Francis Hanna & Co Solicitors

Francis Hanna & Co Solicitors Lawyers specialising in Social Justice, Personal Injury, Family & Divorce, Property, Estate Planning, Wills & Probate Medical Negligence & Asbestos

We have a City Centre office at 32-36 May Street Belfast BT1 4NZ and a boutique office at 679 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7GT

05/03/2026

Meet Emma Stratton. Emma is a Solicitor in our Family Law Department specialising in children’s proceedings and cases involving domestic abuse.

For advice regarding any family law matter, contact Emma on [email protected] or call 028 9024 3901

02/03/2026

At Francis Hanna & Co Solicitors, we have been delivering legal excellence since 1929. With offices in Belfast City Centre & the Lisburn Road, our dedicated team provides specialist advice in property, wills & estates, personal injury and family law, personal injury family law and much more. Contact us for a free, no obligation discussion about your legal needs

📍 Belfast City Centre & Lisburn Road
📞 +44 (0)28 9024 3901
📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.fhanna.co.uk

&Estates

We’ve just published a new article by our Family Law Partner Karen Connolly exploring one of the most challenging aspect...
27/02/2026

We’ve just published a new article by our Family Law Partner Karen Connolly exploring one of the most challenging aspects of divorce - negotiating the financial settlement.

Sorting out finances at a time when emotions are understandably running high isn’t just complex — it’s a point at which the decisions made can shape someone’s financial future for many years to come. Drawing on extensive experience advising clients through this process, Karen has highlighted the most common mistakes people make when negotiating divorce finances — and, importantly, how to avoid them.

From rushing decisions, to overlooking key assets such as pensions, to underestimating future financial needs, these are not theoretical risks. They are issues she regularly sees in practice, and they can significantly affect long-term security if not addressed carefully.

Read the full article here:

https://fhanna.co.uk/news-&-articles/divorce/The-7-Biggest-Mistakes-People-Make-When-Negotiating-Divorce-Finances-&-How-to-Avoid-Them

10/02/2026

FALSE. Financial settlements are not about punishment. Even if adultery or unreasonable behaviour is proven, the court’s focus remains on fairness and meeting the needs of the parties and children, rather than penalising one spouse.

For advice and assistance on any family or divorce law matter, please contact us by email on [email protected] or call us on 028 9024 3901 to arrange a free, no obligation discussion.

03/02/2026

TRUE. In Northern Ireland, you must be married for at least two years before you can petition for divorce. If you’ve been married less than two years, you may apply for a judicial separation instead.
For advice and assistance on any family or divorce law matter, please contact us by email on [email protected] or call us on 028 9024 3901 to arrange a free, no obligation discussion.

27/01/2026

FALSE. Unlike in England & Wales, there is currently no online divorce system in Northern Ireland. Divorce petitions must still be lodged with the court in paper form.

For advice and assistance on any family or divorce law matter, please contact us by email on [email protected] or call us on 028 9024 3901 to arrange a free, no obligation discussion.

20/01/2026

FALSE. While consent can make the process easier (for example, after 2 years’ separation), you can still proceed without your spouse’s agreement if you rely on grounds like adultery, unreasonable behaviour, or 5 years’ separation.

For advice and assistance on any family or divorce law matter, please contact us by email on [email protected] or call us on 028 9024 3901 to arrange a free, no obligation discussion.


if you rely on grounds like adultery, unreasonable behaviour, or 5 years’ separation.

13/01/2026

FALSE. There is no such thing as a quick divorce here. You must usually be married for at least two years before you can apply, and the process takes several months at minimum, depending on the circumstances and whether issues like finances or children are contested.

For advice and assistance on any family or divorce law matter, please contact us by email on [email protected] or call us on 028 9024 3901 to arrange a free, no obligation discussion.

07/01/2026

Meet Ruth Flinn. Ruth is a Partner in our Property and Future Planning Department and represents clients on all aspects of buying and selling property.
For advice regarding any conveyancing or property matter, contact Ruth on [email protected] or call 028 9024 3901

06/01/2026

FALSE. Even when both parties agree on all terms of the divorce, there is typically still a mandatory waiting period in most jurisdictions. This period can vary but is designed to ensure that both parties have time to reconsider their decision. Additionally, the complexity of the divorce settlement (such as division of assets, child custody, and support) can prolong the process, even if both parties are in agreement.

For advice and assistance on any family or divorce law matter, please contact us by email on [email protected] or call us on 028 9024 3901 to arrange a free, no obligation discussion.

It’s and we are as always delighted to receive and share positive feedback from our clients.For a free consultation ab...
26/12/2025

It’s and we are as always delighted to receive and share positive feedback from our clients.

For a free consultation about your legal query, contact us on [email protected] or call 028 9024 3901

Address

32-36 May Street
Belfast
BT14NZ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
Friday 9am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm

Telephone

+442890243901

Website

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