Staff

The Court of Appeal has defined the meaning of ‘UK assets’ in a dispute over a man’s will involving his wife and his children. Ingrid Fraser, Solicitor in our Wills, Probate & Inheritance team reports on this recent case. The deceased had been living in Russia where he had substantial assets. In 2013, he made a will in the UK, where he also had assets. The will defined his estate…

EMPLOYERS need to do more to support female workers through the menopause, says a leading employment solicitor. Joanne Stronach, who is Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said businesses face losing valued members of the workforce unless they put in place measures to support women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Almost one in four women cut short their careers because of the menopause, with those experiencing serious symptoms…

A director who sold a company when it was insolvent and diverted a significant amount of the proceeds to himself and his wife rather than paying the company’s creditors was liable for repaying £1.2 million. Sam Lyon Head of Corporate & Commercial reports on this recent case. The wife was also held liable. The company’s liquidator brought the claim of misfeasance against the director and a claim of dishonest assistance and…

The aristocratic singer and TV star Bo Bruce has won a court battle against her brother Thomas Brudenell-Bruce, Viscount Savernake, over their inheritance after their mother died. Rebecca Armstrong Associate Solicitor reports on this recent case. Bruce, whose full title is Lady Catherine Anna Brudenell-Bruce, was a runner up on the TV series, The Voice and has had chart success with the top 10 album, Before I Sleep. She and her…

Changes to divorce law will come into effect from 6th April 2022. The government is also introducing a new online service to help couples adapt to the changes. Julian Nelson, Director in our Family Law Team provides an update. Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 reforms the legal requirements and process for divorce. The act aims to reduce the potential for conflict amongst…

The late payment problem is getting worse and is now threatening to destroy thousands of small businesses, according to a survey carried out by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Carly Davies, our Debt Control Manager, provides an update. The study of more than 1,200 business owners found that one in three businesses (30%) have seen late payment of invoices increase over the last three months, with a further 8%…

A landlord has successfully challenged an injunction granted to a tenant who claimed he had been unlawfully evicted. The court also granted the landlord a possession order for the property under dispute. Natalie Tatton, solicitor in our dispute team reports on this recent case. The tenant, Mr Rasool, had applied for a without notice interim injunction, supported by undated and unsigned particulars of claim. His case was that the landlord, Paddington…

“We are proud of our local roots and enjoy being part of the thriving community …” Peter Stafford, Managing Director. Whilst many of our clients are local we also serve clients from further afield. Wherever they are based and whatever they need, our focus is always on providing excellent advice and support, underpinned by great service. What you might not know, is that we, and our clients, benefit from being…

For the second year, Cumbrian based solicitors, Cartmell Shepherd is supporting the North West Family Business Awards, which will be held on Friday 13th May at the Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel, Liverpool.  The prestigious Awards are a real calendar highlight for many and celebrate the best businesses, employers and employees in the North West family business sector. As key partners of The Family Business Network, Peter Stafford will be joining…

A man’s second wife has failed to prevent his son inheriting the family home after he died. Stephanie Johnson Senior Associate Solicitor reports on this recent case. The husband had married his first wife in 1988 and their son was born shortly afterwards. He worked overseas during the early 2000s, where he formed a relationship with a second woman who lived in the Philippines. He separated from his wife and the…