Family & Matrimonial Law

When you need us most

Cleaver Fulton Rankin are proud to have the longest ranked Family & Matrimonial team of any law firm in Northern Ireland, as published in the annual Chambers UK Guide.

At every stage of your life journey, protecting your interests and those of your family is crucial.  We specialise in protecting the interests of people who are moving in together, getting married, recently married, starting a family, separating, or divorcing.  We will take the time to understand your unique situation and our holistic legal advice will empower you to make informed decisions for the benefit of you and your family.

If you have acquired wealth and you are concerned about the consequences of moving in together with a partner, getting married, or your relationship or marriage ending, we can safeguard your interests from potential pitfalls. We specialise in preparing nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements that provide immediate protection and future certainty.

Following the breakdown of a marriage or relationship, personal and financial issues will inevitably arise and knowing what to do can be difficult.  We are renowned across Northern Ireland for our expertise in resolving these issues with favourable outcomes for our clients.  We secure financial entitlements for people based in the UK and overseas in divorces involving properties, pensions, businesses, farms, family estates, trusts, inherited and pre-marital wealth, complex remuneration arrangements, and luxury assets.

Separating couples can jointly approach us to achieve an early and amicable resolution of their matrimonial finances in a collaborative manner.

When a resolution is not achievable through confidential negotiation or mediation, we have unrivalled knowledge and resources to pursue cases to successful conclusion in the Courts.  We regularly secure emergency injunctions and freezing orders to prevent the dissipation of family wealth.

We maintain strong working relationships with leading barristers and professionals across the forensic accounting, tax, wealth planning, and property industries to satisfy our clients’ requirements.

Our team also provides legal representation in complex matters concerning children, with a particular focus on international relocation disputes.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin are leading experts in personal legal matters. Our Private Client Team, which is the largest of any law firm in Northern Ireland and ranked Band 1 for HNW Private Wealth Disputes, will take care of your property transactions and estate planning to help you prepare for the future.