Family Law, Children & Divorce

Overview

Need advice on family law, divorce or relationship breakdown? Our team of family law specialists bring years of experience and are dedicated to providing an excellent and professional service.

We understand that the breakdown of a relationship can be one of the most stressful and emotional times in a person’s life. No two cases are ever the same, and for many, the legal issues can feel overwhelming. At HHD, we ease the burden by providing our expertise, with sensible, cost-efficient and practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Why Choose HHD?

• Recognised Expertise – Accredited by the Children Order Panel, the Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem Agency Panel, and the Association of Collaborative Lawyers.
• Specialist Team – Led by two experienced family and divorce lawyers
• Personal Service – One-to-one case responsibility, ensuring you have a dedicated lawyer guiding you throughout.
• Accessible Support – Assistance with Legal Aid, flexible payment options, and fixed fee rates available.
• Client Care – A commitment to excellent standards of care, providing guidance and support at every stage.

Divorce, Separation & Breakdown of Relationships

The end of a relationship, whether through divorce, dissolution of a civil partnership, or separation after cohabitation, can be an extremely challenging time, and one with numerous legal implications.

The thought of speaking to a solicitor can feel daunting, particularly where children are involved, but our approachable and experienced team is here to guide you through the process with ease.

In an initial consultation, we will take the time to answer the questions that matter most to you. These might include:

• Do I have grounds for divorce or dissolution?
• What happens to our family home?
• Who will the children live with?
• How will our money, pensions and other assets be divided?

For cohabiting couples, additional issues often arise around property ownership, mortgage responsibilities, or rights where only one partner’s name is on the deeds.

Each case has its own individual needs, which is why early legal advice is so important. Our specialist team will work with you to help you make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

Children & Parental Rights

When children are involved in the breakdown of a relationship, they should always be the top priority, and at HHD they will be treated as such.

We provide clear and practical advice on a range of issues, including:

• Contact with your child
• Child and spousal maintenance
• Questions of parental responsibility
• Father’s rights
• Contact with grandparents
• Relocation with your child

In more complex situations, we can also assist with social services involvement, adoption, or child abduction cases.

Financial matters are one of the key concerns we receive from our clients, and many reach out to us with questions such as how much maintenance they may be entitled to, whether an absent parent is still obliged to pay, or if spousal maintenance may be available for themselves.

Typically, most applications for child maintenance are made through the Child Maintenance Service, but in some circumstances the courts also have the power to make orders for child or spousal maintenance, whether through lump sum payments or regular instalments.

Domestic Abuse & Protection

Unfortunately, domestic abuse can sometimes be a factor in the breakdown of a relationship. In these instances, we understand how difficult it can be to reach out for professional help, whether to a solicitor or the police, particularly where children are involved.

However, our experienced family law team has the knowledge and expertise to help you to access the full protection of the law, and can act as a reassurance through these stressful times.

Domestic abuse can take many forms – it may involve physical violence but can also include coercive control, gaslighting, stalking, harassment or other forms of emotional abuse. In all cases, our team is here to help. In urgent situations, we can arrange a same-day consultation to apply for emergency measures, such as a Non-Molestation Order or Occupation Order, to protect you and your children.

Other Family Law Matters

When it comes to family law, not every case fits neatly into one category, and our team has experience in a wide range of sensitive family issues. If your circumstances are not listed above, please telephone 028 9077 0770 to arrange a consultation or get in touch with one of our family law specialists, so that we can advise you on the best way forward:

Damian Deazley: damiandeazley@hhdsolicitors.com

Jennine Buchanan: jenninebuchanan@hhdsolicitors.com