If you are going through a separation, divorce or civil partnership dissolution, it is essential that you seek legal advice as soon as possible – what you say and do at the early stages may have an impact on the eventual outcome. When a relationship breaks down, it is often in circumstances where there is little time to prepare for all the decisions that need to be taken.

Divorces and dissolutions of civil partnerships are dealt with by the County Court and High Court in Northern Ireland, with the person making the application (the ‘petitioner’) able to do so themselves or through a solicitor. For a divorce to be granted, one of the following grounds must be met:

Two years’ separation (when the other spouse consents to the divorce)
Five years’ separation (when the other spouse does not give their consent)
Unreasonable behaviour
Adultery
Desertion

For a civil partnership to be dissolved, one of the following grounds must be met:

Two years’ separation (when the other partner consents to the divorce)
Five years’ separation (when the other partner does not give their consent)
Unreasonable behaviour
Desertion

When all documents have been submitted, the case will be listed before the court. In cases where both parties consent to the divorce or dissolution, they will be asked to confirm that the information provided to the court is accurate. If one of the parties defends the petition, the spouse applying for divorce may have to give evidence in support of this. Once the judge has heard the case, they will grant a decree nisi ending the marriage. For civil partnerships, a conditional order will be granted.

Our Matrimonial team will ensure that you are informed on all decisions that must be taken, especially regarding children and finances. You can read more on our dedicated Divorce and Separation page.

When it comes to establishing the extent of the financial settlement that a spouse will receive, there is no set formula used by the courts. Instead, broad discretion is afforded to judges in deciding what is fair, with a range of factors considered, including the length of the marriage and the contributions made by each of the spouses. While there is no requirement that parties in settlement proceedings take legal advice, doing so is highly advised. A solicitor will act on your behalf to ensure that these arrangements are recognised by the court to prevent any disputes arising in the future.

Today, many couples chose to enter into agreements as to how their finances should be shared if they separate. While these agreements, referred to as prenuptial agreements or ‘prenups’, are often associated with celebrities or high net-worth individuals, they are becoming increasingly common. While a prenuptial agreement is not legally binding, the courts are increasingly likely to uphold their terms if it can be shown that both parties entered into the agreement having sought independent legal advice.

At MKB Law we have the knowledge and experience to assist victims of domestic violence, making sure that they have access to the protection provided in civil and criminal law. We work closely with Women’s Aid NI, Domestic Violence Officers and Social Services to ensure that the victim receives support for themselves and their children. Please see our Domestic Violence page for more information.

Legal issues relating to children, such as child custody and contact matters, require sensitive handling. MKB Law’s Family Law team has extensive experience in acting for families during these difficult and emotive situations. There are two different types of cases involving children: those under Child Private Law and those under Child Public Law.

Private Law cases are usually as part of a divorce or separation. If an agreement cannot be reached as to where a child will live and what contact the other parent will have, we ensure that all avenues are pursued in order to achieve an amicable and negotiated agreement.

Public Law cases are brought by local authorities in regard to child welfare. These cases are complex in nature and usually concern families with multiple problems. We understand how difficult it is for parents to give a good account of themselves in these cases and we will help you each step of the way.

You can find out more about this area on our dedicated child contact and child welfare page.