At the European Conference on Domestic Violence 2025 in Barcelona last week, Claire Edgar, Partner and specialist in domestic violence and family law at Francis Hanna & Co. Solicitors, delivered a presentation on the impact of Northern Ireland’s 2021 domestic abuse legislation as it plays out in the Family Courts in Northern Ireland.

In March 2025,  our Family Law Partner Karen Connolly participated in an innovative Legislative Theatre initiative focused on preventing homelessness for women experiencing domestic abuse in Northern Ireland.

Our Family Law Partner Claire Edgar recently participated in a round table discussion facilitated by the Law Society of NI to examine the role of the solicitor in ending violence against women and girls. 

The Law Commission, the independent body which keeps the law in England and Wales under review, have recently published recommendations for modernising the law in relation to will-making. 

In February 2022, the Legal Services Agency introduced a discretionary waiver which will now mean that victims of domestic abuse may be eligible to Legal Aid when defending certain Children (NI) Order proceedings even if their financial circumstances might otherwise mean that they are ineligible.

The recent case of Rosemary Hill has drawn attention to the importance of using a solicitor who specialises in estate planning to draft and execute your Will.

When Social Services become involved in a family's life, it can be an extremely distressing and confusing time for parents. In Northern Ireland, Care Orders are legal mechanisms that allow Social Services to intervene when a child is at risk of significant harm. It is crucial for parents to understand their rights and the legal process involved in Care Orders to effectively respond and protect their child’s future.

Divorce is often a challenging and emotional process, particularly when it comes negotiating the division of the marital finances. Understanding the legal framework and the steps involved in reaching a financial settlement can help ensure that you secure a fair outcome.