D&A Solicitors | BLOG

Following our recent update on the government's announcement regarding cohabitation rights, we now have the granular details. The government has officially published its consultation document, proposing what it describes as some of the biggest reforms to family law in decades. The consultation, which is open for responses until the 14th of August, aims to bring the law into the 21st century. It addresses the reality that cohabiting couples now make up 17% of all UK families, equating to approximately 3.5 million people. The proposed reforms are structured around three key areas, underpinned by principles that prioritise children, protect the vulnerable, and provide clarity, while still preserving the distinct legal status of marriage. Here is a breakdown of the specific proposals and how they might affect you. 1. Reforming the Law for Cohabitants on Separation Perhaps the most highly anticipated section details how unmarried couples will be treated upon separation. The government p...

For decades, family lawyers have been burdened with the difficult task of explaining to separating, unmarried couples that the concept of a "common law marriage" simply does not exist in English law. Regardless of how many years a couple has lived together, or how intertwined their finances have become, the law currently treats them as two entirely separate individuals. Countless people have found themselves entirely destitute or without financial protection after a long-term relationship breaks down, or when a partner passes away. However, the legal landscape is finally poised for a necessary and profound evolution. The government has officially launched its long-awaited consultation on reforms designed to grant cohabiting couples significantly greater financial protections. The Core Proposals This consultation represents a fundamental shift in how the justice system views and accommodates modern relationships. The proposals explore several critical areas of family law: Fi...

It is a sobering reality that one in three women globally will experience sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime. In the realm of family law, we witness the devastating ripples of domestic violence on a daily basis. Therefore, recent developments on the international stage are of significant interest to those of us working to protect vulnerable individuals. The International Coalition Late last week, it was announced that the UK is spearheading a new International Coalition to End Violence against Women and Girls. Driven by Yvette Cooper, the coalition brings together eight founding nations: the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Morocco, Spain, Jamaica, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Australia. This united front aims to drive practical, cross-border action to prevent domestic abuse, tackle sexual violence, and combat the rising threat of online harm. The initiative mirrors a domestic mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. Participating countries will share cruci...

Following our recent analysis of the 37 bills outlined in the King's Speech, it is only fair—and legally prudent—to examine the other side of the political coin. In our parliamentary democracy, the Official Opposition's response is a crucial indicator of how much friction these proposed laws will face before they ever reach the statute books. The Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, has delivered a scathing response to the Labour government's legislative agenda, going so far as to publish their own "Alternative King's Speech". Here at D&A Solicitors, we look past the political rhetoric to see how these opposing viewpoints might shape the business and legal environment in the West Midlands. The Critique of the Government's Record The Conservative response heavily criticised the current administration's economic management, arguing that the Prime Minister entered government without a clear plan. The opposition highlighted several policy decis...

Yesterday, with all the traditional pomp and ceremony, King Charles III opened the new session of Parliament. While the image of the King delivering the speech from the throne is historic, the content of the speech was purely futuristic, outlining the government’s legislative agenda for the coming year. This was an ambitious speech. It contained proposals for 37 new pieces of legislation . These proposed bills cover almost every aspect of British life, from how we build houses to how we protect national security. As solicitors, it is our job to keep a close eye on these developments. When the government proposes changing the law, it ultimately changes how we advise our clients, protect their rights, and manage their transactions. While we cannot outline all 37 bills in detail here, we wanted to highlight the key themes and proposed changes that are likely to have the biggest impact on individuals and businesses in the coming session. Security at Home and Abroad National s...

Renting a home in England has often felt very uncertain. For years, the law favored the landlord, meaning tenants had little security and often lived in fear of being asked to leave without reason. Last Friday, 1 May 2026, a major new piece of law officially started. It is called the Renters’ Rights Act. This is the biggest change to rental rules in decades. It completely rewrites the rules for how landlords and tenants must behave, and it aims to give renters much more security and fairness. Here at D&A Solicitors in Birmingham, we know that massive changes in law can be confusing. We also know many of our clients are busy and need simple, clear information. This Act does not just change the rules; it fundamentally alters the power balance between millions of tenants and their landlords. We have studied the new Act, and we have also reviewed the excellent guidance provided by experts like MoneySavingExpert. To help you understand what this means for you , the renter, we have draft...