Landmark Supreme Court Ruling Clarifies Asset Division in Divorce: Standish v Standish (2025) UKSC 26
July 3rd 2025By Joanne Grey Senior Associate Solicitor in our Family Law team. Yesterday, the UK Supreme Court handed down a long-awaited decision in Standish v Standish [2025] UKSC 26, a case that will shape how courts approach the division of wealth on divorce—particularly where one party enters the marriage with significant pre-acquired assets. The ruling provides crucial clarification on the boundary between matrimonial and non-matrimonial property and narrows the circumstances in…
NHS worker awarded £28,000 after being likened to Darth Vader
June 25th 2025An NHS worker has been awarded more than £28,000 in compensation after a colleague likened her to Darth Vader during a workplace exercise. Jennifer Cafferky, Associate Solicitor in our employment team, reports on this recent case. Lorna Rooke, who worked for NHS Blood and Transplant for nearly two decades, was assigned the Star Wars villain as her personality type when a team-building quiz was completed on her behalf without her knowledge.…
Planning for the future when you have a blended family
June 3rd 2025Blended families are now more common than ever, with many people starting new relationships, getting married, and entering into civil partnerships later in life, often bringing children from previous relationships. Being part of a blended family comes with unique legal and financial considerations that need careful planning. When it comes to planning for the future, a “one-size-fits-all” approach simply doesn’t work. Without clear legal documents in place, your wishes might…
Legal firm expands private client team with new appointments
June 2nd 2025A Cumbrian legal firm has strengthened its team with the appointment of two experienced solicitors. Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has welcomed Alex McAll and Jennifer Robinson to its private client department, which deals with legal matters related to Wills, probate and inheritance. The pair bring several years of experience to Cartmell Shepherd, which has seven offices across Cumbria and Northumberland. Alex will be based at the firm’s offices at Rosehill, Carlisle,…
Cumbrian legal firm named as finalist in four categories at Northern Law Awards
May 16th 2025A Cumbrian legal firm is in the running for four awards in the North of England’s most prestigious law awards. Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, which has seven offices across Cumbria and Northumberland, has four finalists in the upcoming 2025 Northern Law Awards. The firm’s Dispute Resolution, Family Law and Private Client departments have been shortlisted for Team of the Year in their respective categories, while apprentice trainee solicitor Joseph Halvorsen has…
Survey shows more people making a Will, but confusion remains
April 30th 2025More people than ever are making a Will yet there is still widespread confusion among the public about the process and its importance, according to a new survey. Kathryn Barnett Associate Solicitor in our Wills, Probate and Inheritance reports on this recent case. For the first time since IRN Legal Reports began monitoring trends in Will-making, more than four in ten UK adults now have a Will — a notable milestone in…
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.…
