Divorce in the UK is one of those topics that always sparks debate. Some people think it is rising fast. Others believe fewer people are ending their marriages than ever before. But when you look at the last five years of official data, the picture is far from simple. The biggest lesson from recent divorce statistics is that the numbers have moved around a lot, but not always for the reasons people assume. In England and Wales, there were 107,599 opposite-sex divorces in 2019

When buying a property, it can sometimes feel like the conveyancing process involves a lot of paperwork, checks, and waiting. One of the most important stages of this process is carrying out property searches . These searches provide crucial information about the property and the surrounding area, helping buyers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected issues after completion. At D&A Solicitors, we ensure that thorough searches are conducted as part of the conveyancing pr

Immigrating to the United Kingdom is an exciting opportunity — whether you're moving for work, study, family, or to build a new life. The UK offers world-class universities, a strong economy, and a rich cultural history. But while the destination is appealing, the immigration process itself can be complex, technical, and constantly evolving. In this blog, we’ll explore the main routes to UK immigration and explain why working with an expert immigration solicitor can make all

From 25 February 2026 , the UK will fully enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)  scheme — a major change for visitors from visa-free countries and a key development in the UK’s ongoing border modernisation programme. At D&A Solicitors , we understand that these changes may create uncertainty for international travellers, employers sponsoring overseas workers, and professionals advising clients on UK immigration compliance. This guide breaks down the key points of

When people think about divorce, they often focus on the family home, savings, or childcare arrangements. One asset that is frequently overlooked—but can be one of the most valuable—is the pension. In the UK, pensions are treated as part of the matrimonial assets and can be significantly affected by divorce. Understanding how pensions are dealt with during divorce is essential to protecting your long-term financial security. Why Pensions Matter in a Divorce For many people, a

If you’re buying or selling property in England and Wales, few words raise more questions than leasehold . Over the past decade, leasehold ownership has become one of the most challenging and controversial areas of UK conveyancing — and it’s now undergoing significant change. Understanding leasehold reform isn’t just useful; it’s essential for buyers, sellers, and conveyancers alike. What Is Leasehold — and Why Is It a Problem? Under a leasehold arrangement, the buyer owns th

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. 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 c

Divorce is rarely easy. Even when both spouses agree that separation is the right step, the process can feel overwhelming, emotional, and uncertain. Many people assume that divorce automatically means courtroom battles, high legal fees, and prolonged conflict—but that doesn’t have to be the case. For many couples, mediation offers a more constructive, cost-effective, and humane path forward . Here’s why mediation is often the best solution for divorce. 1. Mediation Puts You i

Buying a house is exciting, but the legal process behind it – known as conveyancing – can feel confusing if you’ve never done it before. Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property ownership from the seller to the buyer, and it plays a crucial role in making sure your purchase is safe, lawful, and free from unpleasant surprises. Here are five key things you should know about conveyancing when buying a house in the UK . 1. Conveyancing Is More Than Just Paperwork Many buye

After years of uncertainty and debate over post-Brexit education ties with Europe, the UK has agreed terms to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus+ programme from 2027 onwards — a major development for young people and international learners. This isn’t just a diplomatic headline — it’s a real change that will open doors for thousands of students, trainees, apprentices and educators from the UK and across the European Union. 🎓 What Is Erasmus+? Erasmus+ is the European Union’s flagship

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 prevail

The UK government introduced one of the most significant sets of immigration reforms in decades — reshaping how people come to, stay in, and settle in the country. Here are the headline changes: The route to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain — ILR) is being extended for many migrants: instead of the usual five years, most migrants will now need around 10 years of continuous residence before qualifying. The visa system for skilled and care‑related jobs was tigh

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-Ba

Buying or selling a property is one of the most significant financial decisions most people will ever make. With large sums involved, complex legal processes, and strict timelines, having the right solicitor on your side can be the difference between a smooth, stress-free move and a costly, frustrating ordeal. That’s where the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) comes in — a trusted mark of excellence in residential conveyancing. As a fully CQS-accredited firm , D&A Solicitors

For many non‑UK nationals, obtaining settlement status in the UK is a major milestone: the promise of long‑term security, the ability to live and work without immigration worry, and (for many) a pathway to British citizenship. But while the rules are clear in many cases, the practical process can be complex, rigid and full of pitfalls. At D&A Solicitors, we regularly see clients who are navigating or preparing for settlement applications. This post outlines the key requiremen

If you’re planning to come to the United Kingdom to study, there’s a lot to know about getting the right visa, meeting the requirements, and understanding what happens after your course ends. This guide walks you through the key stages of arriving as an international student, from eligibility to post-study opportunities — and helps you avoid common pitfalls. 1. Which visa route applies? There are several visa routes depending on your age, type of study and course-length. For

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

Introduction Enduring relationships, breakups, and later life planning often intersect in tricky ways. One question that comes up frequently is: Does my ex have any rights under my will? Or conversely, can I prevent an ex from inheriting from me? The short answer is: it depends on a number of factors (marriage, divorce status, dependency, etc.). Below, I’ll walk you through the main legal principles, typical scenarios, and practical tips. Key legal concepts & principles Bef

The United Kingdom is a global destination not just for work, study, or tourism—but also for love. Every year, thousands of people move...

Divorce can be an emotionally taxing process, especially when children are involved. One of the most complex and sensitive aspects is...