Divorce & Family Solicitors2023-12-14T12:14:28+00:00

Divorce & Family Solicitors

Three Best Rated

Divorce & Family Solicitors

Family-Related Services

Family-Related Services

Divorce & family issues

During divorce or separation, it’s often difficult to know where to turn for good advice. It’s natural to feel confused and anxious about seeking professional advice, as dealing with the future can seem overwhelming.

We operate throughout Northern Ireland with one of the most experienced family law teams of divorce solicitors. We put your interests first, making sure that you understand the process, the potential costs and the possible outcome. We never take action without explaining the potential costs to you. We pride ourselves on clear, straightforward explanations of potential outcomes and the implications for you.

Our team of specialists help you and your family through the process. Contact us today to start to set your circumstances on a firmer footing.

  • Divorce – sensitive, practical and professional advice to help you deal with your situation practically.
  • Money and Property – our track record covers straightforward cases and extends to those involving complex and substantial assets. Many commercial law firms aren’t interested in divorce cases, but we readily accept instructions from clients, whatever your level of assets or complexity of arrangements.

Where parties can’t compromise about settling divorce issues, parenthood actions or custody disputes, the courts make a resolution in a procedure called litigation. In litigated family law, one or both parties may hire counsel. Each person can present proof, which the court uses to create orders. Our team of experienced professionals can help you deal with and win these cases.

Putting off making a will is very common. For many people, the thought of making a will at a solicitor’s office is something they prefer to think about another day.

Many people are concerned about the cost of making a will.  However, we always recommend you consider it, because of the benefits to you –

  • Make sure your next of kin and loved ones receive the money or property you choose
  • Leave instructions about how you wish your children to be cared for, should both parents pass away
  • Reduce Inheritance Tax amount
  • Make specific directions about items with sentimental or financial value, and name the people you choose to have them
  • Make charitable donations
  • Advise your loved ones about burial or cremation
  • Make sure your children inherit, even if your surviving spouse re-marries
  • Provide for disabled dependants’ care

On how to Make a Will read more…

We can arrange a meeting at either our Belfast or Ballyclare office.

Contact either our Belfast office on 02890 453449 or our Ballyclare office on 02893 352221 or email Karen Cox at karen@reidblack.com to discuss making your will.

Whether you are acting as executor or administrator, we advise and support you to deal with issues around estate administration.

You may think you must instruct the solicitor holding the deceased’s will. However, you can choose to instruct any solicitor. Our highly experienced team can answer any questions you have during this difficult time.

We provide initial advice with no obligation. Our approach is sensitive and understanding. If you choose to instruct us, we give you a dedicated point of contact, so that the same person supports you throughout. Please let us help and feel free to contact us with your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

In any situation of marital breakdown this is often the first question that clients ask. Every divorce is different however we like to break down what can often be a very stressful and intimidating situation for clients into manageable stages.

During the breakdown of a marriage, there are invariably two main strands to be determined; a) the actual divorce b) resolution of the financial assets of the marriage. A common misconception is to merge the actual divorce and the financial case.

Within Northern Ireland family law, there are typically four evidential proofs that can be used to allow a divorce to proceed; 2 years separation with consent; 5 years separation; unreasonable behaviour; adultery. The first two options are referred to as ‘no fault’ basis and typically we would advise that provided everything proceeds as it should, these divorces can be concluded in around 9 months. This will always be contingent upon the speed at which the court processes the various papers that are required to be lodged for the divorce.

The ‘fault’ options of unreasonable behaviour and adultery usually take slightly longer and we would advise clients to allow a period of around 9 months to 1 year for a divorce of this nature to be concluded.

Each case that we deal with at Reid Black Solicitors is assessed and approached on its individual merits. To use the lawyer’s cliché, every case is different. This is no truer than in addressing the financial assets required to be determined following a marriage breakdown.

We always approach the financial cases from a collaborative and practical perspective. Initially, both parties are required to produce financial discovery, which is documentation that essentially gives a comprehensive insight into their financial position and includes items such as; payslips, bank statements, P60’s and pension statements. The discovery is then mutually exchanged with the other party/their legal representatives and negotiations towards a financial settlement can begin.

With our vast experience, we will try to deal with the financial case in as cost effective a manner as possible for our clients and avoid court proceedings were possible. If a resolution can be reached without recourse to court, the financial case will be concluded with the drafting of a matrimonial agreement to be signed by both parties. This agreement will be a full and final enshrinement of the agreed financial settlement. It can be difficult to predict how long negotiations will take however if there is co-operation on both sides we usually estimate financial case (that do not require court intervention) to typically take between 6 and 9 months.

In some scenarios however court intervention in financial cases is inevitable if a resolution cannot be reached. The mechanism by which we deal with these cases is referred to as Ancillary Relief. This requires both parties to lodge written sworn financial statements as evidence which are known as affidavits. The affidavits are lodged with the court and a court hearing date is set, which is referred to as a Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing. This Hearing is conducted by a judge called a Matrimonial Master and it is conducted in an informal and very effective dispute resolution setting at court. The Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing date is provided at the First Directions court date, which clients are not required to attend at and is usually around 4/5 months after this First Directions court date.

In the case of the divorce, if you are the party who ‘petitions’ for divorce, that is begins the process through one of the four evidential proofs, you will be required to attend court. If a divorce proceeds on one of the ‘no fault’ basis, 2 years separation with consent or 5 years separation, it will only be the petitioner who is required to attend court.

In order to save our clients the added expense of a barrister, at Reid Black Solicitors, we would often appear for our clients at court for the ‘no fault’ divorces. Clients can often be daunted by having to appear at court however we make the process as straightforward as possible by guiding our clients through what is required well in advance of the Divorce Hearing.

If a divorce petition is issued on a ‘fault’ basis, unreasonable behaviour or adultery, the non – petitioning party (respondent) has an opportunity to defend the divorce. If this happens then both parties will be required to attend court. ‘Fault’ based divorces usually proceed by way of cross decrees whereby both the petitioning party and respondent obtain a decree on the basis of the other parties unreasonable behaviour.

Shortly after the Divorce Hearing takes place, the court will issue a certificate called a Decree Nisi which will be sent to our office. Six weeks after the Decree Nisi certificate issues we can apply for a certificate called a Decree Absolute which is the document which finalises the divorce. We do not however, as a matter of good practice usually apply for the Decree Absolute until the financial case has been resolved.

Normally in situations of marriage breakdown it becomes untenable for two spouses that are separating to remain living under the same roof, the matrimonial home. Very often the main asset of a marriage is the matrimonial home and clients are very concerned that if they leave the property they will somehow lose their house to the other party.

Whenever a house is owned and lived in by both parties this is absolutely not the case. The claim that a client would be entitled to over a property cannot be diminished simply because they have left the property. Often, for example in situations of domestic violence, it can become unbearable for a spouse to continue to reside with the other party and therefore they have no option other than leaving the property. We work extremely hard to ensure that our clients’ receive the entitlement that they deserve and that is fair and equitable in the eyes of the law.

If a matrimonial home is required to be adjudicated upon there are usually three scenarios that can emerge:-

  1. One party remains in the property and buys out the interest of the other party.
  2. The other party remains in the property and buys out the interest of the first party.
  3. The house is sold and any equity in the property is divided between the parties.

Unfortunately sometimes situations will arise whereby a property is in negative equity and we
ensure that we provide our clients with the best possible advice to deal with same.

In determining what proportion of equity is due to each party, we apply what is referred to as the Article 27 Matrix, which is the technical term for the determinative factors in any financial case of marriage breakdown. The factors to be considered include; the length of the marriage, whether there are any children of the marriage and their ages, the ages of the parties, the contributions made by each party during the course of the marriage and the lifestyle that the parties were accustomed to during the course of the marriage.

We use careful and skilled application of these factors to ensure that our clients achieve the best financial deals possible to protect them now and in the future.

Clients work very hard to build up their pensions throughout their lives in order to ensure that they have financial means to get by during their retirement.

Whenever they are divorcing, there is usually a large degree of apprehension and uncertainty on their part regarding their pensions. From the outset, we at Reid Black Solicitors like to reassure clients that their pension pots will not be decimated or indeed lost altogether.

We are keen to advise early that the only portion of a client’s pension that is taken into consideration throughout the course of a divorce/financial settlement is that which was accrued during the course of the marriage. Any portion of the pension pot that was accrued outside the marriage will not be taken into consideration and can be ring-fenced.

Often in situations of short marriages, pensions may not be taken into account at all, particularly if the pension pots of the respective spouses are similar. In longer marriages, the favoured mechanism for dealing with pensions is by way of equalisation of the pensions. This means that we will look at the respective pension provisions by way of the Cash Equivalent Transfer Value of the pensions and calculate a percentage to ensure that the pension entitlement of each party is equalised. Practically, this is most commonly done by way of a Pension Sharing Order, whereby the spouse with the lesser pension value will receive a pension from within the other spouse’s pension. This will be a stand-alone pension and both pensions will be mutually exclusive.

If a client is very keen not to lose any of their pension and there are other assets within the marriage to be divided, the Cash Equivalent Transfer Value of the pension can be used to offset against other assets, such as any equity entitlement from property owned by the parties, thus ensuring that the pension remains completely intact.

Three Best Rated
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      Accreditations

      Three Best Rated

      Client Testimonials

      Client Testimonials

      William Campbell
      William Campbell
      16:37 13 Nov 19
      Great if you get stuck in a jam with the local police.
      Harry Walmsley
      Harry Walmsley
      14:51 22 Aug 19
      Brilliant solicitor. Thank you.
      Andrew Aicken
      Andrew Aicken
      08:51 20 Apr 18
      Great service from a professional company. Eilis McQuillan handled a case for me and was outstanding. I was kept informed at every stage and would recommend Reid Black without hesitation.
      Victoria J
      Victoria J
      10:12 18 May 18
      I would highly recommend this company and I have used them a few times . Absolutely Fantastic company .
      Alan Cromie
      Alan Cromie
      14:54 08 Nov 15
      I approached Reid Black Solicitors having known Hamill Clawson for many years as a good dependable lawyer and having been badly let down and grossly overcharged by another solicitor. He referred me to his colleague, David French who was very approachable and went out of his way to help resolve matters equitably in a timely and stress free manner.As a busy professional, this invaluable advice from Hamill and, especially his partner David was greatly appreciated. I am impressed by the high standard of service offered by this Firm and would recommended their services without caveat.read more
      Stephen Lavery
      Stephen Lavery
      09:12 21 Feb 20
      1st class service. Case was resolved quickly, handled with sensitivity and professionalism. Couldn’t recommend Eilis highly enough. Very happy.
      David Hogg
      David Hogg
      12:07 09 Mar 20
      Very helpful....quick results...
      Conor Mccomish
      Conor Mccomish
      21:47 25 Jul 20
      David helped me get a licence reinstated with the council. Very fast, efficient and professional service. I would highly recommend this company.
      mike naylor
      mike naylor
      09:41 06 Sep 20
      Great business
      Seema King
      Seema King
      17:07 30 Sep 20
      Highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. David French handled my case and guided me step by step. Very fast and professional. Made my whole experience stress free. Couldn't be more thankful. 🙂
      Jonathan Loughlin
      Jonathan Loughlin
      16:52 29 Nov 20
      Highly experienced staff have helped me massively and would recommend them to anyone 10☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
      Shaun Leese
      Shaun Leese
      13:18 31 Mar 21
      Worked with Karen Cox on house purchase. Fantastic service!
      Adrian Bodle
      Adrian Bodle
      14:57 23 Jul 21
      I would highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. my experience was totally stress free and easy from the start. David handled my case in a professional manner, notifying me every step of the way. Thank you for all your hard work. A1read more
      James Cullen
      James Cullen
      14:53 23 Jul 21
      Had the best service from all at Reid black from David and Karen who dealt with my claim, all in all a great service I would highly recommend this Company to anybody wanting a professional service, thankyou to everyone at your office. odyread more
      TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)
      TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)
      14:17 29 Jul 21
      Reid and Black were absolutely outstanding and extremely professional in their handling of my case, They were well organised, timely and informative in their updates as the case progressed. The outcome was even better than anticipated which can only be due to the excellent knowledge, tenacity and determination in seeking a satisfactory outcome. I would highly recommend their services to anyone.read more
      Phoebe Brigginshaw
      Phoebe Brigginshaw
      17:09 08 Dec 21
      Karen was wonderful and took fantastic card of us as first time buyers. Excellent service all round, thank you so much!
      David Raeburn
      David Raeburn
      11:48 10 Feb 22
      I would like to thank Reid Black solicitors for the outstanding work you have done for all the veterans who have mostly suffered in silence and would never have thought to start any sort of compensation claim against the MOD,also to find out that your firm does not take a penny from the veteran's settlement just shows the amazing integrity of Reid Black.read more
      Luke Tedford
      Luke Tedford
      12:26 31 Mar 22
      Just want to start off by Thanking Eilis for helping me through everything. I arrived in with very little expectations to get anywhere and I came out with exactly what I wanted, all thanks to the hard work and dedication of Eilis. When I first met Eilis she gave me the warmest reception and was fully understanding and complient with what I wanted. The best solicitors in Belfast hands down! would very highly recommend to anyone!read more
      Jude Campbell
      Jude Campbell
      13:18 11 May 22
      We would like to thank Reid Black Solicitors and specifically David French for helping us in a recent professional negligence case. His professionalism was a breath of fresh air and the positive outcome we received has been a weight off our shoulders, we would highly recommend David and his team.read more
      CJ MCKIMM
      CJ MCKIMM
      11:13 05 Jun 22
      A big thanks to David and the team for sorting out my hearing loss claim. Very professional, polite and efficient throughout.
      Leonidasz Rafael
      Leonidasz Rafael
      14:29 25 Jun 22
      at this location The staff is very kind quick helpful hilarious Mr Hamill very professional defense attorney I recommend to everyone protection and tranquility are highly guaranteed always provides the best and fastest help if you are looking for the best defense attorney Mr Hamill 💯💯read more
      James Tate
      James Tate
      22:28 26 Aug 22
      Excellent attraction staff super.
      Jennifer McCann
      Jennifer McCann
      14:25 10 Oct 23
      They are a fantastic company to represent you
      Russdamuss
      Russdamuss
      07:02 26 Nov 23
      Was recommended Reid Black by others on my claim from the MOD. From start to end this company have been brilliant in particular DF whom was personally dealing with my case. If you are looking for a professional solicitors to deal with claims against the MOD look no further. Thank you all at Reid Blackread more
      tomsturdy1
      tomsturdy1
      09:51 28 Nov 23
      I cannot recommend this firm highly enough. For any ex army out there with hearing problems please contact them. The process was easy and more importantly they do not take any money from you unlike a lot of firms that take up to 33%. I thoroughly recommend Reid Black.read more
      Wayne Perry
      Wayne Perry
      19:16 08 Dec 23
      What a fantastic group of people to work with from start to finish. I thoroughly endorse this firm of solicitors to any former service personnel who have suffered hearing loss and/or tinnitus as a result of live firing in pipe ranges in Northern Ireland. These guys acted on my behalf following a simple hearing assessment and secured a sizeable settlement from the MoD for me. They did not take ANY of my compensation in payment, but claim a separate payment directly from the MoD for their work. David even declined an initial derisory offer from the MoD and secured a much better one which was 500% (yes 500%) above the original offer. If you or you know anyone who suffers the same problems, I would urge you to get in touch with David French or one of his colleagues at Reid Black solicitors. The only downside is the amount of time you have to wait for the MoD to play ball. On the plus side you’ll probably forget you’ve claimed at all and so it’s a great surprise when you finally get a result!read more
      Bob Parry
      Bob Parry
      05:00 12 Jan 24
      I am absolutely delighted at the result David French and the whole team at Reid Black managed to negotiate for my hearing loss claim. It was a long process, but none of that due to RB, rather the bureaucracy and feet dragging of the MoD. There was one small period of frustration on my part when I had not heard from them in a while, but it transpired that their communications with me via e-mail had gone into my spam box, that I don't regularly check, so this frustration was my fault completely. David received an initial settlement offer, but refused it and negotiated a 33% increase in the offer on my behalf. I thoroughly recommend this Business to any former service personnel that served in NI after 1987, that have suffered hearing injuries. Thank you Reid Black.read more
      thomas Gray
      thomas Gray
      18:04 21 Feb 24
      I cannot speak highly enough of Reid Black Solicitors. From start to finish, my experience with their team has been exceptional. The professionalism and expertise displayed by the solicitors at Reid Black is truly commendable. They were not only knowledgeable but also dedicated to providing personalized solutions tailored to my legal needs. The level of attention and care they demonstrated throughout the process reassured me that I was in capable hands. The communication from the firm was outstanding. I was kept informed at every step, and my questions were answered promptly. This level of transparency made the legal process much more manageable and less stressful. What sets Reid Black Solicitors apart is their commitment to client satisfaction. They went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and understood. The genuine concern for their clients is evident in every interaction. I would wholeheartedly recommend Reid Black Solicitors to anyone seeking legal assistance. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to client satisfaction make them a standout choice. Thank you to the entire team for making a potentially challenging experience smooth and successful.read more
      Claire Watt
      Claire Watt
      19:39 26 Feb 24
      Kathryn was superb throughout the process and helped me through what was a difficult period. Kathryn was always very quick to respond to my emails and on hand to answer any questions that I had. I would highly recommend the services of Kathryn and Reid Black Solicitors.read more
      Kerry Whann
      Kerry Whann
      16:28 04 Mar 24
      A Separation of a marriage is a really devasting and stressful time. My daughter used the services of Kathryn Aiken. Kathryn is such a lovely lady, with a real kindness and total understanding of the situation. She gave my daughter excellent legal advice and guided us safely through the whole process. Yes it did take time to finally come to an agreement on matters, but all throughout Kathryn was available to answer emails promptly or take a phone call. Nothing was ever a bother. That means a lot to have that total backing and support. We felt totally at ease meeting Kathryn at her office to sign documents and as upsetting as it sometimes was we were shown total empathy and comforted on occasions were needed. The quotation Kathryn gave me at the start of the process was near enough spot on at the end. I would not hesitate to recommend Kathryn to anyone in need of help. you are 100% in the best professional hands. I will be using Kathryn again in the future. Thank you for everything. Kerry and Naomi.read more
      Alan Munce
      Alan Munce
      18:18 14 Mar 24
      Ref - Military hearing loss claim. I am speechless - having left the Army 32 years ago I never expected to qualify for any sort of payout. Getting in touch with Reid Black Solicitors was more a case of - 'try it and see, nothing ventured, nothing gained.' Absolutely dumbfounded by the amount you have recovered for me. I never expected any payout to be in the 5 figure bracket. We have a modest income and lead a modest lifestyle, but now, all our current financial challenges are over. A 'Thank you' seems totally inadequate, but we are truly grateful for your efforts and the result. Thank you. Kind Regards Alan Munceread more
      carly field
      carly field
      09:43 17 Jun 24
      Exceptional work from this company. I have had a few issues with my hearing due to my time in the military. Didn’t expect to get as much I did. Thank you for your dedication to us all.
      Allan Rigby
      Allan Rigby
      10:30 14 Aug 24
      I reached out to Reid Black Solicitors in order to gain compensation for my hearing loss while serving in the Armed Forces. From the beginning I knew I was in the right hands. It proved to be true after a few years of legal wrangling with the MOD I received my compensation. A big thank you to David and the team, fully recommended.read more
      Helen Fox
      Helen Fox
      15:52 01 Sep 24
      Thanks very much to David French for all his help with my hearing claim from September 2021, it did take a long while and to be honest I didn’t expect to receive anything at all. I was really shocked when he called me on Friday 30th August 2024 and I’m really pleased with my settlement. 10/10 Reid and Black. It was definitely worth the wait. Thanks again Martynread more
      Mark Hope
      Mark Hope
      21:11 16 Sep 24
      A great service from David French @ Reid Black. Resolved my hearing loss claim with the MOD without any fuss and very professional and helpful. Thank you and would definetly recommend Reid Black solicitors.read more
      Paul Treanor
      Paul Treanor
      11:06 03 Oct 24
      I highly recommend this company. They helped me with a claim which resulted in a very satisfactory result. They possess an abundance of integrity which is rare in the legal world.
      Mike D
      Mike D
      08:28 04 Oct 24
      The way Reid Black Solicitors handled this hearing claim has been efficient and professional from start to finish. Throughout the process I have been guided and advised extremely well and am completely satisfied with the result that you have gained on my behalf. I can strongly recommend Reid Black Solicitors and will be sure to speak to my colleagues who are also veterans of HM Forces.read more
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