A decree of divorce allows both parties to a marriage to remarry or enter into a civil partnership. If a court is satisfied that the required conditions (see Rules below) are met, the court will grant the decree of divorce dissolving the marriage. When it grants the decree of divorce, the court may also make orders in relation to custody of children and access to them , the payment of maintenance and lump sums, the transfer of property, the extinguishment of succession rights, pension rights etc.
The fact that the parties must have been living separate lives for a number of years before an application for a divorce is made means that many separating couples obtain a separation agreement or a judicial separation to regulate matters between them before they seek a divorce.
In any application for a decree of divorce, the court can review any previous arrangements made by the parties such as a separation agreement, particularly if the circumstances of either party has changed.
When a decree of divorce is granted, it cannot be reversed. Either party can apply to court to have any orders made under the decree - such as maintenance - reviewed by the court.
Before a court can grant a divorce, the following conditions must be met:
If these conditions are met, either party to a marriage may apply to court for a decree of divorce. When applying for a divorce you must submit four documents to the Circuit Court:
When all of the necessary documents have been filed, you will be given a date for the court hearing. The hearing will be held in private and you will need to show the court that you meet the requirements of the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996. You can read more about the factors considered by a court in a divorce case here. If the court is satisfied that you have grounds for a divorce, it will grant a decree of divorce.
Further information on applying for a divorce is available on the Courts Service website.
You are not legally required to use a solicitor or a barrister. In fact, if you wish, you can choose to represent yourself. However, there may be complex issues which may make it very difficult to apply for a divorce without any professional help.
The family law civil bill and sample forms for the statement of means, the statement on children's welfare and the certificate that you have been advised of alternatives are available from the Courts Service website. You can also obtain copies of these forms, and the family law civil bill, from your nearest Circuit Court Office.
Legal advice and representation is always advisable. If you and your spouse disagree about any issue at all it is strongly advised that you go to see a family law solicitor. You and your spouse should not use the same solicitor.
To enquire whether you are eligible for Legal Aid, you can contact your nearest law centre. Legal Aid is not free and everyone must pay a contribution towards costs.
FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) is an independent, voluntary organisation that operates a network of legal advice clinics throughout the country. These clinics are confidential, free of charge and open to all. Contact your nearest Citizens Information Centre for information on FLAC services in your area. FLAC also runs an information and referral line during office hours for basic legal information.
If you choose to hire a private solicitor, you should be aware that there is no fixed rate of charges for legal fees. You are advised to obtain some quotes before deciding on a legal firm. Contact information for solicitors firms throughout Ireland is available on the Law Society website.
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