New Bill to protect homeowners and end ‘feudal system of leasehold’
July 31st 2024The UK government has announced a transformative new bill aimed at abolishing the ‘feudal system of leasehold’ and offering homeowners enhanced protection and a fairer deal. Elizabeth Crouch Senior Associate Solicitor & Head of Residential Property provides an update. Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill Unveiled As revealed in the King’s Speech, these significant changes will be introduced through the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill. The government’s guidance notes outline several key…
Businesses need to be alert to new legislation enhancing employees’ rights
July 24th 2024EMPLOYERS are being urged to be aware of the impact the new Government’s employment law changes will have on their businesses. The King’s Speech before Parliament highlighted that Labour means business and will introduce the Employment Rights Bill in the first 100 days of being in power. Joanne Stronach, Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said while Labour’s New Deal is set to improve the rights…
McDonald’s wins dispute with landlord over renewal of premises
July 14th 2024The High Court has ruled against a landlord that devised a development scheme to serve as grounds to regain possession of business premises occupied by McDonald’s. Stephanie Johnson, Senior Associate Solicitor, reports on this recent case. The case, McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd v Shirayama Shokusan Company Ltd, is a rare decision on compensation for misrepresentation under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. It also addresses breaches of court undertakings and the…
Father who showed no interest in his child loses parental responsibility
July 4th 2024A father with serious criminal convictions who showed no interest in his daughter has lost parental responsibility for her. Sarah Tweedie, Associate Solicitor in our Family Law team, reports on this recent case. The father had parental responsibility for the two-year-old girl, referred to as A because he was her biological father and was named as such on the birth certificate. The issue arose when the girl’s mother applied to…
Leading employment lawyer welcomes new law to support unpaid carers
June 29th 2024NEW legislation which entitles carers to one week’s unpaid leave to support their loved ones has been welcomed by a leading employment lawyer. Joanne Stronach, who is Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said the new measures introduced as part of the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 were a step in the right direction to support the millions of people who provide unpaid care to dependant family…
Experienced Family Law solicitor becomes firm’s first appointment since acquisition
June 27th 2024An experienced solicitor has joined a law firm’s growing Family Law team in what is a milestone appointment for the company. Sarah Tweedie, who has worked at law practices across the North of England for the past 17 years, has joined Northumberland-based Nicholson Portnell Solicitors, becoming the firm’s first recruit since it was acquired by Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors earlier this year. Sarah, who grew up in the Tyne Valley, works…
Tenants to get new rights to help them hold landlords to account
June 25th 2024Social housing tenants are to get new rights to help them hold their landlords to account and drive up the quality and safety of their homes. Laura Murphy, Paralegal in our Dispute Resolution team provides an update. The government has begun a consultation on new rules that will allow social housing tenants or a representative, such as a lawyer, to request information for free about the management of their homes.…
Business community celebrates law firms coming together
June 17th 2024BUSINESSES from across the Tyne Valley joined in the celebrations to mark the coming together of two prestigious Northern law firms. Hexham-based Nicholson Portnell Solicitors and Cumbrian firm Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors invited guests from across the region to learn more about how the amalgamation of the two companies will strengthen the legal services provided across both geographies. The celebration event, held at Hexham’s Beaumont Hotel, provided an opportunity for people…
Partner entitled to share partnership assets despite her resignation
June 5th 2024A woman who resigned from her family’s business partnership is still entitled to a share in the partnership assets, the Court of Appeal has ruled. Mark Aspin Director and Head of Dispute Resolution reports on this recent case. The case of Procter v Procter involved a 600-acre farm. The partnership consisted of two brothers, their sister, and their father. Each partner was entitled to one quarter of the profits. The partnership agreement had…
No-fault divorce hailed a success after two years in practice
May 30th 2024No-fault divorce has been hailed as a welcome success, two years after it was introduced in 2022. Amy Fallows Senior Associate Solicitor & Head of our Family Law team reports. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was designed to reduce the potential for conflict among divorcing couples by removing the ability to make allegations about the conduct of a spouse and allowing couples to end their marriage jointly. Under previous law, one…
