D&A Solicitors

 A startling new report reveals the devastating scale of economic abuse in the UK. At D&A Solicitors, we see the reality behind these statistics in Birmingham every day. It’s time to shine a light on financial control and its lasting impact on the youngest members of our society. Introduction When we think of domestic abuse, the images that immediately spring to mind are often physical: bruises, broken bones, and terrified calls to the police. For decades, this was the prevailing societal narrative—if you couldn't see the injury, it wasn't "real" abuse. Fortunately, our understanding has evolved. We now recognise coercive control and emotional abuse as deeply damaging. Yet, there is one insidious form of abuse that remains largely hidden behind closed doors, bank statements, and empty cupboards: economic abuse. A shocking new analysis published this week by the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA), based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, has laid bar...

   As the dust settles on the Chancellor's Autumn Budget, many in Birmingham and across the UK are calculating the impact on their wallets. But for couples currently navigating separation or divorce, the tax landscape has just shifted significantly. Here is D&A Solicitors’ in-depth guide to what the changes mean for your family finances. Introduction Few events grip the nation's attention quite like a new government's first major Budget. We all watched, waited, and wondered how the Chancellor's "difficult decisions" would impact our monthly outgoings, our savings, and our future plans. Now that the headlines have faded and the detailed analysis has begun, it has become clear that this Budget contains significant implications for anyone going through a relationship breakdown. Divorce and separation are rarely just about the emotional ending of a partnership; they are also one of the most complex financial transactions a person will ever undertake. You are d...

  Introduction Yesterday, on 20 November 2025, the Home Secretary announced what is arguably the most significant restructuring of the UK’s legal migration framework in half a century. For decades, the path to settlement—or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—has generally followed a standard five-year timeline. As long as you lived here, worked here, and kept out of trouble, settlement was the natural conclusion to your visa journey. That era appears to be over. Under the new “Contribution-Based Model” unveiled by the government, the automatic right to settle after five years is being replaced by a tiered system where time is no longer the only currency. Instead, migrants must "earn" their place through economic contribution, integration, and strict adherence to the rules. For our clients here in Birmingham—from the healthcare heroes working in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to the tech entrepreneurs in the Custard Factory—these changes are seismic. The new rules propose doubling...

  Buying or selling a home is likely the biggest financial transaction of your life. Don't leave the legal foundations to chance. Here is a deep dive into why choosing a CQS-accredited firm like D&A Solicitors is the most essential decision you’ll make in the moving process. Introduction: The Excitement and the Anxiety of Moving Picture the scene: the offer has been accepted. The "For Sale" sign outside your dream Birmingham home has been changed to "Sold Subject to Contract." You are already mentally arranging furniture in the living room and picking out paint colours for the hallway. The excitement is palpable. But beneath that excitement, there is often a current of deep anxiety. You are about to commit a vast sum of money, take on a significant mortgage, and navigate a legal process that is notoriously complex, often painfully slow, and littered with potential pitfalls. This legal process is called conveyancing. In its simplest terms, it is the legal tra...

Domestic abuse is a subject that often surfaces in shocking headlines, making it seem like a rare, extreme occurrence. We might see tragic stories of violence or high-profile cases of control, leading many to believe that domestic abuse is something "exceptional," far removed from their own lives or those of their neighbours. However, the stark reality is that domestic abuse is not exceptional; it is, tragically, an everyday experience for far too many individuals and families across the UK, including here in Birmingham. At D&A Solicitors , we believe it is crucial to dismantle the myths surrounding domestic abuse. We encounter its devastating effects in our family law practice daily, and we understand that it manifests in many forms, often hidden in plain sight. This blog post aims to shed light on the pervasive nature of domestic abuse, help you understand its various forms, and most importantly, reassure you that if you or someone you know is experiencing it, you are ...

  Important News for Travellers: The New EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is Coming Soon! If you travel to Europe from the UK, there's important new information you need to know. The European Union (EU) is introducing a new system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) . This will change how non-EU citizens, including people from the UK, enter and leave many European countries. From 12 October 2025, the EU will introduce new border checks known as the Entry/Exit system (EES). This will change requirements for British and other non-EU citizens travelling to Europe. When introduced, you may need to submit your fingerprints, have your photo taken and your passport scanned at dedicated booths. At D&A Solicitors, we know that many of our clients travel to Europe, whether for family visits, holidays, or business. We want to make sure you understand these changes, especially as the system aims to make borders more efficient. What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)? The EES is a new, automated syste...

  The UK government is moving forward with plans to introduce a mandatory digital ID card for anyone working in the UK. Despite a public petition against the scheme attracting over 2.6 million signatures, the government remains committed to the policy. At D&A Solicitors, we believe it's crucial for citizens and businesses to understand the significant legal questions this proposal raises. What is Being Proposed? A compulsory digital ID , likely stored on a smartphone, required for all "right to work" checks in the UK. The stated goal is to tackle illegal immigration and enhance national security. The ID would contain personal data such as your name, date of birth, nationality, and residency status. Key Legal and Civil Liberties Concerns While the government insists the ID won't be required for services like healthcare, the proposal raises profound concerns about privacy and data protection that could have far-reaching consequences. Mass Surveillance: Civil liber...

  In a move that signals a significant shift in UK immigration policy, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has announced the temporary suspension of all new applications made under the dedicated refugee family reunion route. This decision has profound implications for individuals who have fled persecution and sought sanctuary in the United Kingdom, leaving many in a state of uncertainty about their ability to reunite with their loved ones. For families torn apart by war, conflict, and persecution, the hope of being together again is a powerful and sustaining force. The UK's refugee family reunion rules have long provided a vital pathway for this to happen, allowing those granted protection here to bring their close family members to join them. However, the government has now paused this route, citing a need to reform a system it describes as "broken" and unsustainable. At D&A Solicitors , we understand the deep anxiety and confusion that this announcement will cause. T...