Probate Solicitors
Probate Solicitors London
Our probate solicitors handle estate administration for executors, administrators and beneficiaries — from straightforward grants of probate to complex, multi-jurisdictional estates. Chambers HNW and Legal 500 ranked.
Call 020 7485 8811 today.
“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.”
“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.”
When someone dies, the practical and legal responsibilities that fall to those left behind can be significant. We take that burden on for you, guiding the process from start to finish with clarity and care. Our Private Client team is recognised for its work on high-value and cross-border estates for individuals and families across the UK and internationally.
Table of Contents
Specialist advice from expert probate lawyers
Our probate solicitors focus on taking the burden away from the deceased’s personal representatives as the circumstances require by providing expert advice and guidance. We will ensure the affairs of your loved one are:
- Wound up
- Assets transferred or sold as required
- Beneficiaries receive their entitlement without delay
We offer all our clients fast expert advice whether the deceased died having made a Will or not. If there is no Will, the rules of succession to property and other assets are determined by the Intestacy Rules. We will advise on their effect, which often is to create a statutory trust where the deceased leaves children and a surviving spouse. In these circumstances, it may be necessary to trace distant or long-lost family members and we can make the necessary arrangements.
On our client’s behalf, we will complete the appropriate HMRC inheritance tax forms, which are now required for all estates, and all other papers necessary to obtain the Grant of Representation to enable the deceased’s assets to be released and distributed to the beneficiaries either in accordance with the Will or under the Intestacy Rules.
Where the deceased did not consider tax planning before death it is possible to vary the Will or the effect of intestacy and thereby create substantial tax savings. We focus on the enhancement of clients’ assets by advising on estate and succession planning and will advise executors and beneficiaries on the possible variation of estates where appropriate.
Related reading: What to Do When Someone Dies
Do you need a probate solicitor?
In England and Wales, there is no legal requirement to use a solicitor to obtain a grant of probate or administer an estate. Executors can apply online directly through the government’s probate service, and for simple estates, a single property, straightforward finances, no disputes, some people manage the process themselves without difficulty.
However, instructing a solicitor is strongly advisable where:
- The estate is likely to be subject to inheritance tax (currently estates above £325,000, or £500,000 where a residential property passes to direct descendants)
- There are assets in more than one country
- The will is being challenged, or there is doubt about its validity
- The deceased died intestate (without a will) and the estate is of significant value
- There are ongoing trusts created by the will
- Beneficiaries include charities, minors, or vulnerable individuals
- There have been significant lifetime gifts that may affect IHT calculations
Errors made during estate administration can leave executors personally liable. The cost of professional advice is almost always justified against that risk.
Why choose Osbornes for probate?
Our Private Client team is consistently recognised as one of the leading teams in London for estate administration and contentious probate. Chambers HNW 2025 notes that our lawyers are “the lawyers other lawyers would choose to deal with their own affairs”, and The Legal 500 2026 describes the practice as regularly acting for “a wide range of HNW individuals and families on complex estate and trust cases, frequently dealing with cross-border estates.”
Practically, that means:
- Experience with complex estates. We regularly handle estates involving property in multiple countries, business interests, agricultural assets, and long-term trusts, the situations where errors are most costly.
- Inheritance tax planning. Where there is scope to reduce the tax liability through post-death variations or careful structuring, we identify and advise on those opportunities.
- Contentious probate capability. Our contentious probate team sits within the same department. If a dispute arises during administration, you do not need to instruct a new firm.
- International network. We have established contacts across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, which materially speeds up the administration of cross-border estates.
- Straightforward communication. Probate involves significant sums and often grieving families. We keep clients informed at every stage and do not hide behind legal jargon.
Our probate services
Contentious probate
Our contentious probate solicitors will advise you in relation to disputes that arise during the probate process. These disputes can involve a variety of issues related to estate administration, including contesting a will, the appointment of the executor or administrator, the distribution of assets, and the payment of debts and taxes. If you are involved in a contentious probate case, it is important to work with an experienced inheritance disputes solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your interests.
Grant of Probate Reseals
More and more clients now have assets in more than one jurisdiction. That means it is likely that on their death, a grant of probate (or similar) is likely to be needed in more than one country. In some jurisdictions such as Hong Kong and South Africa, an English grant of probate can be resealed locally and vice versa, i.e. the probate registries here will reseal a grant issued in Hong Kong or South Africa. The Colonial Probates Act Application Order 1965 is a statutory instrument setting out to which countries the reseal procedure is available. Where it is not, a separate grant of representation will be required here and we can deal with these applications as well.
Islands closer to home such as Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man have their own procedures and a separate local grant will be required in those jurisdictions.
Osbornes’ Private Client Team has a lot of experience in dealing with reseal applications from multiple jurisdictions, as well as English grants in respect of foreign wills. We have excellent contacts across many countries both in Europe and further afield which can help streamline the process of administering cross-border estates, i.e. when there are English and non-English aspects to be considered.
International probate
Our team of specialist international probate solicitors have significant experience in dealing with cross-border estates in countries including the UK and Australia, Europe (Germany, Spain, France and Italy), India, Hong Kong, Singapore, The United States and Brazil.
Read our articles, What is Probate / How much does probate cost? / Selling a Probate Property
Probate Costs & Service Timeline
Our Probate Fees
We charge entirely on a time-spent basis at the hourly rate of the fee earner working on your matter. This allows us to scale costs to the complexity of the estate, straightforward administrations cost less, while complex cross-border estates or matters subject to inheritance tax require more time. For estates that are straightforward and non-contentious (with the deceased domiciled in the UK and all assets in England and Wales), our approximate fees are:
- Estate value up to £5,000 and PIN applications | £1,500 + VAT
- Estate value £5,000 – £1m (no IHT) | £6,000–£12,000 + VAT
- Estate value over £1m (no IHT) | £9,000–£15,000 + VAT
- Estate subject to Inheritance Tax | £12,000–£18,000 + VAT
**Where the administration is straightforward** (for example, a property and bank account), charges will be towards the lower end.
**Where it is more complicated** (multiple share holdings, several accounts, or inheritance tax concerns), charges will be towards the higher end.
We provide a detailed fee estimate as early as possible and confirm it once we have full information about the estate. If additional work becomes necessary that was not originally anticipated, we will notify you in writing with an updated estimate before proceeding.
What’s Included in our fees:
- Obtaining your detailed instructions and all necessary documentation
- Registering the death and obtaining asset valuations
- Completing the Inheritance Tax account (IHT400 or IHT205) and obtaining HMRC clearance
- Preparing and submitting your application for the Grant of Representation
- Registering the grant with all asset holders and securing release of funds
- Placing Trustee Act Notices where required
- Arranging the sale or transfer of any shares or investments
- Discharging all liabilities and paying beneficiaries
- Finalising the deceased’s tax affairs and obtaining tax clearance
**Additional costs** such as the probate application fee (£300), Trustee Act notice publications (c. £400–£450), property surveyors’ fees, or genealogists’ fees for tracing beneficiaries are paid separately as disbursements.
How long does probate take?
The probate process involves two distinct timescales:
- Obtaining the Grant of Representation:** typically 12 weeks from submission, though current delays at the Ministry of Justice may extend this
- Administering the full estate:** approximately 3–6 months after the grant is issued, depending on complexity, cross-border estates or those with disputed elements may take longer
We will give you a realistic timescale when we take on your matter and keep you informed if delays occur.
View detailed probate pricing and service information here.
How we have helped clients
Administering a cross-border estate across four jurisdictions We acted for the executors of an estate with property in England, France, Spain, and Hong Kong. Coordinating with local lawyers in each jurisdiction, we managed the resealing of the English grant in Hong Kong, obtained separate grants in France and Spain, and advised on the IHT treatment of each asset class. The estate was fully administered within 18 months.
Post-death variation to reduce inheritance tax Our client inherited an estate from a parent who had not updated their will following a change in family circumstances. We identified that a deed of variation, redirecting a portion of the estate, would reduce the IHT liability by over £80,000 and better reflect what the deceased had intended. The variation was completed within the required two-year window.
Supporting an executor through a disputed will We were instructed by an executor whose appointment was being challenged by a sibling who claimed the deceased lacked testamentary capacity. Our contentious probate team worked alongside the estate administration team to manage both threads of the matter, ultimately achieving a settlement that allowed administration to proceed without the delay and cost of a full trial.
Do I need a probate solicitor near me?
Not necessarily, we advise clients throughout the UK and internationally. Take a look at the client stories above to get a feel for the type of clients that we work with and the work that we deliver.
Probate FAQs
What is grant of probate?
A grant of probate is the formal document issued to the executors of a will enabling them to deal with the deceased’s assets. The grant is issued by one of the District Probate Registries in England or by the Principal Registry of the Family Division of the High Court. Find out more here.
How long does it take to get a grant of representation?
It can take just a few weeks, but usually several months at present, to get the grant, depending on how complex the estate assets are and how quickly it is possible to get together all necessary information to complete the inheritance tax (IHT) return which has to be done before the grant can be applied for.
The form is an IHT400 or IHT205 depending on the type and value of the estate. If IHT is payable some of this has to be paid before the grant will be issued, but banks and building societies usually release monies from the deceased’s accounts for this purpose.
How does the probate process work?
Our Will and our estate are individual to each of us, so the full probate process can vary depending on the instructions that have been left in the will.
The basic process for an executor will include:
- Bringing together the full details of the estate’s assets and debts
- Completing an inheritance tax return and paying any tax due
- Making the application for a Grant of Probate (this is the formal document giving the authority needed to administer the estate)
Inheritance Tax return
The Inheritance Tax (IHT) return when completed is lodged with HMRC where tax is payable and the necessary IHT is sent to HMRC. If no IHT is payable, the tax return IHT205 is sent direct to the chosen probate registry with the statement of truth when it has been signed by the executors or the administrators (collectively known as Personal Representatives or ‘PRs’). The statement of truth has replaced the oath for executors and oath for administrators.
The statement of truth is the document by which the PRs formally apply for the grant of representation and promise to collect in all the deceased’s assets, pay any debts and distribute the estate in accordance with the terms of the will or as required by the Intestacy Rules which apply when someone dies without a valid will.
How much does a probate solicitor cost?
Solicitors typically charge for probate work on either a fixed-fee or hourly-rate basis, depending on the complexity of the estate.
For straightforward estates, a single property, limited financial accounts, no IHT liability, fixed fees are common and can range from a few thousand pounds. For larger or more complex estates involving inheritance tax, overseas assets, or trust arrangements, costs will be higher and are more commonly charged by reference to time spent.
We will provide a clear estimate of our fees at the outset, and update you if the scope of work changes. Please contact us to discuss the specific circumstances of the estate and we will give you an honest assessment of the likely cost.
How long does probate take?
The probate process involves two distinct timescales.
Obtaining the grant of probate typically takes several months from the date of death. Before the grant can be issued, the relevant HMRC inheritance tax return must be completed, either the IHT400 (where tax is payable) or the IHT205 (for smaller or exempt estates). Where IHT is due, a portion must usually be paid before the grant will be issued, though most banks will release funds from the deceased’s accounts specifically for this purpose.
Administering the full estate, collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing to beneficiaries, takes around 12 months for most estates. Complex estates, particularly those with overseas assets, disputed elements, or ongoing trusts, will take longer. We will give you a realistic indication of timescale when we take on your matter.
Do you always have to go through probate?
Not all estates need to go through the probate process. In general, smaller estates with few assets and straightforward distributions may not need to go through probate. Probate may not be needed if the deceased’s combined assets are worth less than £5,000.
Other reasons why probate may be avoided include:
- Designating beneficiaries: Many financial accounts, such as retirement accounts and life insurance policies, allow you to name a beneficiary who will receive the assets in the account upon your death. Designating beneficiaries can be an effective way to avoid probate, as the assets in these accounts will pass directly to the beneficiary without going through the probate process.
- Setting up a trust: A trust is a legal entity that holds and manages assets for the benefit of another person or entity. By transferring assets to a trust, you can specify how the assets should be managed and distributed after your death without going through probate.
- Holding assets jointly: If you own assets jointly with another person, such as a joint bank account or joint property, these assets will typically pass directly to the surviving joint owner upon your death without going through probate.
Who inherits if there is no will?
In the UK, if a person dies without a will, they are said to have died “intestate.” When this happens, the intestacy rules set out in the Administration of Estates Act 1925 determine how the deceased person’s assets will be distributed.
Under the intestacy rules, the deceased person’s assets will be distributed to their next of kin in a specific order of priority. The first priority is the spouse or registered civil partner of the deceased. If the deceased had children, the spouse or civil partner will receive the personal possessions of the deceased and the first £270,000 of the estate, as well as half of the remaining balance. The children will receive the other half of the remaining balance.
If the deceased did not have a spouse or civil partner, the entire estate will be distributed to the children. If the deceased had no surviving spouse, civil partner, or children, the estate will be distributed to the deceased’s parents. If the deceased had no surviving parents, the estate will be distributed to siblings or, if there are no surviving siblings, to more distant relatives. If the deceased had no surviving relatives, the estate will go to the Crown.
It is important to note that the intestacy rules do not provide for other individuals, such as friends or unmarried partners, to inherit. If you want to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, it is important to create a will.
Read our blog post: What happens when someone dies without a will?
Can I apply for probate online?
The online probate service is available to most named executors in England and Wales. It is currently not available to apply for letters of administration, which is the name of the grant in cases of intestacy. It allows applicants to apply, pay and swear a statement of truth online.
When is it not appropriate to apply for probate online?
The online probate system is not appropriate for all cases and specifically not for more complex estates, where matters can quickly become difficult to administer and lead to additional legal costs being incurred. Importantly, many members of the public are unaware that they can find themselves personally liable for any mistakes they make. Specific examples of when it will be appropriate to seek professional advice include where:
- The value of the estate is over the Inheritance Tax threshold
- Monies are to be held in a trust created by the will
- Foreign aspects are included
- All or part of the residue of an estate is left to charity, or divided between exempt and non-exempt beneficiaries
- There have been significant lifetime gifts
These sorts of circumstances can create hidden traps for the unwary. Concerns have also been raised over the risk of the system being abused, including exploiting vulnerable people and their assets.
★★★★★“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.”
Speak to a probate solicitor today
Call us 020 7485 8811
For all new enquiries, please submit your details via the contact forms on our website. This will ensure your query reaches the right team and is handled promptly.
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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
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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
