What happens if an unmarried person dies without a Will?
October 16th 2025A recent survey undertaken by Will Aid has discovered that two-thirds of unmarried cohabitees (i.e. people who live together) don’t know what would happen to their estate if they were to die without a Will. Common misconceptions A quarter of those surveyed falsely believe that their estate would automatically pass to their partner. This is a common misconception, associated with the myth of ‘common law marriage’, which wrongly suggests that…
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…
Alarming Increase in Inheritance Disputes
August 19th 2025Recent data reveals an unprecedented surge in inheritance disputes across England and Wales. In the final quarter of 2024 alone, the Probate Registry received 3,061 applications to enter a ‘caveat’ – a legal mechanism that halts the granting of probate to allow claims to be investigated. This figure marks a historic high, reflecting a dramatic 56% increase in caveat applications over the past five years, rising from 7,268 in 2019…
High court rejects forged Will: lessons from Khatun v Hasan & Anor
August 5th 2025On 1st July 2025 the High Court ruled in Khatun v Hasan & Anor [2025] EWHC 1658 (Ch), that a Will disinheriting a man’s only child was fraudulent. Selina Gonzalez, Will and Inheritance Dispute Solicitor, explores the red flags in the Will which led to the court’s decision and how to ensure you get the best legal advice if you suspect will fraud. Background to the case The case was…
The Estate of Veronica Clarke and the Perils of Badly Drafted Wills
May 27th 2025The recent judgment in the case of the Estate of Veronica Clarke serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with poorly drafted Wills. This case highlights the critical importance of professional legal assistance in drafting wills to avoid prolonged disputes, emotional distress, and financial burdens. The Case of Veronica Clarke The High Court addressed the complexities arising from a Will that was ambiguously worded and potentially drafted by…
