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Locations Personnel

Partners:

Charles E. Stewart John A. Beatty Paul C. Smart Lynne Hyndman Judith McConnell

Solicitors:

Richard Clements Una Fitzgerald Jane Grainger Grainne Heaney Paul Mallon Janeen McKay Joanne Moody Charlie P W Stewart David Sturgess

Useful Links:

Law Society of Northern Ireland Law Society of England & Wales Association of Personal Injury Lawyers Society of Trust and Estate Practictioners UK Government Land Registrars of Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Court Service Office of Public Sector Information The British Institute of Human Rights Human Rights Update

Stewarts Solicitors offer a wide range of services surrounding matrimonial and family law, select one of the links below that relates to your circumstances for more information on how we can help.

Divorce & separation Domestic Violence Children & Adoption

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence does not just mean that your partner is hitting you. The abuse can be psychological, physical, sexual or emotional.

Domestic violence can also include many things, such as the constant breaking of trust, psychological games, harassment and financial control. It is rarely a one-off incident and is usually a pattern of abuse and controlling behaviour.

It can affect adults in all types of relationships and can also involve violence between parents and children.

In cases where domestic violence is involved, we'll discuss and advise on the most appropriate Order to apply for, whether it be a Non Molestation Order, Occupation Order or both , and further advise on any financial implications the removal of your partner/spouse will have on your household. We will also advise on the criminal aspect, should you wish to report your partner/spouse to the Police.

Our experienced solicitors will ensure that you have a clear understanding of all the options available to you under the law. This will be on a cost-effective basis with thorough and sensitive attention given to your and your family's needs (An assessment will be carried out in respect of Legal Aid eligibility).

Frequently asked Q & A's

What is a Non-Molestation Order?

This an order preventing a person from causing trouble or being violent.
The Order can specifically state that such a person cannot ‘harass, annoy or intimidate you whether directly or indirectly or through a third person’.

Should the person breach the Order then they are liable to be arrested for breach of a court order and the appropriate criminal sanction imposed.

What is an Occupation Order?

This an order which decides who should live in a home after there has been violence or harassment.

For example, the court can order a person to leave the home or allow someone back into the home, or exclude a person from a specific area around the home. This Order is commonly made in conjunction with a Non Molestation Order.

Who can apply for a Non- Molestation Order?

The Non-Molestation Order is available to a full range of ‘Associated’ persons.
This includes –

People who are/have been married to each other
Cohabitants/former cohabitants
Certain relatives, eg father, mother, brother, sister, daughter, son
Persons who have agreed to marry
Persons who have a child together

How quickly can I get an Order?

In emergency circumstances an application can be made against the relevant person without notice being given to them. This means you can have your application filed with the court and the Order obtained the same day as you provide instructions to the Solicitor.

What if a Non Molestation Order or Occupation Order is Issued against me and I do not accept the content of the statement?

If you are served with proceedings you are entitled to defend those proceedings, and set forward your own version of events.

Furthermore if it was in fact the Applicant, your ex partner/spouse who was abusive then you can cross summons, apply for you an Order against them, setting out their behaviour. The matter can then be listed for a hearing and the Judge can decide whether the Order against you should remain in place or if an order should be made against your spouse/ex partner.

Alternatively the matter can be dealt with by undertakings, a short order be agreed or be withdrawn.

What is an Undertaking?

If somebody applies for an Order against you, but you do not agree with what they have said about you, you can still settle the case.

You can agree to give a promise, an "Undertaking" not to commit an act in the future. You do not have to admit that you did the act in the first place, simply that you have no intention of doing it in the future.

Testimonials

"Thank you for a friendly, helpful and professional service,"

- John "I have used your firm for over 40 years and continue to do so. Thank you for the excellent service."

- Edward "Excellent service, my family are no strangers to this Firm."

- Anne I was treated with courtesy and queries were dealt with effectively. A very helpful document explaining the firm’s fees, procedure etc. was sent out at the outset. My Solicitor was very efficient and professional.

- A Very well treated, everything was explained in a very easy to understand way.

- William The level of service was excellent and I would recommend your service to any of my family and friends. A tremendous firm to use.

- Ryan "Excellent service, my family are no strangers to this Firm."

- Anne "Efficient, professional and understanding. I was relaxed and made to feel at ease."

- Stephen "Quick to act in response to first contact. I was treated with efficiency and courtesy. I appreciate that I was helped through the process in a way that was totally stress free."

- James "My Solicitor was extremely polite and friendly. Great communication and very helpful."

- Frances "My Solicitor was very informative and always kept me up to date on the progress of the case."

- Amee "My Solicitor was very good explaining my case and was friendly to speak with when dealing with my claim."

- Elizabeth "Great care was taken to make sure I was recovering well and was fully aware of the legal process and provided excellent customer service. "

- Paula "I was very impressed with the professionalism of the firm. All staff I spoke to were courteous and very pleasant to deal with at all times. All correspondence was handled and processed very quickly."

- Wesley "Very Polite and dealt with the utmost of efficiency."

- Ronald "Everything was explained clearly, what was happening, and how the case would progress."

- Mervyn "Words cannot describe the excellent manner in which I was treated considering the sensitive nature of the case."

- W "Excellent"

- Claire "I have recommended you to my friends & family should they need help, and will continue to do so."

- Hazel

Proud supporters of

ARDS Rugby Football Club

ARDS Rugby Football Club was founded and has been in continual operation since 1928. Since that time ARDS RFC has become a pillar of the Newtownards community promoting strong community ties and encouraging participation by all - they currently turn out 4 adult sides and 4 youth sides on a regular basis in official competitions.
Stewarts Solicitors are proud to support ARDS RFC and if you would like to read more about the club then please click the link below to visit their website.

Visit ARDS RFC Website

CIYMS

CIYMS stands for the Church of Ireland Young Mens Society and comprises of over 1600 members. It is one of the oldest and most important sporting and leisure organisations in Belfast, providing a range of sporting, leisure and social activities for all ages unequalled by any other sports and leisure organisation in the city.
For more information please visit their website using the link below

Visit CIYMS Website

Breast Cancer Campaign

Breast Cancer Campaign is a charity dedicated to funding research for one of the biggest causes of death for women in the UK. Their mission is to beat breast cancer by funding innovative, world-class research to understand how breast cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, preventment and cure.
You can read more about breast cancer campaign by clicking the link below to their website.

Visit Breast Cancer Campaign Website

Ataxia UK

Ataxia UK is a charity which is dedicated to providing care and researching a cure for people suffering from Ataxia.
Ataxia itself is a name given to a series of neurological disorders that affect movement, balance, speech and coordination and affects around 10,000 adults and several thousand more children across the United Kingdom.
If you would like more information about the charity and how to get involved in supporting their cause, please click the link below to their webiste.

Visit Ataxia UK Website

UNICEF

UNICEF is the world's leading organisation protecting the rights of children and young people. UNICEF is working in over 190 countries to protect children's right to be educated, to be healthy, to a childhood, to be treated fairly and to be heard.
For more information on UNICEF and to find out how to get involved with their work please click the link below to visit the UNICEF website.

Visit UNICEF Website

North Down Cricket Club

North Down Cricket Club is one of the oldest clubs in Ireland, founded in 1857. The Club is situated close to the shores of Strangford Lough in the town of Comber, famous for Thomas Andrews, designer of 'Titanic', whiskey, potatoes and cricket.
For more information on the North Down Cricket Club including match news, fixture lists and player information then please click the link below to visit their website.

Visit NDCC Website

Jeans for Genes

Jeans for Genes is a UK based charity that aims to change the world for children with genetic disorders. They hold regular fundraisers and have an annual "Jeans for Genes Day" which takes place on the 7th October every year.
If you would like to read more about the Jeans for Genes charity and find out how to get involved with raising funds for their cause, please use the link below to visit their website.

Visit Jeans for Genes Website

Tiny Life

Formerly known as NIMBA, TinyLife is Northern Ireland's pemature and vulnerable baby charity, dedicated to reducing premature birth, illness, disability and death in babies born here.
TinyLife is a fantastic cause that we are proud to support, if you wish to read more about Tiny Life and get involved with their projects then use the link below to visit their website.

Visit Tiny Life Website