D&A Solicitors | BLOG

As the 8 April deadline approaches, we look at the latest round of Home Office fee increases and the surprising price drop for child citizenship registration. In the world of UK immigration, April has become synonymous with two things: temperamental weather and the inevitable upward creep of Home Office application fees. This year is no exception. While most applicants and businesses are bracing for a broad 6–7% increase across the board, there is one standout piece of news that offers a genuine, if rare, financial reprieve for families. At D&A Solicitors , we believe that transparency is the first step in successful immigration planning. To help you navigate these changes, we have broken down the key shifts taking effect from 8 April 2026. 1. The General Uplift: More of the Same The Home Office has confirmed that the majority of visa and nationality fees will rise by approximately 6–7%. While these increases are framed as "inflationary," the cumulative effect for busines...

The Home Secretary has officially sounded the death knell for the automatic five-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain. As the "Earned Settlement" model moves from consultation to legislation, we look at who wins, who loses, and why "retrospective" is the most terrifying word in the Home Office vocabulary this year. It has often been said that the only thing predictable about UK immigration law is its total unpredictability. However, the announcement made by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) last week has brought a cold, sharp clarity to the government’s vision for the future. For years, the five-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) was the "golden milestone"—the point at which a migrant could finally stop checking the mailbox for Home Office letters and start feeling truly at home. But according to the latest reforms, that milestone is being moved. For many, it hasn’t just been move...

  Moving to a new country is a monumental life event, but the legal path to getting there can often feel like a maze of complex regulations and shifting requirements. Whether you are an individual seeking to reunite with family or a business looking to sponsor global talent, having the right legal partner is not just a benefit—it is a necessity. At D&A Solicitors , we pride ourselves on being more than just legal advisors; we are your dedicated partners in every step of the journey. Based in the heart of Birmingham, our SRA-regulated team brings decades of combined experience to the table, specialising in the nuances of UK immigration law. Why Clients Trust Us Specialised Expertise: Our solicitors have in-depth knowledge across all major visa routes, including Skilled Worker Visas , Family & Spouse Visas , and Student & Business Visas . A Tailored Approach: We understand that no two cases are the same. We offer bespoke legal strategies designed to meet your specific p...

The days of simply showing up at the border with a non-visa national passport are over. As the Home Office completes its digital transformation, we break down everything you need to know about the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Introduction: A New Era for the UK Border If you have travelled recently or are planning to host international guests this year, you will have noticed that the UK border is looking a lot more "digital." The Home Office has been on a mission to modernise the border, moving away from paper-based systems and toward a fully digitised "permission to travel" model. The centrepiece of this transformation is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) . While the rollout began in late 2023 with a small group of countries, by now—February 2026—the system is fully operational for almost all "non-visa nationals." This includes travellers from the USA, Australia, Canada, and, most significantly, our neighbours in Europe. At D&A Solici...

Buying or selling a home is often described as one of the most stressful life events you will encounter. However, with the right legal partner and a clear understanding of the process, it doesn’t have to be. Here is the D&A Solicitors guide to navigating the modern conveyancing landscape. Introduction: The Evolution of the English Property Market As we move through 2026, the property market in England continues to adapt to new technologies, tighter regulations, and shifting economic conditions. Whether you are a first-time buyer stepping onto the ladder or a seasoned investor, the legal process of transferring property ownership—known as conveyancing —remains the critical foundation of your transaction. In a world of "one-click" purchases and instant gratification, the conveyancing process can sometimes feel like a relic of a slower era. However, its thoroughness is your greatest protection. At D&A Solicitors, we combine modern, tech-driven efficiency with the forensi...

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...