Terence McCourt Solicitors

12/05/2026

08/05/2026

⚖️ Legal Tip of the Week: Non-Molestation Orders

A Non-Molestation Order is a type of injunction available in Northern Ireland designed to protect a person from abuse, harassment, or threats from a partner, ex-partner, or family member.

05/05/2026

80% of criminal cases dealt with at courts in NI were completed in 408 days

In the Crown and magistrates’ courts in Northern Ireland for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

Key findings:
- The average time taken for a case to be dealt with, at all courts, was 189 days.
- At adult magistrates’ courts, the median time taken for a charge case to be dealt with was 92 days, compared to 223 days for a summons case.
- At youth magistrates’ courts, the median time taken for a charge case to be dealt with was 158 days, compared to 290 days for a summons case.
- The average time taken to complete cases where the main offence was a sexual offence was 630 days.
- The average time taken to complete cases where the main offence was a motoring offence was 152 days.

Key findings:The average time taken for a case to be dealt with, at all courts, was 189 days.At adult magistrates’ courts, the median time taken for a charge case to be dealt with was 92 days, compared to 223 days for a summons case.At youth magistrates’ courts, the median time taken for a charg...

03/05/2026

👨‍👩‍👧 Child Contact in Northern Ireland: What You Should Know

🤝 In many cases, arrangements are agreed informally or through mediation, helping to reduce conflict and keep things as positive as possible for the child.

⚖️ Where agreement cannot be reached, the court can decide what contact should take place through a Child Contact Order.

01/05/2026

Well folks, that's us closing up until Tuesday for the bank holiday weekend.

However, if you absolutely insist on getting arrested over the bank holiday weekend we are still available.

30/04/2026

👨‍👩‍👧 Child Contact in Northern Ireland: What You Should Know

When parents separate, one of the most important issues is ensuring a child can continue to have a meaningful relationship with both parents—where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

In Northern Ireland, this is referred to as Residence and Contact.

28/04/2026

⚖️ Legal Tip of the Week: Legal Aid in Northern Ireland

If you are involved in a legal matter but are worried about the cost, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Legal Aid Scheme in Northern Ireland.

27/04/2026

Have you made a Will — or is it something you’ve been putting off?

A Will allows you to:
✔ Decide who inherits your money, property, and possessions
✔ Choose trusted executors to carry out your wishes
✔ Help reduce confusion and potential disputes among loved ones

⚠️ Important: Unmarried partners and stepchildren may not automatically inherit without a Will in place.

23/04/2026

📝 Why Making a Will Matters More Than You Think

Many people in Northern Ireland still pass away without a valid Will — and this can leave families facing unnecessary stress, delay, and uncertainty at an already difficult time.

💡 If you don’t make a Will, the law decides who inherits your estate under the rules of intestacy. This may not reflect your wishes.

21/04/2026

🏡 Buying or Selling a Home? Here’s What Conveyancing Actually Means

“Conveyancing” is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another — but what does that really involve?

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a property, your solicitor will typically help with:

- Reviewing and preparing contracts
- Carrying out property searches (such as planning and land checks)
- Handling funds securely through completion
- Ensuring the legal transfer of ownership is properly registered

One of the most common delays in property transactions is missing or incomplete paperwork — getting organised early can make a big difference.

👉 Thinking of buying or selling? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.