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…
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…
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…
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…
Solicitor’s ongoing commitment to providing counselling support to clients
November 25th 2024A recently promoted solicitor is going the extra mile for her clients by further widening the level of care provided by the law firm she works for. Coinciding with her promotion to the position of Associate Solicitor at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, Sarah Griffiths has gained a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills from the Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body. She has already embarked on the Level 3 qualification as…
Law firm strengthens specialist legal team with key appointments
October 15th 2024One of the North’s leading legal firms has expanded its specialist Wills, Probate and Inheritance team by taking on several new recruits. Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has made five appointments to the team which is regarded as one of the largest and strongest Private Client departments in the region. The new recruits take the number of members in the department to 41, comprising 14 solicitors, 12 paralegals and 15 support staff.…
