Florence Arbuthnott

Associate Solicitor
Wills, Probate and Disputed Estates

Contact Florence

  • "I wish to thank you for your advice, efficiency and professionalism throughout which has been greatly appreciated."

    Client review

  • "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."

    Client

  • "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."

    Legal 500 2021

  • "I find Osbornes’ client-friendly approach welcoming and refreshing"

    Legal 500 2021

  • "A medium-sized London firm dealing with big litigation and doing it extremely well because of a depth of expertise and experience."

    Legal 500 2021

  • 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.

    Client Review

  • "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"

    Legal 500 2021 - Jan Atkinson

  • The team is very caring, experienced and detailed and was clear about the  next steps and offered very helpful advice and suggestions

    Legal 500

  • 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

    Legal 500 2020 - Jan Atkinson

  • A small but formidable team, punching above its weight. Jan Atkinson is a seasoned pro. Approachable but no push-over

    Legal 500 2020 - Jan Atkinson

  • "They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."

    Chambers UK

  • "Elspeth Neilson is very reliable and practical."

    The Legal 500

  • "The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."

    The Legal 500

  • "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."

    Chambers UK

  • The situation was handled by your extremely competent, efficient hands - I would not hesitate to recommend Osbornes to others.

    Wills, Probate and Disputed Estate Client

  • "Service prompt and effective. I have absolute confidence in Maggie."

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • I am happy with the service that I got and would recommend you to other potential clients.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • I found Osbornes always very helpful and efficient.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • We are very pleased with the services of Osbornes. Highly professional and through with close attention to detail.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • I would highly recommend Jan Atkinson in any probate matter and Osbornes Solicitors in any other legal matters.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • Jan Atkinson is a very proficient lady whom I would highly recommend to anyone involved in probates.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • Thanks for all your work and explaining everything so clearly. For any legal matters in the future I would not hesitate in instructing Osbornes.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • We have found your service to date as the most informative we have come across.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • Osbornes Solicitors always responded promptly to any request for information I had.

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • “Geoffrey’s affairs were dealt with just the right combination of friendliness and professionalism, which really helped.”

     

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

  • Jan Atkinson is confident with a straightforward approach. Her practice covers both contentious and non-contentious matters, including wealth planning and estate administration.

    Chambers UK

  • I would like to thank everyone in my case for the excellent job!

    Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates client

News & InsightsVIEW ALL

  1. international map and money
    9.6.2023

    High profile probate dispute of Vladimir Scherbakov

    Probate dispute of Russian billionaire’s missing will You’d imagine a wealthy businessman with assets in different countries would...

    Read more
  2. lady holding a cup
    22.5.2023

    Case Law: Dementia-Induced Mild Cognitive Impairment

    Introduction Dementia is a harsh reality for increasing numbers of families. Sadly, it means the disputed wills solicitors at Osbornes...

    Read more
  3. eu flags
    26.4.2023

    German Court Rules on EU Succession Regulation

    Succession laws vary from country to country which historically made the administration of cross-border estates potentially complex. Since 17 August 2015, the...

    Read more
  4. couple holding hands
    16.3.2023

    Are trusts protected from divorce?

    Can trusts protect an inheritance from your spouse? A trust is a separate legal entity. Neither spouse owns its assets....

    Read more
  5. the moon
    1.3.2023

    How to prevent someone contesting a will

    It is fairly rare in my experience for a parent to write a child out of their will but that...

    Read more
  6. primrose hill london
    8.2.2023

    Gifting Property to Children

    Can I gift property to my children? Gifting a property to your adult children is a relatively complex transaction but...

    Read more
  7. house in regents park london
    15.11.2022

    Contentious Probate Case Studies

    Contentious probate involving business assets Our contentious probate solicitors act for the defendants to a claim issued to pronounce in...

    Read more
  8. last will and testament disputes
    27.10.2022

    Contesting A Will Case Studies

    Will dispute on grounds of lack of capacity Our contesting a will solicitors acted for the claimants, the adult daughters...

    Read more
  9. Closeup of a hand signing
    2.8.2022

    Do you need to register your trust?

    The Trust Register was introduced in 2017 as part of anti-money laundering regulations. Previously, only trusts with a UK tax liability...

    Read more
  10. Businessman and Male lawyer or judge consult having team meeting with client, Law and Legal services concept
    19.7.2022

    Beware of appointing your children as executors

    Avoiding Family Conflicts in Estate Administration Where tensions exist between family members, making your children the executors of your will...

    Read more
  11. money in different currencies
    19.1.2022

    Is Jersey part of the UK for probate...

    Partington v Rossiter If you own assets in more than one country, it’s important to make a robust Will...

    Read more
  12. older man on a bench
    1.1.2022

    How to Divide Assets in a Blended Family

    In this article we look a scenario for someone who is making a will where they are married with children...

    Read more
  13. Elderly woman hold smartphone feels disappointed by received bad news
    18.11.2021

    Deputy Disputes

    Disputes between a deputy and family Disputes between a deputy and the family of the individual concerned, can escalate and...

    Read more
  14. Couple having counselling
    18.11.2021

    Particularly sensitive issues around mental capacity

    Mental capacity, the right to sex and the carer’s risk of prosecution  Does everyone have the right to a...

    Read more
  15. Woman signing document
    25.10.2021

    Inheritance Claims CFA Success Fee Judgment

    The Court of Appeal upholds the recoverability of CFA success fees in 1975 Act claims. An individual who claims reasonable provision...

    Read more
  16. scrap metal
    20.10.2021

    Evidence Needed When Contesting A Will

    ‘Scrap King’ Multi-million Inheritance Dispute Confirms the High Standard of Evidence Needed to Contest a Will   Gary Goodwin, son of...

    Read more
  17. inheritance tax form
    20.10.2021

    Dispute Surrounding Interpretation of Will

    The ‘nil rate band’ offers an incentive to testators to make their will in a tax-efficient manner, maximising the amount...

    Read more
  18. fraud file
    20.10.2021

    Handwriting Expert Witness Concludes Will Forgery

    Successful contesting a will claim following testimony of handwriting expert It’s not unheard of for an individual to forge...

    Read more
  19. couple holding hands
    20.10.2021

    Understanding Testamentary Capacity

    What is testamentary capacity? Testamentary capacity refers to a person’s legal and mental ability to create a valid will....

    Read more
  20. toy houses on coins
    20.10.2021

    Unsuccessful Inheritance Act Claim

    The case of Shearer v Shearer The recent reported case of Shearer v Shearer highlights that adult children cannot expect...

    Read more
  21. houses in ireland
    13.9.2021

    Worldwide Probate Dispute

    Considerable wealth and assets all over the world The deceased died in Ireland leaving very considerable wealth and assets all...

    Read more
  22. new york
    13.9.2021

    Estate administration with a value of £6million

    International estate valued at £6m In this international probate case, we are acting for the executors in an estate administration...

    Read more
  23. train in india
    13.9.2021

    International probate involving 17 properties

    International Estate Administration Osbornes Law represented the administrator of this international estate where the deceased was domiciled in India. Ongoing...

    Read more
  24. Uluru, Petermann, Australia
    13.9.2021

    Complex Probate Involving 4 Wills: Case Study

    Complex Probate Involving Four Separate Wills Introduction to the Case The case study relates to complex probate involving four separate...

    Read more

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    Accreditations

    • The Times Best Law Firms 2025
    • Spears 500 logo
    • Legal 500 2025 - leading firm
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