard for their clients.
Elspeth Neilson is highly regarded.
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.
Yael Selig is bilingual in Spanish and English. She is the go-to person for divorce cases involving Gibraltar particularly, or Spain.
Yael Selig regularly supports clients in cross jurisdictional UK–Spanish matters.
Osbornes‘ family team is headed up by Mark Freedman, a mediator and fighter who will get the job done on both complex financial matters and international children cases.
A market leader across public law, international cases, financial and children work.
Jan Atkinson is a top-class contentious probate lawyer
I especially appreciate the highly professional and caring approach that you have shown throughout the process.
"Katie has a good rapport with clients and genuinely wants to help them. She's extremely committed to helping clients."
"Katie has great knowledge of the law and superb people skills, with a drive to get the best result possible."
"She's very good with clients, very knowledgeable and good to work with."
"I have found her to be extremely efficient, She is very fair in her dealings with all parties and she navigates the conflicting demands imposed on her by opposing parties in a supremely fair fashion."
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.
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.”
Accreditations
Wills and Probate News and InsightsVIEW ALL
22.7.2026Sham Declarations of Trust Over London Properties
Declarations of trust over London properties found to be a ‘sham’ Property trusts are a legal tool often utilised to...
Read more- 26.1.2026
Court Removes Trustees for Hostility to Beneficiaries
Trustees removed because of hostility towards beneficiaries When administrating a trust, the trustees manage the assets and therefore owe far-reaching...
Read more - 14.1.2026
Digital Assets Now Count in Your Will
Making a will now that digital assets are recognised as personal property We live in a sophisticated technological age, yet...
Read more - 11.12.2025
MoJ data indicates steep rise in probate claims
Why probate claims are increasing and what this means to families The chances of being involved in probate disputes are...
Read more - 13.10.2025
Isaacs v Green: ‘Needy’ 74-Year-Old Son Wins Inheritance...
A 74-year-old man who was disinherited from his mother’s will has been awarded 25% of her estate. The ruling could...
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20.8.2025High Court Rejects Fraudulent Will in Probate Dispute
Justice for a daughter: High Court rejects fraudulent will in probate disputes In this recent High Court decision [Khatun v...
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15.8.2025What Does the Assisted Dying Bill Mean for...
The growing number of people with terminal illnesses who choose to end their lives at clinics such as Dignitas has...
Read more- 30.7.2025
The Cost of Poorly Drafted Wills
The perils of using an unqualified will-writer: don’t risk the fallout If you’re tempted to use an unqualified...
Read more - 29.7.2025
Dementia & Wills
Contesting a will due to dementia The contested wills and probate team at Osbornes Law represents clients involved in all...
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17.7.2025Key Ruling on Foreign Inheritance Judgment
Foreign judgment setting aside English will could not be registered and enforced in England The contested probate team at Osbornes...
Read more- 7.7.2025
Daughter Wins Care Payment Claim Against Mother’s...
Daughter’s claim for payment for late mother’s care succeeds A judge has allowed a woman’s contractual claim...
Read more - 4.6.2025
Supreme Court Confirms ‘No-Profit’ Rule For Fiduciaries
Trustees: Supreme Court confirms ‘no change’ to ‘no-profit’ rule for fiduciaries The contested probate and trusts team at Osbornes Law...
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15.5.2025When There’s No Valid Will: Lessons from...
When loved ones fall out over an unclear will When someone dies, even the strongest family relationship can come under...
Read more- 9.12.2024
Executors’ and Administrators’ Duties
Introduction When someone dies, others need to take on the formal responsibility for dealing with the deceased’s estate. If...
Read more - 9.12.2024
What To Do When Someone Dies
When a loved one dies, getting to grips with what you need to do can seem bewildering. The first question...
Read more - 6.11.2024
High Court Validates Donation in Will Dispute
High Court validates gift made during Covid lockdown in Will Dispute In what may be one of the first covid...
Read more - 5.11.2024
Protecting Loved Ones with Dementia
If a person lacks capacity how should decisions be made for them? Dementia is a cruel disease, slowly robbing individuals...
Read more - 12.7.2024
Probate Mediation
Why choose mediation for contested probate? At Osbornes, we understand that probate litigation is often highly emotive. Unfortunately, there is...
Read more 
12.7.2024Is A Handwritten Will Legal?
Summary: A handwritten will can be legally valid in England and Wales It must still comply with the legal requirements...
Read more- 25.4.2024
A Guide to Will Trusts
What is a trust in a will ? Setting up a trust in your will can protect assets for your loved...
Read more - 25.4.2024
A Guide to Asset Protection Trusts
One good reason to place your assets into a trust is to protect family wealth without fearing for its future....
Read more - 25.4.2024
What is a Mirror Will?
Mirror wills are mirror images of each other and practically the same in every way. They suit couples, married or...
Read more - 23.4.2024
A Guide to Life Interest Trusts
In today’s complex families, protecting assets for your children while ensuring that a surviving spouse can still enjoy them...
Read more - 23.4.2024
Discretionary Trusts
What is a discretionary trust? With a discretionary trust, there is no automatic right for beneficiaries to receive funds from...
Read more
The Wills & Probate Team View the whole team
Jan Atkinson
Partner
Private ClientSuzanna Baker
Partner
Private ClientKatie de Swarte
Partner
Private ClientElspeth Neilson
Partner
Private ClientJenny Walsh
Partner
Private ClientFlorence Arbuthnott
Senior Associate
Private ClientLesley Boreham
Associate
Private ClientLaura Brogden
Solicitor
Private ClientTahsin Chasmawala
Associate
Private ClientElla Coles
Solicitor
Private ClientEllen Cordery
Trainee Solicitor
Private ClientJoseph Gunn
Associate
Private ClientRachel Hyneman
Senior Associate
Private ClientChloe Knight
Paralegal
Private ClientMaggie Leiper
Consultant
Private ClientJulia Lind Kenward
Solicitor
Private ClientAngela Marangone
Solicitor
Private ClientAdam Matthews
Senior Associate
Private ClientEllie McEvoy
Trainee Solicitor
Private ClientEllie Murray
Solicitor
Private ClientRoshni Pandya
Associate
Private ClientLaura Parkinson
Paralegal
Private ClientTishina Ramkishun
Solicitor
Private ClientDaniel Silverstone
Paralegal
Private ClientView the
whole team
