Michelle Crilly Family Law Solicitors

30/09/2026

Many couples live together for years without getting married or entering into a civil partnership. It is therefore understandable that some believe they eventually become “common law husband and wife” and acquire the same legal rights as a married couple.

This is a common misconception.

Simply living together does not automatically give an unmarried couple the same legal rights and protections as spouses or civil partners. This can become particularly important when a relationship ends or one partner dies.

Many couples live together for years without getting married or entering into a civil partnership. It is therefore understandable that some believe they eventually become “common law husband and wife” and acquire the same legal rights as a married couple.This is a common misconception.Simply liv...

22/09/2026

When couples discuss dividing their finances after separation, attention often goes immediately to the family home.

That is understandable. A house is visible, tangible and often emotionally important.

A pension can be much easier to overlook.

That can be a costly mistake.

When couples discuss dividing their finances after separation, attention often goes immediately to the family home.That is understandable. A house is visible, tangible and often emotionally important.A pension can be much easier to overlook.That can be a costly mistake.

14/09/2026

When a relationship ends, one of the first questions is often: what happens to the house?

The family home is more than a financial asset. It may be where your children live, where you have spent many years and, in many cases, the largest asset you and your former partner own.

That combination can make decisions about the home particularly difficult.

When a relationship ends, one of the first questions is often: what happens to the house?The family home is more than a financial asset. It may be where your children live, where you have spent many years and, in many cases, the largest asset you and your former partner own.That combination can make...

11/09/2026

When couples live together, digital lives often become intertwined.

You may know each other's passwords. Your photographs may automatically upload to the same cloud account. You might share tablets, laptops, calendars, email accounts and location services.

When a relationship ends, those convenient arrangements can suddenly become a serious privacy concern.

Protecting your privacy after separation does not mean deleting evidence or secretly accessing your former partner's accounts.

It means understanding where your information is stored and making sensible decisions about your own digital security.

When couples live together, digital lives often become intertwined.You may know each other's passwords. Your photographs may automatically upload to the same cloud account. You might share tablets, laptops, calendars, email accounts and location services.When a relationship ends, those convenient ar...

31/08/2026

When parents separate, deciding how their children will spend time with each parent can become one of the most difficult issues to resolve.

Sometimes parents can reach an agreement themselves. In other cases, communication breaks down and one parent may feel that they are not seeing their child enough—or perhaps not seeing them at all.

In Northern Ireland, the law relating to these disputes is principally contained in the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.

One of the orders available to the court is a Contact Order.

When parents separate, deciding how their children will spend time with each parent can become one of the most difficult issues to resolve.Sometimes parents can reach an agreement themselves. In other cases, communication breaks down and one parent may feel that they are not seeing their child enoug...

24/08/2026

Making the decision to end a marriage can be extremely difficult. Alongside the emotional impact, you may be worried about your home, finances, children and what life will look like after separation.

Making the decision to end a marriage can be extremely difficult. Alongside the emotional impact, you may be worried about your home, finances, children and what life will look like after separation.

20/08/2026

🎉 GCSE Results Day! 🎉

Wishing everyone receiving their GCSE results today the very best of luck! Whatever your results, be proud of how far you’ve come and excited for what’s ahead. 🌟

From all of us at Michelle Crilly Family Law, congratulations on reaching this important milestone. 💙

13/08/2026

🎓 Good luck to everyone receiving their A-Level results today! Your hard work and dedication are about to pay off. Remember, these results are just a stepping stone towards your bright future. 🎓

03/08/2026

Experiencing harassment, intimidation, threats, or abuse from a partner, former partner, or family member can be incredibly distressing. In situations where someone feels unsafe or vulnerable, legal protection may be available through a Non-Molestation Order.

Experiencing harassment, intimidation, threats, or abuse from a partner, former partner, or family member can be incredibly distressing. In situations where someone feels unsafe or vulnerable, legal protection may be available through a Non-Molestation Order.

16/07/2026

When parents separate, children's wellbeing remains our top priority. At Michelle Crilly Family Law, we understand that residence and contact arrangements need to work for the whole family.

With over 25 years of experience in family law, we guide parents through this challenging time with compassion and expertise. Every child deserves stability and the opportunity to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents where possible.

If you're facing separation and need guidance on children's arrangements, we're here to help.
📞 028 3833 4020 | 028 3839 2132
✉️ [email protected]