FOCUS ON: BELMONT ROAD

FOCUS ON

Belmont Road

Belmont Road is a busy, flourishing road in east Belfast. When it comes to days out shopping, or nights out on the town, you will be spoilt for choice on Belmont Road. Here you will find an array of independent cafés, boutiques and craft shops. Belmont Road’s most famous resident was author CS Lewis who was born just off the Belmont Road and attended the nearby Campbell College.

Why I Love

Belmont Road

Ulster Tatler speaks to Judith Scott from Murphy & Bailey.

Q&A

How long have you been in business on Belmont Road?

We celebrated our first birthday in business in October.

What do you like most about Belmont Road?

There is a nice vibe in the area, lovely independent retail stores and the traders are all very supportive. The customers are very loyal and friendly.

Are there any hidden gems?

Our own little coffee yard in store where owners can bring their dogs for a play date or some puppy pampering.

Where do you like to dine and socialise in the area?

Ronnie’s cafe which opened in September 2019 has a great atmosphere and BYO menu.

Why I Love

Belmont Road Q&A

Ulster Tatler speaks to Eimear O’Brien and Amy Montgomery from Refill Quarter.

How long have you been in business on Belmont Road?

We’ve been in business for two years as Belfast’s first Refill Quarter.

What do you like most about Belmont Road?

You can do everything all on the one road, Hair salons, makeup boutiques, shopping, health and lots and lots of coffee shops and restaurants. The local shop keepers are all really friendly and welcoming and we love all our customers.

Are there any hidden gems?

The greatest hidden gem is Belfast’s last art deco cinema and arts centre at the Strand. Amy plays in a band, which have performed in the Strand, one of my favourite venues.

Where do you like to dine and socialise in the area?

The Blue Beat coffee shop has a great music venue upstairs with a ska night and record shop.

BELMONT ORTHODONTICS

WE ARE A PLATINUM ELITE PROVIDER FOR THE INVISALIGN SYSTEM

We are pleased to offer quality Health Care to the area as one of the largest and longest established orthodontic practices in Northern Ireland. From traditional type fixed appliance to modern and sophisticated clear aligner systems, we offer a full range of orthodontic treatment options at Belmont Orthodontics and our satellite practices in Newtownards and Downpatrick. All of our orthodontists are fully qualified Royal College Specialists, registered with the General Dental Council and your treatment will only be carried out by them or under their supervision, by our specialist Orthodontic Therapist.

98 Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2AP T: 028 9065 6666 E: smile@belmontorthodontics.co.uk

Practice Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 8am – 4pm, Friday 8am – 1pm. Closed for lunch 1 – 1.45pm

Kerrie Sweeney, Dan Gordon and Lesley-Ann O’Donnell.

TIME TO PLAY AT SOUNDYARD ON THE MARITIME MILE

Maritime Mile Soundyard funders.

SoundYard, another exciting addition to the visitor experience along Belfast’s Maritime Mile, has offi cially opened to the public. Located along the city’s 10 kilometers of accessible waterfront, visitors from home and afar will enjoy this interactive sound and play experience which will bring to life the story of Belfast’s maritime heritage. Managed by Maritime Belfast Trust, the charity that preserves and promotes Belfast’s authentic maritime heritage, SoundYard is an impressive all-weather structure located on the waterside, next to the Odyssey and Abercorn Marina. The design and sound, activated by motion sensors, were inspired by the noise of striking metal once heard from the old shipyards. Throughout the year SoundYard, along with other key heritage sites on the Maritime Mile, will illuminate the waterfront. Our photographer captured the opening event.

Image Credit: Stephen Henderson.

. Kids enjoying the Soundyard.

zzzz Chris Armstrong (Eastside Partnership)

and RSUA President Donal MacRandal. Ronnie West, Connor Couston, Louise McAllister and Gary Hunter from JP Corry.

zzzz RSUA Director Ciarán Fox, Kerrie Sweeney

(Maritime Belfast Trust) and architect Paul Crowe. Kenny McAleenon, TJ Morris, Richard Stuart and Jason Liggett.

SPREADING THE NEWS

We look at some of the stories making headlines this month.

NOMINATE A WORK PAL AND GROW MO!

GLOWING GENEROSITY

Action Cancer, Northern Ireland’s leading, local cancer charity has joined forces with WorkPal, a Belfast headquartered software company which develops and implements a powerful workforce management tool into businesses around the world, to promote its men’s health campaign.

To mark Men’s Health Awareness Month, Action Cancer and WorkPal are calling on guys to ‘Nominate a Work Pal and Grow Mo’ this November.

Men are encouraged to grow more facial hair, including moustaches, goatees, and beards, and gain sponsorship from family and friends to increase awareness of the importance of men’s health, while raising vital funds for Action Cancer. By nominating a Work Pal and adding a competitive element, colleagues can battle to see who can grow the most impressive facial addition in the 30-day challenge!

The campaign seeks to get men talking about their physical and mental health and to encourage them to avail of the charity’s cancer prevention and support services.

This November, health checks are available to men aged 16+ at Action Cancer House in Belfast and on board the charity’s Big Bus. The free check incorporates a number of assessments including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and body composition analysis, as well as lifestyle advice and information on common cancers. The assessments do not diagnose cancer but aim to increase awareness of current health and the importance of cancer prevention and early detection.

Book online to access these free services at www.actioncancer. org/appointments or call 028 9080 3344.

Mark Jones (Action Cancer Corporate Fundraising Executive) and Ian Megahey (Sales Director WorkPal) launch the Grow Mo campaign, encouraging men to nominate a Work Pal and grow a moustache, goatee or beard this November in aid of the charity’s cancer prevention and support services.

Organiser Ivan McMichael presents a cheque to Fiona McGhee, Children’s Hospice Regional Fundraiser.

Almost £50,000 has been raised for the N.I. Children’s Hospice at a series of charity days at Fortwilliam Golf Club in north Belfast.

“The generosity of members of Fortwilliam and Warrenpoint golf clubs was gratifying to behold,” said retired journalist Ivan McMichael, who is stepping aside after fi ve years organising the annual event.

“The principal sponsor, Johnsons Solicitors, as well as a host of companies and individuals also made my fundraising efforts a pleasure.”

Former Fortwilliam Captain John Linehan (aka May McFetridge) acted as auctioneer at social evenings after the golf.

“He/She had the clubhouse in stitches which resulted in huge bids which greatly added to the overall success,” said Mr McMichael.

A PRESTIGIOUS HONOUR

Kevin O’Hara (Assistant Governor, Rotary Ireland), George Pigott (President, Comber Rotary) and Richard Yarr.

BBC presenter and producer Richard Yarr has been awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International. It is the highest honour which the organisation can present, bearing the name of Rotary’s founder. The prestigious award recognises outstanding contributions, exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary, of placing Service Before Self.

The Paul Harris Fellowship is most frequently awarded to Rotary members, but Richard joins a small group of non-Rotarians from Northern Ireland to have been given the Fellowship. These include Dame Mary Peters, Baroness May Blood, Frank Carson and Rev. Dr Harold Good.

Richard has been an adjudicator and advisor for the Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year Competition, run by Comber Rotary, for 15 years. He was appointed Patron of the Competition in 2015 and the Fellowship cites his tireless support of young musicians on Rotary’s behalf.

Pictured (L-R) Clare Moore (Ballymena BID), Eric Bailey (Ballystrudder), Alison Diver (Mid & East Antrim Borough Council), Corrine Meekin (Ballystrudder), Cllr Frances Burton (NILGA) Alderman Audrey Wales MBE, Dr Michael Wardlow (Translink Chairman), David Brown and Bill Pollock (both Brighter Whitehead) with Emma McCrea (Ballymena BID) at the 2021 Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition awards. Whitehead has been awarded winner of the Station and Third Place in the Small Town categories at Northern Ireland’s prestigious Translink Ulster in Bloom Awards.

Pictured (L-R) Alison Diver (Mid & East Antrim Borough Council), Cllr Frances Burton, (Vice President NILGA), Alderman Audrey Wales MBE, Dr Michael Wardlow (Translink Chairman), Paul Christie and Elizabeth Boyd (both Cullybackey Community Partnership). Pictured (L-R) Alison Diver (Mid & East Antrim Borough Council), Wallace Elder(Ahoghill in Bloom), Cllr Frances Burton, (Vice President, NILGA), Dr Michael Wardlow, (Translink Chairman) and James Perry (Ahoghill). Council are delighted to receive second place in Small Town Category- Ahoghill. Ahoghill also won a Special Youth Award.

MID AND EAST ANTRIM TRIUMPHANT IN TRANSLINK ULSTER IN BLOOM

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is celebrating success after winning ten awards at this year’s ‘Ulster in Bloom’ competition. Ballymena bagged fi rst place in the Best Large Town category with Carrickfergus receiving second place and Larne ranking joint third with Coleraine. Cullybackey placed fi rst in the Best Large Village award with Ahoghill taking top prize in the Special Youth category. Ahoghill also took second place for Best Small Town with Whitehead ranking third. The Best Station Award went to Whitehead Railway Halt. Ballystrudder placed second with Glenarm receiving third place in the Best Village category.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, said: “This is fantastic news for the borough. It is tremendous to see the energy and enthusiasm that so many people have put into their local towns and villages. “By actively supporting the ‘In Bloom’ campaign and community competitions, residents have not only brightened their area of the Borough but they have again achieved success in these prestigious awards.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers, council sta , schools and organisations across Mid and East Antrim for their hard work which has clearly paid o .”

Speaking at the Awards, Translink Chairman Michael Wardlow said: “Translink is proud of its long-standing role in Ulster in Bloom and it’s great to see the competition grow each year, with 125 entries representing all local council areas as well as 24 bus and train stations entering this year.

“It is heartening to see such fantastic demonstrations of community spirit in action, especially given the challenging times everyone has experienced. These awards clearly highlight the pride so many have for their local areas. The time and dedication given to creating such beautiful spaces is commendable. It is also great to see so much biodiversity and a focus on sustainability, whether through the use of wildfl owers or community allotments, this goes hand in hand with Translink’s Climate Positive Strategy to create a cleaner, greener world for generations to come.

“Our winners demonstrate a true Ulster in Bloom ethos with their skill and enthusiasm to improve their local environment for local people and visitors to enjoy. On behalf of Translink, I’d like to congratulate all our Ulster in Bloom Champions.”

The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA). Councillor Frances Burton, Vice President, NILGA, said: “The 2021 Translink Ulster in Bloom campaign demonstrated the enormous value and commitment of the 11 councils and our many ‘Bloom’ communities, encouraging us to care for our local places and the wider environment, supporting biodiversity, conservation, wildlife habitats, sustainable planting and the conservation of resources.

“As councils and councillors, a focus on improving the quality of life for citizens right across NI and enhancing our cities, towns and villages has never been more important given the impact of the pandemic on all of us over the past 18 months.

“On behalf of NILGA, our sincere thanks to all those who champion the “In Bloom” message of councils, local committees, residents and businesses, coming together to take pride in the places where you live and work, creating a better environment for everyone to share. Congratulations to everyone and thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm.” said Councillor Burton.

FOSTER CARERS URGENTLY NEEDED IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Action for Children have made an urgent call for potential foster carers to come forward in Northern Ireland. Avery Bowser, Fostering Services Manager, explained: “The need is very great in Northern Ireland at the moment but the numbers coming forward have been too small. “We know that there are lots of people who have the space in their home to foster but they are often put off by myths about fostering. They think it’s only for certain types of people.

“We need people from different backgrounds and communities to become foster carers because our children are all so different.

“At Action for Children we provide foster families that have the warmth and stability that enable children to cope with the changes that life brings them. We do that by recruiting ordinary people, from all walks of life, who do something extraordinary – become a foster carer.”

Avery is asking readers to think about fostering or encourage someone else who could foster.

“All kinds of people can foster. You have to be over 21, have a spare room, the ability to work with children and have the time in your life to give.

“So please give our friendly fostering team a call. The need in Belfast is very urgent and I am appealing for your help.” If you are interested in becoming a foster carer or would like to find out more, please contact Action for Children’s fostering team on 028 9046 0500 or email fostercareni@actionforchildren.org.uk

SECRET LUXURIES

Wilsons Auctions luxury auctions have been known as their ‘best kept secret’ but not for much longer!

The beauty of Wilsons Auctions’ Online Luxury Auctions is that they always feature a wide variety of luxury and designer items from some of the most popular and bespoke brands in the world. Bidders can explore items such as rare diamonds, fine jewellery, luxury watches, designer handbags, unique art, high-end clothing, and the list goes on.

There are no waitlists, just weekly, online bidding.

You might ask how these items appear under the hammer. Assets are entered from a range of vendors including private clients, traders, liquidation cases and clearance jobs as well as government and law enforcement agencies.

Wilsons Auctions play an important role in realising a large quantity of assets on behalf of their government clients, which has seen them responsible in returning over £130 million back into the public purse in recent years.

Wilsons Auctions’ Government Sales Coordinator, Michael Streight said, “The luxury goods auctions are a great opportunity for those who have expensive taste and don’t want to be allocated to any waitlists. From week to week, there’s hundreds of assets with a vast selection to choose from. The online bidding process is simple, and customers can purchase from the convenience of their own home or office.”

Discover more and stay informed with auction updates delivered straight to your inbox. Contact michaelstreight@ wilsonsauctions.com to sign up today or for more information on how to get registered.

MY BELFAST

Dave Cordner, Managing Director of Central Belfast Apartments speaks to the Ulster Tatler on his passion for the city and why he’s committed to promoting Belfast on a global stage.

With almost 20 locations across Belfast, Dave runs a portfolio of instagrammable apartments that cater for short breaks in the city that Dave loves, Belfast.

Dave Cordner,Founder and Managing Director of Central Belfast Apartments.

What drives your passion for Belfast Dave? It’s home. I love the people, the craic, our honesty, and frankness and how we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Belfast is where I grew up and being born in the 80s, I have watched Belfast transform into a cosmopolitan and vibrant destination. We have a world-class food scene, our bars are unique and full of character, we have amazing experiences for tourists to enjoy and Belfast is just 90 minutes away from all that Northern Ireland has to offer.

Being part of the city’s hospitality offering makes me so proud. We contribute to the warm welcome that visitors receive when they fi rst touch down and our apartments are right in the city, offering visitors the opportunity to experience all that Belfast has to offer on their doorstep.

Tell us what your ideal weekend in Belfast sounds like?

As a family, we’d head out for brunch on Saturday morning, followed by a walk up Cave Hill and taking in the amazing views of the city. If we’re lucky, Saturday night would be spent at Yugo with my wife where we’d order steamed dumplings and duck baos buns, followed by some cocktails at Muriel’s. Sunday would be spent with our two boys down at the Titanic Quarter, followed by a trip to Little Wing, a fi rm favourite in our house.

For people looking for a city break, sell Belfast to them in one sentence A ‘wee’ gem of a city that’s renowned for its friendliness, world-class food offering, and incredible history. Now on every traveller’s ‘must visit’ list.

What are the top places to eat, drink and do?

Where to start…there’s so many! This is exactly why I’ve just launched a series of videos where I speak with Belfast businesses owner and personalities on why they love Belfast and some of their favourite elements of the city. The series is called ‘Our Belfast’ and it’s on our You Tube and social media channels.

Why Central Belfast Apartments? What do you offer?

We combine great locations with ultimate cleanliness and comfort, making our apartments perfect for weekend city breaks or long stays. Our accommodation includes deluxe two bed penthouses right up to town houses that sleep eight, all of which are in the city, making Central Belfast Apartment an ideal base for exploring Belfast and surrounding areas.

What does Belfast have to offer for visitors in the months ahead?

Following a diffi cult couple of years, things are certainly looking brighter. It’s great to see Belfast city centre bustling again, and the arrival of the Belfast’s famous Christmas Market offers a perfect festive getaway. Shows and concerts are back, and there’s the opportunity to rediscover many of Belfast’s gems. Belfast is always in fashion regardless of the time of year.

Check out Central Belfast Apartments on: centralbelfastapartments.com or search for Central Belfast Apartments on social media.

CHECK OUT THE DECEMBER ISSUE FOR MORE AWARDS COVERAGE... MORE PICTURES, MORE FASHION AND MEET THE FINALISTS & WINNERS!

TITLE SPONSOR

For further information or to advertise contact: Gerry Waddell 0n 028 9066 3311 or email: gerrywaddell@ulstertatler.com

Boys’ Model 1971 Rugby School’s Cup winning team.

BELFAST BOYS’ MODEL SCHOOL BURSARY FUND HOSTS GALA DINNER TO MARK 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FAMOUS RUGBY SCHOOLS CUP WIN

Belfast Boys’ Model School Bursary fund hosted a gala dinner to to celebrate the 50thanniversary of the school’s Rugby School’s Cup win.

The dinner, held in the Europa Hotel was hosted by BBC’s Mark Simpson and looked back on the Boys’ Model School’s major accomplishment of becoming the fi rst and only non-grammar school to win the coveted Rugby Schools Cup.

To add to the celebration, the dinner also remembered the 25th anniversary of the “golden soccer year” in which Belfast Boys’ Model School swept the board in all football competitions across all age groups and recognised current cultural achievements at the school.

In 1996 the soccer team had a clean sweep of every trophy available. A current coach Bryan Mc Loughlin interviewed several coaches and players from that time, including George McCartney who played on the senior team which won the Malcolm Brodie Trophy and went on to play for Northern Ireland.

In 1971 the school won the Schools Rugby Cup and still remain the only non-grammar school ever to win the cup. Eleven members of the team were present and John Robinson, the incoming President of Irish Rugby presented the Cup again on the evening to George Nelson, who captained the team.

The event also welcomed special guest speaker, Frank Wilson, a former Boys’ Model teacher and player on the school’s winning team in 1971. Frank looked back fondly on and discussed his time playing at the school as well for Ulster and Ireland, the latter of which he wore the number 15 jersey in the 1970’s. He said that what the team achieved on that day remains his most cherished moment in rugby. It was also poignant to hear the voice of former Headmaster and coach, Ernie Davis recite one of his famous poems.

Frank Wilson, former Boys’ Model teacher recognised fi rst-hand the work of the charity and the effect the money raised has on the students involved:

“The bursary fund is essential in encouraging boys to raise their aspirations and help them further their education. The dinner will be a great night for all involved and a great opportunity to not only refl ect on great times but also look forward to the future.

With the challenges of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we support young talent to further their education and open up more opportunities and we hope that this dinner will go a long way in raising much needed funding. It’s also a great way for us to connect with the local community and welcome more friends to the charity and we look forward to seeing old and new faces alike on the night.”

Former Head Boy, Head of the Civil Service and charity board Chair, Sir Nigel Hamilton noted “We are delighted that, after a tough year for everyone, the celebratory dinner was a memorable event and an opportunity for former students, staff, friends and family of the Boys’ Model team to meet together and look back fondly on an important piece of history for the school and its players, past and present.

We’re thrilled to have had a star-studded line up of guests and to welcome Frank back home for a re-presentation of the Schools Cup which was a very special moment for us all. Most importantly, the evening was about supporting our young boys to give them the opportunity and encouragement to excel.”

The Fund is delighted to be able to support the Principal Mary Montgomery and her excellent staff in all that they do.

FOND FAREWELL TO KEVIN KINGSTON

Over 80 Danske Bank colleagues came together last month to bid a fond farewell to their former CEO, Kevin Kingston.

As Kevin is so well known across the business, and has done so much for the Bank, this opportunity ensured colleagues who worked with him and wanted to pass on well wishes in person, were able to do so. Everyone who came to the event had the opportunity to chat with Kevin before the formalities, while enjoying a selection of drinks and canapés.

Kevin and the new Danske Bank CEO, Vicky Davies, both made speeches with Vicky also presenting Kevin with gifts on behalf of everyone at the Bank.

Kevin, although retired from executive life, remains an active part of the NI business community - holding Board positions at Belfast Harbour, Invest NI and Maritime Belfast.

Danske CEO Vicky Davies said: “Under Kevin’s leadership Danske Bank has undergone a significant transformation. I would like to thank him for the support he has given me over the past six years. As Northern Ireland’s biggest bank we are well positioned to continue to support our customers, to be there when they need us and to help them realise their ambitions.”

Vicky Davies and Kevin Kingston.

Kevin Kingston, Stephen Matchett and Liam Curran. Simon Little and Kevin Kingston.

Sharon Wylie and Tanya Strong-Turney.

COSTA-DEL PORTSTEWART

Ulster Tatler’s Michaela Colgan speaks to General Manager of Me and Mrs Jones, João Gomes.

General Manager of Me and Mrs Jones, João Gomes.

When was the hotel established?

The Menary family built the hotel in 2012 and leased it to a management company for a short period of time. However, after a lengthy closure, the family reopened the hotel and began to operate the business themselves just prior to the Irish Open being held at Portstewart Golf club in 2018. Since then, the hotel is fl ourishing and is fi rmly recognised as one of the ‘must visit’ boutique hotel properties within Ireland.

What makes Me and Mrs Jones unique to other hotels?

Firstly, our team. We have been lucky to recruit a group of passionate, motivated individuals to look after our guests. Without them, Me and Mrs Jones would not be the success it is today. Following this, our quirkiness, fl amboyant décor and not afraid of being different would be classed as part of our uniqueness. With the hotel look and feel very much inspired by many extravagant and luxurious London properties, each bedroom and common area have been individually designed with not only the utmost in comfort and style, but also an individuality that sets us apart from our competitors. Daring to be different, a walk around the hotel will have your eyes lavished with bold colour statements and contemporary art throughout refl ecting our individuality. Our ‘je ne sais quoi’ transpires when our repeat guests are continually surprised and delighted on discovering the quirky traits of a new bedroom on check in, or a new nook to relax in.

What awards has the hotel achieved?

The hotel has been fortunate enough to receive many accolades over the past few years including the 2021 Most Romantic Hotel in the island of Ireland and Best Boutique Hotel in Ulster and one of the top fi ve fi nalists for the Hotel of the Year in the Ulster Tatler Awards 2021.

What are the local attractions/key spots to visit near the hotel?

Me and Mrs Jones is perfectly situated at the top of the promenade in Portstewart making us the perfect base for all types of visitors. From golf breaks to romantic breaks or a getaway with friends of family, the area around the hotel is a hub of attractions, including the Blue Flag Portstewart Strand, world famous golf courses, Binevenagh mountain, Magilligan point, Murlough Bay and of course the Giant’s Causeway. The untouched natural beauty of the North Coast has plenty to see and do for everyone.

How has the hospitality and tourism sector bounced back post-lockdown?

Having joined the team as General Manager in October 2020 just prior to lockdown, it was diffi cult to know how the industry and of course the business would bounce back. Fortunately, myself and my management team used the time to strategise and implement all safety protocols to protect our guests on their return. Despite the facemasks, endless handwashing, and social distancing rules, we found a lot of our customers were discovering areas of the country they had not visited in many years. One such lady had not been on the North Coast in almost 40 years, favouring trips abroad, and she couldn’t believe she had forgotten how beautiful our coastline was. I fi rmly believe ‘staycations’ will continue throughout the UK & Ireland for quite some time. With this, alongside the return of international tourism, hopefully in 2022, the industry is set to boom over the next few years - Costa Del -Portstewart rather than Cost Del Sol perhaps?!

Clare Curran

Solicitor and Director at Curran Bowles Family Law a specialist local company advising clients throughout Northern Ireland in all aspects of family law, discusses what happens to inherited assets on divorce.

INHERITED ASSETS ON DIVORCE

Clare Curran, Solicitor and Director at Curran Bowles Family Law, a specialist local company advising clients throughout Northern Ireland in all aspects of family law, discusses what happens to inherited assets on divorce.

Inherited assets - an asset that has been received or has been left to a separating party by someone who has died - are considered to be relevant, disclosable assets that form part of the pot to be considered in a matrimonial breakdown. However, importantly, they are distinguished from other types of assets, on the basis that they are frequently categorised as ‘non matrimonial assets’ as opposed to other ‘matrimonial assets’. Examples of matrimonial assets would include the family home, pensions or savings that have accrued during the marriage often by the parties’ joint endeavours.

If you need advice on what might happen to an inherited asset after your marriage breaks down, it is important to get specialist advice at the outset of your case as this will inform any future discussions and ultimately any agreement that you may come to in respect of your fi nancial affairs on separation or divorce.

Where assets exceed the parties’ needs, the court will have regard to what is a just and fair division of the wealth taking in to account a number of factors, such as the length of the marriage, the ages of the parties, their respective contributions, the needs of any minor children and other issues which are set out in legislation. Inherited wealth (as opposed to potential, future inheritance where you might be named in the will of someone who is still alive for example) forms part of the property and fi nancial resources which a party has at their disposal and therefore must be taken into account and included in any fi nancial disclosure to be exchanged by separating spouses discussing a fi nancial settlement. That is not to say, however, that simply because it has to be disclosed, it is an asset that will be divided equally between the parties. The fact that it is inherited may very well justify a signifi cant departure from equal division, or indeed exclusion of the value altogether, and the starting point will not necessarily be equal division as it would be with the likes of a matrimonial asset.

Saintfi eld | Comber | Lisburn www.bowles-law.com

There are various factors that are relevant in terms of striking the right balance in achieving fairness in a case and there is no hard and fast rule about how an inheritance will be treated in every case. Other factors such as the point at which it was received during the relationship and how much it was intermingled with other matrimonial assets or treated as a joint acquisition for the benefi t of all the family may infl uence the decision of the court in this regard. Specialist advisors working in this area will be best placed to advise in the context of the specifi c circumstances of your case.

Clare Curran is a Director and Family Lawyer specialising in all aspects of matrimonial and family law. If you have a legal query of

this nature, get in touch by emailing Clare.Curran@bowles-law. com or telephone the offi ce on 028 91871880 to discuss your situation in confi dence.

• Family Law • Personal Injuries • Conveyancing • Wills & Probate • Employment Law • Commercial Dispute Resolution • Debt Recovery / Insolvency • Liquor Licensing

FUNDRAISING AND CASINO NIGHT AT STORMONT HOTEL

Claire McAllister, Sinead Briers, Laura Briers and Linda Buchannon charity night for international Disability and Gymnastics championships

JUNIOR PRIZE DAY AT LAGAN COLLEGE

Lara McIvor, Ciara O’Neill, Thomas Turner, Kerri Lewis, Aaron Flanagan, Conrad Johnston

TATU BELFAST

Pictured at Tatu Belfast are Jean Evans, Caroline Lennox, Karen O’Kane, Hen Nicola Little, Wendy Armstrong, Fiona Dunn and Diana King.

ULSTER UNIVERSITY GRADUATIONS

Angela O’Connell, Michelle McGoldrick, Bernadette McCloskey and Christine Stalker.

Pictured at Da Vinci’s in Derry are Cathy McLaughlin, Brian Doherty, Michael Doherty and Daniel Doherty.