D&A Solicitors | BLOG

New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a significant shift in divorce trends, with long-term marriages increasingly ending in separation. What is driving this change, and how can couples navigate the complex financial unwinding of a long marriage? The breakdown of any marriage is a painful process, but the dissolution of a long-term partnership brings a unique set of emotional and financial challenges. According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 25% of all divorces now involve couples who have been married for 20 years or more. This rise of the "Silver Splitters"—a term often used to describe those divorcing later in life—marks a significant shift in family dynamics. But what is prompting this trend, and more importantly, how should couples approaching a later-life divorce protect their futures? Understanding the Trend: Why Now? Several social and economic factors are contributing to the rising divorce rate among older cou...

A troubling trend is seeing EU citizens and their family members informed that their previously granted pre-settled status is void—often when they try to upgrade to settled status. If you are facing a "granted in error" decision, here is how you can challenge the ruling and safeguard your rights. For millions of European citizens who made the UK their home, the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was intended to be the definitive safeguard for their futures. However, a highly concerning legal battleground has emerged: the Home Office increasingly informing individuals that their previously granted pre-settled status was "granted in error." This life-altering news often comes as an unwelcome surprise, particularly when a person proactively applies to upgrade their pre-settled status to permanent settled status. At D&A Solicitors , our dedicated immigration team is deeply concerned about this policy's impact. If you or a family member have been told your status is v...

  As family courts across England and Wales undergo significant changes this year, we explore what the latest reforms mean for grandparents seeking to maintain contact with their grandchildren. Grandparents are often the quiet constant in a child's life. They provide stability, assist with the school run, and offer vital emotional support during times of family strain. Yet, when a family breaks down, the relationship between a grandchild and their grandparents is frequently one of the first to be disrupted. For many grandparents, suddenly losing this connection is devastating. While the legal route back into a child’s life is well-established, 2026 has brought substantial shifts to the family justice landscape. At D&A Solicitors , our family law team is closely monitoring these reforms to ensure our clients receive the most up-to-date and pragmatic advice. The 2026 Reforms: What is Changing? This year has seen a series of proposed and implemented changes that will directly impa...

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...