Court declares 2006 Will valid despite existence of 2013 version
October 20th 2026The High Court has declared that a Will that was written in 2006 is valid, after finding that a later 2013 document could not stand. The ruling also set out how legal costs should be divided in the dispute. The case concerned the estate of a woman who had made more than one Will. In 2013 she signed a new version, leaving her property in a different way from the…
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April 10th 2026There has been a rise in disputes over estates, with many of the problems linked to outdated wills or the absence of any Will at all.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. Now in its eighth year, the British Wills and Probate Awards celebrate the skills, experience and expertise of individuals and organisations in Wills, probate,…
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.…
