Archives: FAQs

Two forms of Identification;

– One to be photographic such as Driving Licence or Passport

– The other form of Identification should link you with your address, such as a bank statement or utility bill – not to be less than 3 months old.

In Northern Ireland, in order to apply for a divorce, you must satisfy one of the following grounds:

1. If you have been living separately for at least two years and your spouse consents to the Divorce
2. If you have been living apart for a period of five years – the consent of your spouse is not required
3. Unreasonable behaviour
4. Adultery
5. Desertion
6. Failure to provide maintenance for your spouse
7. Failure to provide maintenance for your children

Yes, whether the case is contested or not the Petitioner (the person taking the divorce) must attend at Court. In Northern Ireland most Divorce cases are uncontested.

Pensions are valued by obtaining the Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV). This is the figure which the pension provider would use if the pension was being transferred to another pension fund.

However, sometimes the CETV does not reflect the true value and then we sometimes need to instruct an independent actuary to value the pension scheme.

Family Mediation is a voluntary process which can be very useful to many couples in dealing with the breakdown of their relationship.

Mediation is not the same as Counselling. Mediation helps you to focus on making decisions in relation to your children and any financial arrangements which you can agree.

It can be a difficult process and is not suitable to everyone.

You need to urgently seek help. We can guide you through the process to make an application to the Court for your protection.

Court Orders can be made which are legally binding, these can be made without the other person being given notice until after the Court Order has been made and served on the other person.

These orders are called Non Molestation Orders and these prohibit the other person from threatening violence, harassing, pestering or being abusive towards you.

The Court has the power to make another order which defines and limits the occupation of your home even if the other person is a joint owner of the home.

Please take legal advice immediately to go through your options if you are a victim of domestic violence or harassment.