Bernard Campbell & Co., Belfast

Bernard Campbell & Co Solicitors, known throughout Northern Ireland as “Barney Campbell”, opened his office in Belfast City Centre in 1908. His son Brian Campbell continued in his fathers footsteps until retirement in 1993. His grandson Mark Campbell continues the practice in a rapidly changing legal world.

Margaret McGauley joined the firm in Christmas 1992 as the first woman partner.

Since then the practice has continued to develop to meet the changing needs of all of its clients. We are a forthright practice with a wealth of experience and capable of embracing new ways of resolving legal problems.

Bernard Campbell & Company have an office in Belfast and an office in Carrickfergus.

Family Law
Are you having problems with your spouse or partner? Are you worried about your home, the children or money? We will advise you on the following:

• Separation proceedings whether by agreement or not
• Maintenance for yourself and the children
• Residence and contact of the children
• Can you defend these proceedings?
• Domestic Violence – emergency protection, non-molestation and occupation orders
• Injunctions
• Divorce and property settlements
• Wardship proceedings
• Rights of separated fathers in respect of children and maintenance
• Rights of unmarried mothers to claim maintenance
• Adoption proceedings
• Matrimonial agreements – settling all your matrimonial problems out of court
• Collaborative Agreements
• Child Support Agency

Divorce
Moving on from a marriage can be a difficult and trying time. You may not have to get divorced but you certainly will if you wish to re-marry. Many divorces can be achieved simply by consent but you must still go to Court in order to get divorced. You may have to take a divorce in order to achieve a financial and property settlement. We can advise you on all aspects of the divorce process.

Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence is seen by many as an increasing problem in modern society and one which the Courts and the Police are taking more and more seriously. No-one should have to put up with abuse be it emotional or physical. Sometimes children need to be protected as well. In close collaboration with many Agencies offering help and support in this difficult area we can advise you on your legal remedy and how best to achieve stability for yourself, your children and your home.

Child Custody
Being a parent is one of the most challenging things that you will have to do in your life. This is particularly so if parents are separating or divorcing. Disagreements often arise as to what is best for the children. Sometimes we feel that the children are being forgotten. We have many years of experience in helping parents to resolve these disputes in the best interests of their children.

Often these disagreements centre on who the children should live with or how much time they should spend with the absent parent. Parents may have parental responsibility and they may not be able to agree how best to exercise this. An issue may arise as to which school the child should attend or what medical treatment he or she should have. Sometimes these cannot be resolved and parents may need help from the Courts or mediation services to assist them.

There may also be financial disagreements about the children. You may need advice on what your financial obligations are. All these issues can be a worry at the time of separation. We can help you and advise you through this difficult time.

Sometimes Social Services may intervene in relation to the care of your children and we can provide experienced advice and representation to parents in these cases. If you are planning to adopt a child or wish to object to the adoption of a child we can help you.

We have a wealth of experience in relation to all areas of the law and our family team are always on hand to provide expert legal and practical advice at all times.

Conveyancing
Are you thinking of buying or selling a house? We can offer you:

• An efficient and jargon-free service with minimum stress to you our client;
• Plain talking when it comes to costs, and a full written fee estimate at the outset of your transaction;
• Advice on obtaining a survey, whether you are buying with a mortgage or without;
• Step-by-step guidance and support throughout the course of your transaction;
• Close contact with your estate agent, mortgage broker and other parties.

Wills & Probate
Have you made a Will? Are your affairs in order? Your family may face legal difficulties after you die if you have not made a Will. We can advise you how best to provide for family and make provision for inheritance tax.

If someone close to you has died we can assist you in the administration of their estate. If you have been left out of a Will or if there is no Will, we can advise you of your rights.

All matters will be treated with the strictest of confidence and you may be entitled to legal aid.

Business
Are you buying a business or entering into a commercial lease? Are you setting up a Company or Partnership? Proper professional advice in these complex areas is essential. We can assist you in all these matters.