Can legal aid help with a divorce in Northern Ireland?
Yes, potentially. The Department of Justice says civil representation “can be granted either to bring or defend divorce proceedings”, with the merits of the divorce and of any financial claims assessed separately; for an undefended divorce, legal aid covers a solicitor only [DoJ NI]. Decisions are made by the Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland, and you apply through a solicitor [nidirect]. Means and merits tests apply.
Getting divorced in Northern Ireland
Divorce law in Northern Ireland differs from England and Wales. According to nidirect [nidirect]:
- you can’t apply in the first two years of marriage;
- the grounds are two years’ separation with consent, five years’ separation, unreasonable behaviour, adultery or desertion.
Fees listed by nidirect: divorce petition £326, decree absolute £123, and a hearing fee (£407 in the county court, £488 in the High Court) [nidirect]. The Department of Justice published new court fee schedules from 1 April 2026 [DoJ NI] — check the current figure with the court before you apply.
Help with court fees
Northern Ireland has its own fee exemption and remission scheme (form ER1). You can also claim back a fee within six months in some cases [DoJ NI].
Finding a solicitor
Our finder covers England and Wales only. Ask the Law Society of Northern Ireland or an advice agency such as Advice NI or Citizens Advice NI for local solicitors who do legal aid family work.