D&A Solicitors | BLOG

Pensions are often the "elephant in the room" during a divorce. While the family home usually takes centre stage in negotiations, the pension pot is frequently the second largest asset in a marriage—and in some cases, it is actually the largest. Yet, it is often the most misunderstood, undervalued, and overlooked element of a financial settlement. At   D&A Solicitors , we see many clients who are understandably focused on the immediate future: where they will live and how they will pay the bills next month. However, a divorce settlement is not just about surviving the next year; it is about ensuring your security twenty or thirty years down the line. Following the recent shifts in the UK tax landscape, particularly the changes to how pensions will be treated for Inheritance Tax (IHT) from 2027, the way we approach pensions in divorce has become more technical and more critical than ever before. Here is a comprehensive guide to how divorce affects your pension and why you ...

For millions of people across England, the dream of homeownership has been tainted by the complexities, costs, and frustrations of the leasehold system. After years of campaigning and promises, the government has taken a monumental step forward with the publication of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. Here’s what it means for you. For decades, the phrase "leasehold property" has carried a heavy caveat in the English property market. While it’s the standard way to "own" a flat, it has increasingly become synonymous with a lack of control, escalating costs, and a system that feels fundamentally stacked against the homeowner. At D&A Solicitors, we see the practical implications of this every day. We help clients navigate complex lease extensions, battle opaque service charges, and deal with the anxiety of diminishing lease terms. We have long argued that the system is archaic and in desperate need of modernisation. That is why the government’s recent ...

  It is a question we hear frequently in our Birmingham offices: "Why do I have to fight to see my own grandchildren?" As family dynamics evolve, we ask if the legal system has kept up—and what practical steps you can take today. Introduction "The law is an ass." It is a phrase often bandied about, but when you are a grandparent who has been suddenly cut out of a grandchild’s life following a divorce or family feud, it can feel like a heartbreaking truth. We recently reviewed an excellent article on the subject: “Does the Law do enough to recognise Grandparent’s rights?” It’s a provocative question and one that touches a nerve for thousands of families across the UK. At D&A Solicitors, we see the devastation this causes firsthand. A relationship breaks down between parents, and suddenly, the grandparents are "collateral damage," their weekly visits or Sunday lunches stopped overnight. The article highlights a painful reality: despite years of lobbying...

   Next week (26th – 30th January) is Family Mediation Week in the UK. With the courts under pressure and new rules encouraging "Non-Court Dispute Resolution" (NCDR), we explain what this means for you and highlight the free events you can attend online. Introduction If you are currently navigating a separation or divorce, you might feel like you are standing at the edge of a maze. The path ahead seems complicated, expensive, and stressful. You may assume that the only way to resolve issues about your children or your finances is to "go to court." However, the landscape of family law in England and Wales has shifted dramatically. The courts, the government, and legal professionals are all sending a unified message: Court should be the last resort, not the first step. Next week, from Monday 26th January to Friday 30th January 2026 , the Family Mediation Council (FMC) is hosting Family Mediation Week . It is a campaign designed to raise awareness of the better, kinder...

  As family courts face record backlogs, the traditional route of litigating your divorce is becoming slower and more expensive than ever. Here is why mediation is not just an alternative, but increasingly the primary solution for modern families. Introduction: The "Divorce Day" Reality Check January is often dubbed "Divorce Month" in the legal calendar. After the pressure of the festive season, many couples come to the difficult realization that their marriage has reached its end. If you are reading this, you might be standing at that crossroads right now. The decision to separate is heartbreaking enough, but for many, the anxiety about what comes next is paralyzing. We have all seen the movies: the aggressive courtroom showdowns, the barristers delivering withering cross-examinations, and the judge banging a gavel. It is a terrifying image that suggests divorce must be a war where for one person to win, the other must lose. But in 2026, this narrative is outdated...

  As we step into 2026, many of us are setting resolutions to move home. But before you start packing boxes, you need to understand the legal backbone of your purchase. Here is D&A Solicitors’ ultimate guide to mastering the conveyancing process. Introduction: The Invisible Foundation of Your New Home For many people, the start of a New Year brings a desire for change. It might be the year you finally buy your first flat, upgrade to the "forever home" with a garden, or downsize to something more manageable. The excitement of property hunting is undeniable—scrolling through listings, viewing properties, and imagining where your furniture will go. However, once your offer is accepted, the excitement often gives way to a new, slightly more daunting phase: Conveyancing . If you have never bought a house before—or even if you haven't done it for a few years—conveyancing can feel like a black box. You feed money and signatures into one end, and eventually, keys come out the...