Landlords must provide new information ahead of Renters’ Rights Act
April 14th 2026Landlords and letting agents will be required to provide tenants with new official information explaining upcoming changes to rental law, as the Renters’ Rights Act is due to come into force on 1 May 2026. Haley Howells, Apprentice Paralegal working in our dispute resolution team, provides an update. The government has published an information document setting out the changes, which must be given to tenants by 31 May 2026. The…
Why Partnership Agreements Matter More Than Ever for Farming Families
April 8th 2026Farming has always involved risk – weather, markets, livestock, machinery. Yet one of the biggest risks we see regularly isn’t outside the farm gate at all. It’s the absence of a clear partnership agreement between the people actually running the business. Jonathan Carroll, Director & Head of Agriculture, explores why partnership agreements are essential for farming families. If one of the partners died tomorrow, would everyone know exactly what happens…
Wife awarded £13m in divorce case as judge criticises husband
March 30th 2026A woman has been awarded just over £13m following a long-running financial dispute with her former husband, a businessman, after a 20-year relationship. Sarah Tweedie, Associate Solicitor in our Family Law team, reports on this recent case. Mr Justin Warshaw KC, sitting as a Deputy High Court Judge in the Family Court, ruled that the settlement should leave the wife with around 43% of the couple’s total wealth, worth more…
Security officer called ‘mummy’ by colleagues awarded £69k compensation
March 23rd 2026A female security officer who was repeatedly called “mummy” by male colleagues and subjected to sexist and racist behaviour at work has been awarded almost £69,000 in compensation by an employment tribunal. Jennifer Cafferky, Associate Solicitor in our employment team, reports on this recent case. The tribunal found that the woman, identified only as CL, was harassed on grounds of sex and age while working as a security officer for Mitie…
Investing in future talent – 10th trainee joins top law firm
March 17th 2026Prominent law firm Cartmell Shepherd is continuing to grow its team with the appointment of a new trainee solicitor – the 10th individual to receive their backing. Tom Miller has joined the agricultural property team based at Rosehill in Carlisle. He was born and bred in the city, attended Nelson Thomlinson School, and comes from a farming family so his first role in the company’s team is perfectly placed. “I’ve…
Landlord loses possession claim after failing to prove HMO exemption
March 10th 2026The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is coming soon, with the first phase commencing from 1st May 2026, which includes the abolishment of section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. Landlords will still be able to serve, and rely on, a section 21 notice up to the end of April. However, landlords should bear in mind that it is more important than ever to get things right to ensure any section 21 notice…
Give to Gain: Supporting Women to Thrive at Cartmells
March 9th 2026On International Women’s Day, Managing Director Joanne Stronach reflects on the barriers facing women in the legal industry and how Cartmell Shepherd ensures women across the firm feel supported, valued and able to thrive. It’s been fantastic to see so many businesses showing their support for International Women’s Day again this year, with some wonderful events happening locally championing women in business. I had the pleasure of joining a panel…
Local lawyers help steer Oak Tree Animals’ Charity into new era
March 5th 2026Two local lawyers are helping shape the future of animal welfare in Cumbria as volunteer trustees at Oak Tree Animals’ Charity. Rob Winder and Rebecca Armstrong are both Senior Associates at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, leading the firm’s Property Litigation and Will and Inheritance Disputes teams respectively. Both animal lovers, Rob and Rebecca jumped at the opportunity to become trustees at Oak Tree, with Rebecca joining two years ago and Rob…
Is your Will still right for you?
March 4th 2026This Update Your Will Week (2nd – 8th March 2026), we are proud to support The Association of Lifetime Lawyers in highlighting the importance of not only making a Will, but also reviewing and updating it whenever personal circumstances change. A Will is far more than just a legal document. It captures your wishes, protects your loved ones, and safeguards the legacy you want to leave behind. Modern families are…
The Financial Benefits of Marriage: Why It Matters for Inheritance Tax Planning
February 25th 2026Martin Lewis’s recent programme has encouraged many couples to look beyond the emotional side of relationships and consider the financial and legal implications too. At Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, we regularly see how marriage can significantly strengthen a couple’s financial position – particularly when it comes to inheritance tax planning. Whether you’re engaged, living together, or thinking about your long‑term future, understanding the financial protections that marriage brings can make a…
