Alison Mary Murphy, 52, is charged with conspiring to murder Anthony Murphy. Another son, 22-year-old Gary Lee Murphy, faces an allegation of attempted murder as part of the same investigation.
The charges relate to an incident on April 15 this year.
Both Alison Murphy and Gary Murphy attended Carlisle Crown Court yesterday.
A number of submissions were made by lawyers during a brief hearing in front of Judge Peter Davies.
Neither Alison Murphy nor Gary Murphy have yet entered pleas. They face trial at the court on October 31.
In the meantime Gary Murphy, of Hinnings Road, Distington, was remanded in custody by Judge Davies.
Alison Murphy, previously of Copeland Avenue, Whitehaven, was granted bail earlier this year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here