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.

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).

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.