D&A Solicitors | BLOG

For the first time, UK criminal courts are legally required to formally record when an offence involves domestic abuse, creating a vital tracking system to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. While domestic abuse has long been recognised by judges as an aggravating factor in crimes such as assault, harassment, or stalking, there has historically been a significant administrative gap in the justice system. Until now, there was no consistent, formal way to record that a specific conviction was domestic abuse-related once the offender left the courtroom. In October 2026, a major legal change came into force to close this loophole. Under new measures introduced by the Sentencing Act 2026, criminal courts must now formally state on the record when an offence involved domestic abuse. For victims and family law practitioners alike, this is a long-overdue step toward transparency, safety, and accountability. What is the Judicial Finding of Domestic Abuse? The new measure, offici...

With private family law cases continuing to rise, the legal sector is issuing strong calls for separating couples to explore constructive alternatives before turning to the backlogged court system. The family justice system is under unprecedented pressure. Recent data from the Family Court Statistics Quarterly for the period of April to June 2026 has revealed a clear increase in the number of private family law cases entering the courts. For families navigating a divorce or separation, this surge translates directly into prolonged waiting times, increased financial strain, and extended periods of emotional uncertainty. In response to this growing backlog, there are mounting calls from across the legal profession for greater engagement with Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR). While the court system remains a vital safety net for those who genuinely need it, there is now explicit guidance that parents and separating partners must give proper consideration to NCDR options before issuing ...

Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. If you have concerns about a partner’s past, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme empowers you to make informed decisions about your safety and future. In new relationships, it is entirely natural to want to see the best in a partner. However, if something does not feel quite right, or if you begin to notice controlling behaviours, you do not have to wait for abuse to escalate before seeking help. Clare’s Law, officially known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), was designed precisely for these moments of doubt. It empowers individuals across England and Wales to ask the police for information about a current or former partner’s history of violent or abusive behaviour. At D&A Solicitors , our family law team regularly supports clients navigating the complexities of domestic abuse, and understanding this legal framework is a vital first step towards personal protection. How Clare’s Law Works The scheme operates th...

Recent headlines surrounding Earl Spencer's memoir serve as a stark reminder of the enduring impact that adult conflicts can have on children, highlighting the crucial need for child-centred approaches during family breakdowns. The recent publication of extracts from Earl Spencer’s new memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister , has thrust high-profile family conflict back into the public eye. Among the most striking allegations is the claim that Buckingham Palace insisted a young Prince William and Prince Harry walk behind their mother’s coffin primarily to shield King Charles from potential public abuse. Buckingham Palace has since issued a rebuttal, noting that "the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory". While the circumstances surrounding the Royal Family are uniquely public, the core issue remains universally relatable: the profound and lasting impact that adult disputes have on children. At D&A Solicitors , our family law team re...

As the debate intensifies over the government's cohabitation proposals, we examine the divide between fears of legal overreach and the urgent reality of protecting vulnerable partners left with nothing. Following the closure of the government’s consultation, A Fairer End to Relationships , debate around cohabitation law reform in England and Wales has reached fever pitch. The flagship proposal would permit couples living together in an "enduring family relationship" for three years or more—or who have had a child together—to apply for needs-based financial relief within two years of separating. The proposals have drawn fierce scrutiny. Critics have described the push as state paternalism, warning that automatically imposing rights risks unwanted financial entanglements for couples who deliberately chose to keep their assets separate. Commentators have questioned the mandate for change, with some cynically suggesting it creates more complexity than it resolves. Yet, for fa...

How separating parents can resolve child arrangements, avoid stressful court battles, and take advantage of the Ministry of Justice’s £500 mediation voucher scheme. When parents separate or divorce, agreeing on how to raise their children across two households is rarely simple. Disagreements over living schedules, holiday arrangements, and schooling can quickly turn emotional. In the heat of the moment, going to court often feels like the only viable next step. However, resolving arrangements through the family courts is notoriously adversarial, lengthy, and expensive. Most importantly, it takes decisions out of your hands and places them with a judge who doesn't know your children. As D&A Solicitors expands its dedicated services to include professional Family Mediation , we are proud to offer parents a constructive, dignified, and child-centred route forward. What is Family Mediation? Family mediation is a confidential process where an impartial, accredited professional help...