Understanding Divorce Law in Northern Ireland

Contact our specialist Family Law Solicitors

Call us today

UK 028 8772 2102

IE 01 533 7860

Divorce Law NI

Divorce Law Northern IrelandDivorce Law Northern Ireland : If you are facing a divorce or separation, you need experienced divorce lawyers on your side to protect your interests and ensure that you have the right framework in place for the future.

At PA Duffy, we represent clients across Northern Ireland throughout the divorce process, dealing with the filing of divorce papers as well as related issues such as the division of property, financial agreements and arrangements for children.

We understand that this is likely to be a very difficult time for you and our team will always do all they can to provide support, guidance and advice to help you navigate the process of ending your legal relationship.

Our Divorce Law Northern Ireland Services

We deal with all aspects of divorce, including:

  • Divorce application and finalising your divorce
  • Division of property and other assets
  • Financial provision
  • Pension sharing in divorce
  • Arrangements for children

Speak to our Northern Ireland divorce solicitors in Dungannon, Belfast & Dublin

For a free initial consultation with one of our Northern Ireland divorce law experts, call us on 028 8772 2102 (UK) or 01 533 7860 (IE). We will talk through your situation with you and discuss what the first steps are in dealing with a divorce and related issues. We can also answer any questions you may have.

Alternatively, you can fill in our online Contact Form and we will ring you.

How our Northern Ireland divorce law solicitors can help you

Obtaining a divorce

We can apply for a legal divorce on your behalf, going through the forms with you, filling out the divorce petition, responding to a petition issued by your spouse and applying for the orders necessary to complete a formal divorce.

We will also advise you of any other issues that need to be dealt with. It is often advisable to deal with financial matters before your divorce is finalised. We can discuss the process with you and ensure that everything is dealt with in the correct order, to safeguard your interests.

Financial agreement

Dividing assets in the breakdown of a relationship is never easy, especially when you share a family home. We can go through your options with you and help you try and come to an agreement over sharing your assets fairly and ensuring that you and any children of the family have the security that you need for the future.

If you have day-to-day care of children, then you are likely to need to stay in the family home. We can discuss with you how this could be achieved, for example, by agreeing that your spouse will have a larger share of other assets, such as pension entitlement.

While it may seem very difficult to fairly divide your shared wealth, our team are highly experienced in separating finances and we can go through all of your options with you and negotiate on your behalf to reach the best possible outcome.

Arrangements for children

If you have children, then your main concern is likely to be what the future will look like for both you and them. We can work with you and your spouse to try and agree on new arrangements, including who they will live with, how much time they will spend with their other parent, what will happen in school holidays and how they will stay in contact with you when you are not together.

The courts prefer that parents reach agreement between themselves over new arrangements and we can help you negotiate an acceptable solution. If this is not possible, we can support and guide you through mediation or another method of alternative dispute resolution to try and reach agreement with their other parent.

Divorce FAQs

What are the grounds for divorce in Northern Ireland?

You will only be granted if you can show that your relationship has irretrievably broken down. Northern Ireland divorce law states that this is evidenced by one of the following situations:

  • Two years’ separation, where both parties consent to the divorce
  • Five years’ separation, where only one party consents to the divorce
  • Unreasonable behaviour
  • Adultery
  • Desertion
 

How long does it take to get a divorce in Northern Ireland?

Getting a divorce in Northern Ireland may take only a few months in the quickest cases, however the other issues that you need to deal with may well take longer. For example, reaching agreement over finances will require both you and your partner to start by making a full disclosure of your assets, then entering into negotiations.

Do I have to go to court to get a divorce?

To start the divorce process, an application needs to be lodged with the court. You or your solicitor will receive a certified copy of your petition which should then be served on your spouse. You will then usually need to attend a hearing before a judge who will grant a decree nisi if they are satisfied that your marriage has irretrievably broken down. We can represent you if necessary and apply for the decree absolute six weeks after the decree nisi, which will formally end your marriage.

Related links:

Ni Direct – Divorce Guide

Justice NI – Matrimonial Proceedings

Relate NI

Contact our divorce solicitors in Dungannon and Belfast .

Our Northern Ireland divorce law solicitors are experienced practitioners with an excellent track record of success in representing clients throughout the divorce and separation process. To speak to one of our team, call us now on 028 8772 2102 (UK) or 01 533 7860 (IE)

Alternatively, you can Make An Online Enquiry and we’ll contact you promptly.

Divorce Law Northern Ireland




Get In Touch

Speak with our expert Solicitors today


Call Us

Call us on 028 8772 2102 (Dungannon/Belfast) or 01 533 7860 (Dublin)

Email Us

Send us an email and we’ll be in touch

Chat with Us

We’re available 24/7 to chat

PA Duffy Divorce Solicitors NI - Team

Make An Enquiry

    *Required

    Why Choose Us?

    Approachability. We make it very easy for you to contact us and communicate with us.

    Complexity. We make complex legal matters easy for you to understand.

    Efficiency. We use our expertise to complete legal matters promptly for you, saving you time, money and stress.

    Divorce Law Northern Ireland was last modified: March 28th, 2023 by Conal McGarrity