When a marriage breaks down, the question of how to divide property and assets often becomes one of the most difficult and sensitive issues. Many people assume that “fairness” means everything will be split down the middle, but in practice, the Courts in Northern Ireland take a much more nuanced approach. Each case is unique, and the outcome depends on a range of factors that balance present needs with future security.

Sorting out finances during a divorce can feel overwhelming. Emotions are often running high, and it can be tempting to push through the process as quickly as possible just to move on. But the decisions you make now will shape your financial security for years to come.    

We are delighted to welcome Naomi Gordon and Peter McErlean to our team as Law Degree Apprentices under the new Ulster University scheme.  

At the European Conference on Domestic Violence 2025 in Barcelona last week, Claire Edgar, Partner and specialist in domestic violence and family law at Francis Hanna & Co. Solicitors, delivered a presentation on the impact of Northern Ireland’s 2021 domestic abuse legislation as it plays out in the Family Courts in Northern Ireland.

In March 2025,  our Family Law Partner Karen Connolly participated in an innovative Legislative Theatre initiative focused on preventing homelessness for women experiencing domestic abuse in Northern Ireland.

Our Family Law Partner Claire Edgar recently participated in a round table discussion facilitated by the Law Society of NI to examine the role of the solicitor in ending violence against women and girls. 

The Law Commission, the independent body which keeps the law in England and Wales under review, have recently published recommendations for modernising the law in relation to will-making. 

In February 2022, the Legal Services Agency introduced a discretionary waiver which will now mean that victims of domestic abuse may be eligible to Legal Aid when defending certain Children (NI) Order proceedings even if their financial circumstances might otherwise mean that they are ineligible.