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...

Recent headlines surrounding Earl Spencer's memoir serve as a stark reminder of the enduring impact that adult conflicts can have on children, highlighting the crucial need for child-centred approaches during family breakdowns. The recent publication of extracts from Earl Spencer’s new memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister , has thrust high-profile family conflict back into the public eye. Among the most striking allegations is the claim that Buckingham Palace insisted a young Prince William and Prince Harry walk behind their mother’s coffin primarily to shield King Charles from potential public abuse. Buckingham Palace has since issued a rebuttal, noting that "the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory". While the circumstances surrounding the Royal Family are uniquely public, the core issue remains universally relatable: the profound and lasting impact that adult disputes have on children. At D&A Solicitors , our family law team re...

As the debate intensifies over the government's cohabitation proposals, we examine the divide between fears of legal overreach and the urgent reality of protecting vulnerable partners left with nothing. Following the closure of the government’s consultation, A Fairer End to Relationships , debate around cohabitation law reform in England and Wales has reached fever pitch. The flagship proposal would permit couples living together in an "enduring family relationship" for three years or more—or who have had a child together—to apply for needs-based financial relief within two years of separating. The proposals have drawn fierce scrutiny. Critics have described the push as state paternalism, warning that automatically imposing rights risks unwanted financial entanglements for couples who deliberately chose to keep their assets separate. Commentators have questioned the mandate for change, with some cynically suggesting it creates more complexity than it resolves. Yet, for fa...

How separating parents can resolve child arrangements, avoid stressful court battles, and take advantage of the Ministry of Justice’s £500 mediation voucher scheme. When parents separate or divorce, agreeing on how to raise their children across two households is rarely simple. Disagreements over living schedules, holiday arrangements, and schooling can quickly turn emotional. In the heat of the moment, going to court often feels like the only viable next step. However, resolving arrangements through the family courts is notoriously adversarial, lengthy, and expensive. Most importantly, it takes decisions out of your hands and places them with a judge who doesn't know your children. As D&A Solicitors expands its dedicated services to include professional Family Mediation , we are proud to offer parents a constructive, dignified, and child-centred route forward. What is Family Mediation? Family mediation is a confidential process where an impartial, accredited professional help...

The Home Office has intensified compliance audits and licence revocations across UK businesses. Here is how employers can protect their sponsor status and avoid catastrophic workforce disruptions. Holding a UK Sponsor Licence is a privilege rather than a right. While securing a licence enables businesses to access vital international talent, it also places substantial administrative and legal obligations on the employer. Over recent months, the Home Office has noticeably increased its enforcement activity, conducting both announced and unannounced on-site compliance visits across small and medium-sized enterprises throughout the West Midlands and beyond. At D&A Solicitors , we work closely with businesses across diverse sectors to ensure their immigration operations remain fully robust. A single compliance failure can lead to licence suspension, downgrading, or immediate revocation—an outcome that invalidates existing sponsored worker visas and halts future recruitment. The Anatomy...

Why obtaining your Final Order of divorce without a legally binding financial clean break leaves your future wealth exposed—and how saying "I do" again can permanently close the door to claims. When going through a divorce, reaching the Final Order (formerly Decree Absolute) feels like the ultimate finish line. It formally dissolves the marriage and restores your legal freedom to move on with life. However, one of the most dangerous and common misconceptions in family law is assuming that a divorce automatically ends your financial ties to your former spouse. In England and Wales, the divorce itself and the financial settlement are two entirely separate legal processes. Failing to sever financial claims with a legally binding court order leaves an open-ended door to future claims. Even worse, remarrying before those finances are resolved triggers what family lawyers refer to as the "Remarriage Trap" —a costly mistake that can severely compromise your financial secur...

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 ...