Rise in Will disputes prompts warning to people in their 40s and 50s
April 10th 2026There has been a rise in disputes over estates, with many of the problems linked to outdated wills or the absence of any Will at all. According to research published by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, eight in ten lawyers say they have seen an increase in contested estates over the past five years. The survey, which questioned 2,002 people aged over 30 at the start of the year, suggests…
Cumbrian legal firm shortlisted for national law award
August 28th 2025A Cumbrian legal firm has achieved national recognition after being named as a finalist in the British Wills and Probate Awards 2025. Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors is shortlisted for the best Contentious Wills & Probate team (Boutique) at the awards which celebrate legal excellence across the country. Rebecca Armstrong, who is Head of Will and Inheritance Disputes at Cartmell Shepherd, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised for our specialist expertise in…
Pop star made a Will before major operation – but was it valid?
February 12th 2025Pop star Max George has described how he made his Will on his iPhone just before undergoing a lifesaving operation to have a pacemaker fitted. Stephanie Johnson, Associate Solicitor, reports on this recent case. Thankfully, the operation was a complete success, and he is now in good health. Max, who has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, said he thought of his girlfriend, actress Maisie Smith, 23, and his family and…
Wife awarded £45k after challenging her estranged husband’s Will
January 10th 2025A wife who was estranged from her husband has been awarded £45,000 from his estate after successfully challenging his Will. Stephanie Johnson, Senior Associate Solicitor and Head of Health & Social Care Team reports on this recent case. The High Court ruled that Jacqueline Syder, who remained legally married to her late husband, Calogero Palmeri, was entitled to financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.…
Concern over rise in predatory marriages that automatically revoke a Will
February 9th 2024Many individuals don’t appreciate that marriage automatically revokes any existing Will. The Law Society has expressed concern about the increasing problem of predatory marriages in which someone marries to exploit their new spouse’s wealth. A recent Law Society survey revealed that a significant number of solicitors have encountered clients whom they suspect are in a predatory marriage. There is therefore a growing call for legal reform to address the issue…
