D&A Solicitors | BLOG

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...

From visa applications and settlement to sponsor licences and complex appeals, having the right legal partner makes all the difference. Navigating the UK immigration system can often feel like moving through a maze of shifting rules, stringent documentation requirements, and strict deadlines. Whether you are a business looking to recruit international talent, a family striving to reunite, or an individual taking the final steps towards British citizenship, having tailored, expert legal advice is essential. At D&A Solicitors , immigration law has been a core pillar of our practice for over 15 years. Headed by experienced practitioners like Punam Deepak and Amarpreet Hullait, our Birmingham-based team combines deep legal expertise with a dedicated, client-focused approach. Comprehensive Immigration Services Every journey is different, and our team is equipped to handle the full spectrum of UK immigration and asylum matters: Business & Work (Sponsors, Workers & Students): We ...

Whether dealing with divorce, child arrangements, or financial settlements, taking a constructive, painless approach can protect your future and keep you in the driver's seat. When life takes an unexpected turn, family law matters can quickly become some of the most emotionally challenging experiences anyone can face. Amid high emotions and looming changes, feeling in control of decisions regarding your family’s future is paramount. At D&A Solicitors , we understand that every family dynamic is unique. Whether you are facing complex financial affairs, trying to protect your children, or simply seeking certainty and closure without a lengthy court battle, having practical, sensitive solutions makes all the difference. Factors That Shape Your Pathway No two divorces, dissolutions, or separations are identical. Deciding how to navigate these transitions depends heavily on your specific priorities and circumstances: Protecting the Children: Finding the safest, most stable outcome ...

It is a topic that consistently divides opinion across dining tables, school gates, and Parliament: how much screen time is too much, and at what age should children have unfiltered access to social media? Very soon, this debate will move from a matter of parental discretion to national legislation. Following recent announcements, the government is moving forward with robust plans to severely restrict digital access for minors, fundamentally changing how young people interact with the online world. Here is a breakdown of the proposed changes and what they mean for families. The Under-16 Ban The most significant and debated aspect of the incoming legislation is a blanket ban on social media accounts for younger teenagers and children. Set to be implemented next year, this law will explicitly prohibit children under the age of 16 from holding accounts on major social networking platforms. The ban will encompass industry giants, including: Snapchat TikTok YouTube Instagram Facebook X (for...

The steady rise of blended families—where one or both partners bring children, prior relationships, and pre-existing wealth into a marriage—has significantly reshaped the landscape of family law. While these relationships are increasingly common, they present unique and highly nuanced challenges when a marriage breaks down. Unlike a first marriage where assets are typically built together and children are shared, blended families often feature layered interpersonal and financial arrangements that resist standard legal formulas. Here is a closer look at the key challenges and how they are navigated. Competing Needs and Priorities One of the most complex aspects of a blended family divorce is managing competing obligations. It is common to see a tension between a spouse’s desire to provide for their current partner and their commitment to preserving assets for children from a previous relationship. The courts must weigh the housing and financial requirements of the current spouse against...