Independent editorial overview of the leading family and divorce law firms in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This guide highlights practices with expertise in divorce, child custody, financial provision, adoption, cohabitation, and high-net-worth family disputes. Interested in a professionally optimised subpage for your firm or as an individual lawyer, plus a trust badge if you haven’t received one? Please get in touch via our contact page.
Firms are selected based on independent rankings, reputation, and notable public lawyer profiles. Each entry lists three family lawyers and authoritative sources for transparency.
Top family and divorce law firms in Belfast
- Edwards & Co Solicitors Belfast
Well-regarded Belfast firm with expertise in divorce, separation agreements, and child custody disputes.
Notable lawyers: Dorothy Armstrong, Niall McCracken, Joanne McKeown.
Sources: 1
- Worthingtons Solicitors Belfast
Leading Northern Irish firm with a strong family practice covering divorce, financial settlements, and child arrangements.
Notable lawyers: Lynsey Henderson, Karen Connolly, Philip Gordon.
Sources: 2
- Johnsons Solicitors Belfast
Full-service firm advising on family breakdown, divorce litigation, and prenuptial agreements.
Notable lawyers: Ursula Kerr, Seamus McGranaghan, Patricia Johnston.
Sources: 3
- Mills Sweeney Solicitors Belfast
Trusted Belfast firm offering tailored advice on divorce, custody, and adoption matters.
Notable lawyers: Catherine Curran, Michael Sweeney, Fiona O’Connor.
Sources: 4
- KRW Law LLP (Kevin R Winters & Co) Belfast
Prominent firm handling family law alongside human rights and civil litigation, known for complex divorce cases.
Notable lawyers: Kevin Winters, Niall Murphy, Angela Rafferty KC.
Sources: 5
- McKee & McMillan Solicitors Belfast
Dedicated family law team with expertise in divorce, mediation, and financial provision cases.
Notable lawyers: Ian McKee, Julie McMillan, Aine O’Donnell.
Sources: 6
- Higgins & Hanna Solicitors Belfast
Specialist family law practice with a reputation for sensitive handling of divorce and children’s law.
Notable lawyers: John Hanna, Clare Higgins, Laura Smyth.
Sources: 7
- Shoosmiths LLP Belfast
National firm with Belfast office providing advice on high-net-worth divorce, financial disputes, and international family law.
Notable lawyers: Sarah Anticoni, Suzanne Pendlebury, Mark Hall.
Sources: 8
- Madden & Finucane Solicitors Belfast
Respected Northern Irish practice known for litigation, including family law, divorce, and child care proceedings.
Notable lawyers: Peter Madden, Ciarán Shiels, Claire McKeegan.
Sources: 9
- Arthur Cox LLP Belfast
International law firm with Belfast practice, advising on divorce, separation, and high-value family disputes.
Notable lawyers: Orla O’Connor, Richard Armstrong, Catherine Cooney.
Sources: 10
Frequently asked questions
What issues do family lawyers in Belfast handle
They advise on divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, adoption, cohabitation disputes and prenuptial agreements.
Which courts handle family law in Northern Ireland
Most cases are heard in the Family Care Centre or Family Proceedings Court, with complex cases before the High Court in Belfast.
Can disputes be resolved without court
Yes. Mediation and negotiation are common, offering faster and more amicable outcomes than contested litigation.
How long does divorce take in Northern Ireland
Simplified divorces may take several months, while contested cases involving finances or children can take longer.
What financial provision is available
Court orders may cover property division, spousal maintenance, and pension sharing depending on circumstances.
Do cohabitants have rights in Northern Ireland
Cohabitants have limited rights but can pursue financial claims in some situations if relationships break down.
Can prenuptial agreements be enforced
Yes, while not automatically binding, Northern Irish courts increasingly recognise prenuptial agreements as persuasive.
What is the role of social services
Social services may intervene in child care proceedings where welfare concerns arise, sometimes leading to court action.
Are legal aid services available
Yes, subject to eligibility, many Belfast family lawyers provide legal aid support for family and divorce matters.
How do I choose the right family lawyer
Look for accreditation, directory recognition, client testimonials and proven experience in similar cases.
Endnotes
- Edwards & Co family law. Source: Edwards & Co.
- Worthingtons family law. Source: Worthingtons.
- Johnsons family law. Source: Johnsons.
- Mills Sweeney family law. Source: Mills Sweeney.
- KRW Law overview. Source: KRW Law.
- McKee & McMillan family law. Source: McKee & McMillan.
- Higgins & Hanna family law. Source: Higgins & Hanna.
- Shoosmiths family law. Source: Shoosmiths.
- Madden & Finucane profile. Source: Madden & Finucane.
- Arthur Cox family law. Source: Arthur Cox.
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