As the Ministry of Justice considers major reforms to legal protections for unmarried couples, a high-profile debate has emerged over whether rights should be automatically imposed or strictly opt-in. The debate surrounding the legal rights of unmarried cohabiting couples in the UK has reached a critical juncture. Following the Ministry of Justice’s consultation, A Fairer End to Relationships , crossbench peer Baroness Ruth Deech has issued a stark warning to Justice Secretary Alex Norris. She argues that automatically imposing marriage-like legal rights and financial responsibilities onto cohabiting couples without their explicit consent represents a "profound constitutional change" for which the government lacks a public mandate. At D&A Solicitors , our family law team sees first-hand how the absence of automatic legal standing for unmarried partners can create friction and financial vulnerability during a breakup. However, as parliament debates whether protection shoul...
Whether you are buying your first home, selling a property, or remortgaging, having a CQS-accredited conveyancing team ensures your move proceeds smoothly and securely. Moving home is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but it can also be one of the most complex and stressful processes to navigate. The legal transfer of property ownership—conveyancing—requires meticulous attention to detail. Missing key elements in a contract or failing to resolve issues during property searches can lead to costly complications or compromised ownership rights down the line. At D&A Solicitors , our conveyancing team acts as your trusted partner through every step of the transaction. We manage the complex legal groundwork, keep all parties aligned, and work tirelessly to make your move as seamless and painless as possible. Understanding the Conveyancing Journey While every transaction is unique, a standard residential conveyancing process typically takes between 8 to 12 weeks from instructing yo...