Family Law
Your trusted solicitors for all family law matters
Family Law
Your trusted solicitors for all family law matters
Background
Complicated family law issues can often arise within families, causing real distress and sorrow for those affected. From the breakdown of a marriage to child custody disagreements, family issues can be emotionally charged and knowing what the best course of action can be very difficult.
Whilst many of us seek to resolve family matters within the home, sometimes the best option all round is to seek outside legal assistance from an impartial source.
How can we help?
Hunt Solicitors are family law experts and can help guide you sensitively through the legal process from beginning to end. Our aim is to ensure you always have a clear understanding of the options available to you and the implications that various decisions may have on you and your family.
With the property issues that can occur during separation or divorce negotiations, our family law solicitors make sure our clients always have a clear insight into the implications which various decisions may have on your property and finances. If assets need to be divided, including pensions, insurances, endowment policies and associated transfers of equity, careful planning from our property lawyers can ensure our clients always get the best possible advice.
Hunt Solicitors is experienced in all aspects of Family Law including Divorce, Children’s Order matters and Domestic Violence.
Divorce/Separation
Divorce or relationship breakdown can be a very emotional and stressful time for everyone concerned. Big decisions need to be taken which can have a lasting effect on your future, your children, your finances and even your business.
You should, therefore, seek legal advice from experienced family and divorce solicitors as early as possible to ensure you can make informed decisions about any of the following from the beginning:
- Pre Marital Agreements (including Pre & Post Nuptial Agreements)
- Financial Settlement
- Ancillary Relief Proceedings
- Partition Proceedings
- Spousal Maintenance
- Child Maintenance
Background
Complicated family law issues can often arise within families, causing real distress and sorrow for those affected. From the breakdown of a marriage to child custody disagreements, family issues can be emotionally charged and knowing what the best course of action can be very difficult.
Whilst many of us seek to resolve family matters within the home, sometimes the best option all round is to seek outside legal assistance from an impartial source.
How can we help?
Hunt Solicitors are family law experts and can help guide you sensitively through the legal process from beginning to end. Our aim is to ensure you always have a clear understanding of the options available to you and the implications that various decisions may have on you and your family.
With the property issues that can occur during separation or divorce negotiations, our family law solicitors make sure our clients always have a clear insight into the implications which various decisions may have on your property and finances. If assets need to be divided, including pensions, insurances, endowment policies and associated transfers of equity, careful planning from our property lawyers can ensure our clients always get the best possible advice.
Hunt Solicitors is experienced in all aspects of Family Law including Divorce, Children’s Order matters and Domestic Violence.
Divorce/Separation
Divorce or relationship breakdown can be a very emotional and stressful time for everyone concerned. Big decisions need to be taken which can have a lasting effect on your future, your children, your finances and even your business.
You should, therefore, seek legal advice from experienced family and divorce solicitors as early as possible to ensure you can make informed decisions about any of the following from the beginning:
- Pre Marital Agreements (including Pre & Post Nuptial Agreements)
- Financial Settlement
- Ancillary Relief Proceedings
- Partition Proceedings
- Spousal Maintenance
- Child Maintenance
What is Ancillary Relief?
Ancillary relief is the financial support or settlement arrangements made alongside divorce proceedings. It involves financial matters that need to be resolved when a marriage or civil partnership comes to an end.
These matters may include the division of assets, such as property, savings, investments, pensions, and other financial resources, as well as considerations related to spousal maintenance and child support.
The goal of ancillary relief is to achieve a fair and equitable distribution of assets and financial resources between the parties involved in the divorce or dissolution. This often involves negotiations between the spouses or civil partners, with the assistance of family and divorce solicitors, to reach agreements on how to divide assets and meet financial obligations.
If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, ancillary relief matters may be resolved through court proceedings. The court will consider various factors, including the needs and financial resources of each party, the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage or partnership, the contributions made by each party to the family’s welfare, and any other relevant circumstances.
Ancillary relief proceedings can be complex and emotionally challenging, but they are essential for ensuring that both parties are provided for fairly after the breakdown of the relationship. It’s important to get legal advice from experienced family law solicitors to help navigate the ancillary relief process and achieve an outcome that best meets the financial needs and interests for each party.
Child Custody and Welfare
The protection and safe-guarding of children should be a top priority for all guardians when it comes to matters of child custody, but we understand that matters under “The Children (NI) Order 1995” are sensitive and often complex. At Hunt Solicitors we take a sensitive but pragmatic approach to important matters relating to the welfare of children and always work to get a resolution which is in the child’s very best interest.
Children Order Proceedings including:
- Residence Order and Contact Order applications
- Care Orders and Freeing for Adoption applications
- Adoption and Guardian matters
- Child Protection Issues
Guardian Ad Litem
What is a Guardian ad Litem?
The Guardian ad Litem is an independent officer of the court. They represent the child in care order proceedings. Their role is to speak to the child and advise the court of the wishes and feelings of the child. The Guardian represents and safeguard a child’s interests. The Guardian will thoroughly investigate the child’s circumstances and provide a recommendation to the court.
When does a Guardian become involved?
They are involved in Care Order Cases. This is when Social Services are involved in a case and want to share responsibility for a child with their parents. A child may have been removed from their family and placed in foster care. If this happens Social Services must have a plan about what happens next, they then need to attend court and ask the court to approve their plan. It is usually the case that the parents and the child will disagree with this plan. In order to assist the court in its decision, the court appoints a Guardian and a solicitor to represent the child only.
What is the solicitor’s role?
A solicitor is appointed to work with the Guardian Ad Litem. They work in partnership with the Guardian to promote the interests of the child and advise the court on the child’s wishes and feelings. They must try and achieve the best possible outcome for the child. This can sometimes be difficult as the job of the solicitor is to balance the child’s rights and wishes with their responsibility to keep the child from harm.
How do the Guardian and Solicitor work for a child?
The Guardian and solicitor meet with the child during the court proceedings. It is their role to ascertain the following:
- The child’s wishes and feelings and views regarding background events
- The child’s perception of the reasons leading up to the taking of the procedings
- The child’s perception of his stay in care
- The child’s view of the most appropriate order the court should make; if any
- The child’s views as to the future.
The solicitor will have to balance those things which the child is able to explain against those which he or she is not. Obviously this cannot be done in one meeting because the solicitor and Guardian will not want to rush the child. They will need to proceed at the pace of the child.
What happens after the Guardian and Solicitor have met with the child?
The solicitor will inform the court of the child’s wishes and feelings. Along with the Guardian they will make a recommendation to the court about what should happen. Throughout the proceedings they work to safeguard the child’s interests. The Guardian provides a report to the court, written in light of all the information gathered in the investigation.
The principles of the Children’s Order (NI) Order 1995 are that the needs and voice of the child must be heard. The legislation also states that the child’s welfare is paramount.
If a child is able to understand the implications of a decision, then, save in exceptional circumstances, the child’s instructions should prevail over those of someone acting for them.
Domestic Violence
It is not easy to come forward as having suffered domestic violence, but you can be assured that we will approach your case sensitively and with the upmost confidentiality.
We have a team of people each experienced handling sensitive cases in domestic relations law, so should you need a solicitor for domestic violence, get in touch with us below and we will be here to help.
Protection Under Domestic Violence Legislation
Non-Molestation Order & Occupation Order Applications
What is Ancillary Relief?
Ancillary relief is the financial support or settlement arrangements made alongside divorce proceedings. It involves financial matters that need to be resolved when a marriage or civil partnership comes to an end.
These matters may include the division of assets, such as property, savings, investments, pensions, and other financial resources, as well as considerations related to spousal maintenance and child support.
The goal of ancillary relief is to achieve a fair and equitable distribution of assets and financial resources between the parties involved in the divorce or dissolution. This often involves negotiations between the spouses or civil partners, with the assistance of family and divorce solicitors, to reach agreements on how to divide assets and meet financial obligations.
If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, ancillary relief matters may be resolved through court proceedings. The court will consider various factors, including the needs and financial resources of each party, the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage or partnership, the contributions made by each party to the family’s welfare, and any other relevant circumstances.
Ancillary relief proceedings can be complex and emotionally challenging, but they are essential for ensuring that both parties are provided for fairly after the breakdown of the relationship. It’s important to get legal advice from experienced family law solicitors to help navigate the ancillary relief process and achieve an outcome that best meets the financial needs and interests for each party.
Divorce/Separation
Divorce or relationship breakdown can be a very emotional and stressful time for everyone concerned. Big decisions need to be taken which can have a lasting effect on your future, your children, your finances and even your business. You should, therefore, seek legal advice from experienced family and divorce solicitors as early as possible to ensure you can make informed decisions about any of the following from the beginning:
- Pre Marital Agreements (including Pre & Post Nuptial Agreements)
- Financial Settlement
- Ancillary Relief Proceedings
- Partition Proceedings
- Spousal Maintenance
- Child Maintenance
Child Custody and Welfare
The protection and safe-guarding of children should be a top priority for all guardians when it comes to matters of child custody, but we understand that matters under “The Children (NI) Order 1995” are sensitive and often complex. At Hunt Solicitors we take a sensitive but pragmatic approach to important matters relating to the welfare of children and always work to get a resolution which is in the child’s very best interest.
Children Order Proceedings including:
- Residence Order and Contact Order applications
- Care Orders and Freeing for Adoption applications
- Adoption and Guardian matters
- Child Protection Issues
Guardian Ad Litem
What is a Guardian ad Litem?
The Guardian ad Litem is an independent officer of the court. They represent the child in care order proceedings. Their role is to speak to the child and advise the court of the wishes and feelings of the child. The Guardian represents and safeguard a child’s interests. The Guardian will thoroughly investigate the child’s circumstances and provide a recommendation to the court.
When does a Guardian become involved?
They are involved in Care Order Cases. This is when Social Services are involved in a case and want to share responsibility for a child with their parents. A child may have been removed from their family and placed in foster care. If this happens Social Services must have a plan about what happens next, they then need to attend court and ask the court to approve their plan. It is usually the case that the parents and the child will disagree with this plan. In order to assist the court in its decision, the court appoints a Guardian and a solicitor to represent the child only.
What is the solicitor’s role?
A solicitor is appointed to work with the Guardian Ad Litem. They work in partnership with the Guardian to promote the interests of the child and advise the court on the child’s wishes and feelings. They must try and achieve the best possible outcome for the child. This can sometimes be difficult as the job of the solicitor is to balance the child’s rights and wishes with their responsibility to keep the child from harm.
How do the Guardian and Solicitor work for a child?
The Guardian and solicitor meet with the child during the court proceedings. It is their role to ascertain the following:
- The child’s wishes and feelings and views regarding background events
- The child’s perception of the reasons leading up to the taking of the procedings
- The child’s perception of his stay in care
- The child’s view of the most appropriate order the court should make; if any
- The child’s views as to the future.
The solicitor will have to balance those things which the child is able to explain against those which he or she is not. Obviously this cannot be done in one meeting because the solicitor and Guardian will not want to rush the child. They will need to proceed at the pace of the child.
What happens after the Guardian and Solicitor have met with the child?
The solicitor will inform the court of the child’s wishes and feelings. Along with the Guardian they will make a recommendation to the court about what should happen. Throughout the proceedings they work to safeguard the child’s interests. The Guardian provides a report to the court, written in light of all the information gathered in the investigation.
The principles of the Children’s Order (NI) Order 1995 are that the needs and voice of the child must be heard. The legislation also states that the child’s welfare is paramount.
If a child is able to understand the implications of a decision, then, save in exceptional circumstances, the child’s instructions should prevail over those of someone acting for them.
Domestic Violence
It is not easy to come forward as having suffered domestic violence, but you can be assured that we will approach your case sensitively and with the upmost confidentiality.
We have a team of people each experienced handling sensitive cases in domestic relations law, so should you need a solicitor for domestic violence, get in touch with us below and we will be here to help.
Protection Under Domestic Violence Legislation
Non-Molestation Order & Occupation Order Applications
Client Testimonial
“My family have used Hunt Solicitors for over 20 years in all areas of legal advice and couldn’t recommend them highly enough. Highly professional and all phone calls and emails are answered promptly.”
FAQS
Frequently asked questions
1. What types of family law cases do Hunt Solicitors handle?
Hunt Solicitors offers comprehensive legal services in all areas of family law, including divorce and separation, child custody and access arrangements, financial settlements, domestic violence issues, prenuptial agreements, and adoption. We provide compassionate and expert legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances, ensuring your rights and interests are fully protected within the Northern Ireland legal framework.
2. How does the divorce process work in Northern Ireland?
In Northern Ireland, a divorce can be granted if the marriage has irretrievably broken down, which must be proven by one of five grounds: adultery, unreasonable behavior, desertion, two years of separation with consent, or five years of separation without consent. Hunt Solicitors will guide you through each step of the process, from filing the petition to representing you in court if necessary, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
3. What are my rights regarding child custody and access in Northern Ireland?
The welfare of the child is the court’s paramount consideration in all custody and access matters. In Northern Ireland, both parents are encouraged to reach an amicable agreement regarding the care and upbringing of their children. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court will make a decision based on the child’s best interests. Hunt Solicitors will work with you to achieve a fair and workable arrangement, whether through negotiation or court proceedings.
4. Can I change or enforce a court order regarding family matters?
Yes, you can apply to change or enforce a court order if circumstances have changed or if the original order is not being adhered to. This could include changes in child custody arrangements, financial support, or other family-related matters. Hunt Solicitors can advise you on the best course of action and represent you in court to seek a modification or enforcement of the order.
5. How are legal fees structured for family law cases at Hunt Solicitors?
Legal fees for family law cases can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the services required. At Hunt Solicitors, we believe in transparent and fair pricing. We will discuss the likely costs with you upfront and provide regular updates throughout your case, so you are fully aware of the financial implications at each stage. Our goal is to offer expert legal services that provide value while helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your family matter.
These FAQs should help clarify common concerns and provide essential information for clients seeking assistance with family law matters in Northern Ireland.
Reviews
People our solicitors have helped
Reviews
People our solicitors have helped
Our People
Our Family Law Specialists
When it comes to family law, we have a highly experienced team who are always ready to give you the guidance you need.
Patrick Hunt
Director
Aislínn Brown
Our People
Our Family Law Specialists
When it comes to family law, we have a highly experienced team who are always ready to give you the guidance you need.
Patrick Hunt
Director