D&A Solicitors

  Buying a property is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding your dream home, it's crucial to ensure your investment is a sound one. That's where a property survey comes in. A property survey is a detailed inspection carried out by a qualified surveyor. It provides an expert assessment of the property's condition, highlighting any potential issues that could save you from unexpected costs and stress down the line. Think of it as a health check for your new home. It is important to remember that a mortgage valuation is not a survey. A mortgage valuation is for the lender's benefit, to ensure the property is worth the amount they are lending. It will not provide you with the detailed information you need about the condition of the property. Types of Property Surveys In the UK, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) provides a range of home surveys to suit differ...

  Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced significant changes to the UK's immigration and asylum appeals system, with reforms expected to be introduced this autumn. At D&A Solicitors, we understand these developments will have far-reaching implications for our clients across Birmingham and beyond. Here's what you need to know about these proposed changes and how they might affect you. The Government's Reform Agenda Speaking to The Sunday Times in early August 2024, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper outlined plans for a "major overhaul" of the immigration and asylum appeals process. The reforms are designed to address the growing asylum backlog, which currently stands at approximately 78,745 applications awaiting initial decisions as of March 2024. Cooper stated: "We need a major overhaul of the appeal [process] and that's what we are going to do in the autumn... If we speed up the decision-making appeal system and also then keep increasing returns, we...

  The United Kingdom is a global destination not just for work, study, or tourism—but also for love. Every year, thousands of people move to the UK to join their partners, spouses, or fiancés. But while love might be universal, UK immigration rules are not always simple. Whether you're looking to marry a British citizen or reunite with your long-term partner, it’s important to understand which visa fits your situation and how to apply. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key relationship-based immigration routes to the UK, including: Spouse Visa Fiancé(e) Visa Unmarried Partner Visa Civil Partner Visa Prospective Civil Partner Visa Dependant Visas (for other family routes)  1. Spouse Visa (Marriage Visa) The  UK Spouse Visa  allows married partners of British citizens or UK residents to live in the UK. It's one of the most common relationship-based visa routes. Eligibility Requirements: You must be legally married to a British citizen or someone settled in the ...

  Inheriting a home can be a bittersweet experience. While it often represents a cherished part of a loved one's legacy, it also brings new responsibilities and important decisions about what to do next. At D&A Solicitors, we understand that selling an inherited property can feel overwhelming during an already difficult time. This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential legal steps, financial considerations, and practical advice to make the process as smooth as possible. 1. Probate: Your Essential First Step Before you can legally sell an inherited home, you must obtain probate - the legal process that gives you authority to deal with the deceased's estate. This is often the most crucial step that catches people off guard. If there's a will: The executor named in the will must apply for a Grant of Probate from the Probate Registry. If there's no will: A close family member (usually the spouse or eldest child) can apply for Letters of Administration to ...

  Divorce can be an emotionally taxing process, especially when children are involved. One of the most complex and sensitive aspects is determining child care arrangements, including custody, visitation, and child support. Understanding your rights and obligations under child care law is essential for protecting your child’s well-being and ensuring a fair outcome for both parents. Here’s a comprehensive guide to child care law advice during a divorce to help you navigate this difficult time with clarity and confidence. 1. Understand the Types of Custody Custody isn't a one-size-fits-all term. It generally falls into two categories: Legal Custody: The right to make important decisions about the child’s life, including education, health care, and religion. Physical Custody: Where the child lives and how much time they spend with each parent. Both legal and physical custody can be sole (one parent has full rights) or joint (shared between parents). Tip: Courts typically prefer joint ...

This white paper, presented by HM Government in May 2025, outlines proposals to bring down net migration and restore control and order to the immigration system . The government's Plan for Change includes delivering such an immigration system, coupled with strong border security, as one of its foundations. The Case for Change The white paper argues that proper control and management of the immigration system have been lost in recent years. Under the previous government in 2023, inward migration is stated to have exploded to over a million people a year, which is four times the level compared with 2019. This is described as a political choice never put before the British people, despite repeated promises that inward migration would be brought under control. The previous government is also stated to have replaced free movement with a "free-market experiment" that incentivised employers to recruit from abroad rather than train at home, allowed unlimited expansion of oversea...