Welcome to the third session of the Women & Money series. Presented by Karen Connolly, a leading family law expert with over 17 years of experience, this session focuses on the legal and financial considerations women face during marriage breakdowns, divorce, and separation. Karen provides invaluable insights into navigating these challenges while protecting your financial rights and securing your future.
Key Topics Covered
1. Understanding the Divorce Process in Northern Ireland
- Eligibility for Divorce: Requirements, including grounds for divorce such as unreasonable behaviour, adultery, or separation.
- The Divorce Timeline: An overview of key steps from filing a petition to obtaining a decree absolute.
- Common Myths Debunked: Dispelling misconceptions around who gets what in divorce settlements.
2. Financial Rights During Divorce
- Matrimonial Property: Understanding your rights to the family home, regardless of ownership or financial contribution.
- Division of Assets: The court’s approach to dividing savings, pensions, and other joint or individual assets.
- Spousal Maintenance: When maintenance is applicable and how it is calculated.
3. Supporting Women with Children
- Child Maintenance: The role of the Child Maintenance Service in ensuring children’s financial wellbeing.
- Priority of Primary Caregivers: How the courts prioritise housing and financial arrangements for those with primary childcare responsibilities.
4. Legal Aid and Costs
- Eligibility for Legal Aid: Income thresholds and passport benefits like Universal Credit.
- Managing Legal Costs: Tips for keeping costs under control and understanding the statutory charge applied to settlements.
Practical Advice from Karen
- Know Your Rights: Gain clarity on your entitlements to marital property, financial support, and child maintenance.
- Be Proactive: Engage in financial and legal planning early in the separation process to avoid being overwhelmed.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with family law experts to receive tailored advice for your unique circumstances.
- Focus on Long-Term Security: Prioritise clean break settlements, where possible, to ensure financial independence and stability.
This session equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the complexities of divorce and separation. By understanding your legal rights and financial options, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions and secure your future.