Cumbrian lawyer takes on Apple to grant widow access to husband’s ‘digital assets’
April 9th 2025After a protracted legal wrangle to grant a widow access to her deceased husband’s online photos, a lawyer is urging people to make sure they pass on their ‘digital assets’ to loved ones on death. Rob Winder, a Senior Associate with Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, has issued a plea to people to implement measures enabling loved ones to access their online and social media accounts after their passing. It comes after…
Son successfully challenges his mother’s Will in claim over £700,000 estate
April 8th 2025In a case widely reported in the media in March 2025, John Baverstock pursued a claim against his sister Lisa Baverstock on the basis of video evidence produced by Lisa herself which showed Lisa placing a pen in their mother’s hand before guiding her hand to sign a Will (drafted by Lisa) with the effect that John stood to inherit nothing from their mother’s estate and Lisa to inherit the…
Will written on food box found valid
February 27th 2025A High Court judge has recently ruled that an unorthodox Will written on food packaging – specifically a frozen fish packet and mince pie box – valid and can be submitted for probate. Elisabeth Chattin, Paralegal working with our Wills, Probate & Inheritance team, reports on this recent case. Shortly before his death in 2021, Malcolm Chenery wrote his final wishes on the back of a Young’s frozen fish packet…
Family Court’s divorce settlement emphasises wife’s role in childcare
February 18th 2025A Family Court judge has finalised a divorce settlement that highlights the importance of the wife’s role as the primary carer for the couple’s nine-year-old twin sons. Nina Bernard, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice in our Family Law team reports on this recent case. District Judge Hatvany ruled that the 58-year-old wife would receive a larger share of the couple’s assets to meet the needs of the children who live with her.…
DPD driver awarded £20k after colleagues gossiped about him
February 12th 2025A DPD driver has been awarded £20,000 compensation after his employer breached his confidentiality, leading to colleagues gossiping about his flexible working arrangements. Joanne Stronach Director and Head of Employment reports on this recent case. Mr Courtney Rawlins, who worked as a delivery driver, won his claim for harassment related to sex after the Employment Tribunal ruled that DPD Group UK Limited had violated his dignity and created a hostile environment.…
Preservation of Original Wills in England and Wales
January 27th 2025The UK government has decided to retain original paper Wills indefinitely, following a public consultation. Previously, there was a proposal to scan and destroy older Wills after 10-12 years to cut costs. However, this faced strong opposition due to concerns about scanning errors, durability, security, and authenticity. Leading historians described the plan as ‘sheer vandalism’. Thanisha Sharma, Paralegal, provides an update. The Ministry of Justice has now decided against any…
Wife retains home despite claims brought by husband’s creditors
January 3rd 2025A woman has won the right to keep her family home despite attempts by her husband’s creditors to claim a share of the property following his bankruptcy. Natalie Henderson Solicitor in our dispute team reports on this recent case. The dispute centred on whether the husband, who left the family home after admitting to an affair, had retained any ownership over the property they had bought together during their marriage. The couple purchased…
Cartmells Christmas Legal Facts
December 13th 2024Join us as we count down the 12 days of Christmas with fun, practical, and surprising legal facts to keep you informed this holiday season! Day 1: Christmas Leave Facts “Did you know? Employers in the UK are not legally required to give you Christmas or Boxing Day off unless it’s in your contract. Holiday leave must follow your terms of employment — so plan ahead!” Day 2: Gift Return…
Solicitor promoted after return to firm where she trained
December 2nd 2024A solicitor has been promoted less than 12 months after returning to the law firm where she trained. Hexham-based Nicholson Portnell Solicitors has appointed Laura Murphy to the role of Senior Associate Solicitor. Laura initially joined Nicholson Portnell in 2008 as a trainee and worked there for eight years, qualifying as a solicitor in 2010. She returned last December after time away working for a Newcastle city centre law firm…
Judge halts mother’s court action after children refused contact
November 29th 2024A mother’s application to re-establish contact with her four children has been rejected by the court after the children expressed strong opposition to seeing her. Amy Fallows Senior Associate Solicitor & Head of our Family Law team reports on this case. Her Honour Judge Suh concluded that forcing the children into direct contact would harm their emotional well-being, stating that “their welfare is my number one concern”. The children, aged between 9 and…
