Complex probate involving 4 wills
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The case study relates to complex probate involving four separate wills. The deceased had made four wills in rapid succession, intending three of them to each deal with assets in a particular country. The last will had not been correctly drafted and inadvertently revoked the earlier wills, leaving the executor in a quandary as to how best to proceed and the beneficiaries of the earlier wills being deprived of what the deceased intended them to receive.
Our London probate solicitors acted for the executor of the last will. Our role was to determine the position of the English Will (which had been mistakenly revoked by the final Australian Will), and to deal with the estate administration here. This included determining the complex domicile position of the deceased and managing all advice received in the different jurisdictions as to how best to proceed and ensure protection for the executor, in light of possible contested probate claims by disappointed beneficiaries. The last will covers the worldwide assets of the deceased and creates significant IHT consequences and possible claims against the estate and for professional negligence against the Australian firm which drafted the final will from a number of large charities named as residuary beneficiaries in the earlier wills.
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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.
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The team is very caring, experienced and detailed and was clear about the next steps and offered very helpful advice and suggestions
Jan Atkinson has extensive experience in private client matters, which underpins her excellent skills in the contentious probate area. Plus she is strong on international matters
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I am happy with the service that I got and would recommend you to other potential clients.
I found Osbornes always very helpful and efficient.
We are very pleased with the services of Osbornes. Highly professional and through with close attention to detail.
I would highly recommend Jan Atkinson in any probate matter and Osbornes Solicitors in any other legal matters.
Jan Atkinson is a very proficient lady whom I would highly recommend to anyone involved in probates.
Thanks for all your work and explaining everything so clearly. For any legal matters in the future I would not hesitate in instructing Osbornes.
We have found your service to date as the most informative we have come across.
Jan Atkinson is confident with a straightforward approach. Her practice covers both contentious and non-contentious matters, including wealth planning and estate administration.
I would like to thank everyone in my case for the excellent job!
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- 13.9.2021
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