Divorce Solicitors2024-09-27T15:56:41+01:00

Divorce Solicitors

Divorce Solicitors

All the legal support you need from experienced divorce solicitors – we’re here to help and guide you through the divorce process.

  • Supporting people going through divorces in Northern Ireland since 1993
  • Experienced team of divorce solicitors in Belfast, Ballyclare & Antrim
  • Sensitive, practical and straightforward legal advice
  • Guiding you through the process, potential costs and possible outcomes
  • Free initial divorce consultation
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Divorce & Dissolution in Northern Ireland

The breakdown of a marriage is never easy. At times, it can feel overwhelming. But we have some of the most experienced divorce solicitors in Northern Ireland ready to support you through this challenging time and put your interests first every step of the way.

Whether you’re starting divorce proceedings or responding to divorce proceedings started by your spouse, we will help you to understand the process and share clear, honest explanations of what to expect, as well as the costs and implications of any decisions.

Any divorce is tricky. If your circumstances are even more complex than most people’s, you can call upon our legal know-how to help you through a complicated divorce. This could be an international divorce, a military divorce, a high net-worth divorce or a divorce with other complicating factors.

We will also guide you if you’re considering one of the alternatives to divorce. We can provide legal advice on legal separation, dissolving a civil partnership or annulment.

Whatever your circumstances, we’ll help you to navigate this confusing and stressful time to find practical, legal outcomes.

Grounds for Divorce in Northern Ireland

To get divorced in Northern Ireland you — or your spouse if they are starting divorce proceedings — must give grounds for divorce in the petition. This is a reason that proves that your marriage has irretrievably broken down. There are five grounds for divorce in Northern Ireland:

  • Unreasonable Behaviour – You’ve endured physical, emotional or financial abuse, your spouse abuses alcohol or drugs, your spouse has had an inappropriate relationship with someone else or has engaged in other behaviour that makes it impossible to stay in the marriage.
  • Adultery – Your spouse has had sexual intercourse with someone else (the specific legal definition of adultery relates to sexual intercourse with someone of the opposite sex, so this can’t be used in the case of same-sex infidelity).
  • Desertion – Your spouse moved out of your shared home without your agreement, without a valid reason and with the intention of ending the relationship.
  • 2 Year Separation with Consent – You’ve been separated for two years and both parties agree to a divorce.
  • 5 Year Separation – You’ve been separated for five years (even if either you or your spouse don’t want to divorce).

How Our Divorce Solicitors Can Support You

There are several ways our divorce solicitors can give you the help and support you need when going through a divorce in Northern Ireland. This includes legal matters directly linked to the divorce as well as related issues. Our divorce solicitors can advise you on:

Divorce Proceedings – Supporting you through the divorce process and representing you at the divorce hearing.

Divorce Financial Settlements – Dealing with financial cases — including the division of property, pensions and other assets — in a practical, cost-effective way, and representing you at a Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing if necessary.

Childcare Arrangements – Helping you to deal with custody issues in a practical and child-focused way and to assist when the other party to the separation is causing distress to the children or you

Alternatives to Divorce – Guiding you through dissolution of civil partnerships and other alternatives to divorce.

Divorce Proceedings Process

If you’re ready to start a divorce application, we can help you at every stage of the divorce proceedings process in Northern Ireland. Here’s how we help to make the process as easy and straightforward as possible.

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
When you get in touch, one of our experienced divorce solicitors in Belfast, Ballyclare or Antrim will offer sensitive, professional legal advice on how to deal with your circumstances practically.

Step 2: Divorce Application
We’ll advise you on petitioning for divorce and help you with the application process.

Step 3: Acknowledgment of Service
Next, your spouse has to acknowledge the divorce application. If this doesn’t go smoothly, we will support you in finding other ways to progress the case.

Step 4: Court Hearing
We will guide you through what to expect well in advance of a Divorce Hearing and can represent you in court.

Step 5: Decree Nisi
We’ll receive a decree nisi — a provisional decree of divorce — to our office. These are documents saying the court does not see any reason why you can’t divorce.

Step 6: Decree Absolute or Final Order
Six weeks after the decree nisi, we will apply to finalise your divorce and complete the divorce proceedings.

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Why Choose Reid Black?

Our practical yet sensitive approach supports you through the emotional upheaval of divorce while staying focused on your interests. Crucially, you’ll have some of the most experienced divorce solicitors in Northern Ireland working towards securing the best outcomes for you. Combining this experience with our understanding that your circumstances are individual to you helps us to give you the help you need.

Our Specialist Divorce Solicitors

Our Specialist Divorce Solicitors

Karen Cox
Karen Cox
  • Karen Cox has extensive experience dealing with all aspects of Family Law within Northern Ireland.
  • She excels in helping clients navigate the challenges faced during divorce proceedings.
  • Karen is often commended for her ability to explain complex Family Law legal documents in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Contact Karen for a free initial consultation, to determine the best approach for your Family Law case.
Amy Carson
Amy Carson
  • Amy Carson is one of Reid Black’s latest solicitors working within the Matrimonial and Family Law department.
  • She specialises in Divorce, Child Law and Domestic Violence in Northern Ireland.
  • Amy has won multiple awards during her studies at Queen’s University and brings her attention to detail to each and every case at Reid Black.
  • Contact Amy today for a free initial consultation to discuss your Family Law or Child Law case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are two possible grounds for a no-fault divorce in Northern Ireland. To get a no-fault divorce you will need to have been separated from your spouse for two years if you both consent to a divorce or have been separated for five years if one party doesn’t consent.

This depends on the type of divorce and the circumstances. A no-fault divorce in Northern Ireland will typically take around nine months to finalise. This can vary depending on the speed with which the court is able to process the various parts of paperwork needed for the divorce. Keep in mind that a no-fault divorce will need a separation period of two years (if you and your spouse consent) or five years (if one party doesn’t consent) before the divorce process can start.

Divorces on grounds of unreasonable behaviour, adultery or desertion — ‘fault’ divorces — will usually take longer. We advise that a divorce can take up to a year to complete in these cases.

The petitioner — the spouse who is making the application to start the divorce process — pays the court fees for a divorce in Northern Ireland. All costs associated with divorce in Northern Ireland will be discussed during your initial consultation.

You don’t have to use a solicitor to get a divorce in Northern Ireland, but it’s definitely a good idea to do so. Having a legal professional looking after your best interests will help you to reach the outcomes that are best for your circumstances. It will also take away the burden of representing yourself, which can be daunting and stressful if you’re not familiar with the paperwork and processes.

The main alternatives to divorce are civil partnership dissolution and annulment. Dissolutions are only relevant to civil partnerships, while Annulments can only take place in the first year of marriage and in very specific circumstances.

Get the guidance you need from our divorce solicitors

If you would like legal advice and support about a divorce in Northern Ireland, we’re ready to help. We offer a free initial consultation and there is no obligation to proceed.

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    To contact our team of specialists you can call us on: 028 9045 3449 Alternatively, you can get in touch by completing our contact form

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      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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      Reid Black Solicitors gives constructive, professional legal advice. Founded in 1993, by 2012 the practice became a limited company with directors Seamus Reid, Johnny Black, Peter Lynch, and David French.

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