Family Law

We understand that the breakdown of a marriage is a very emotional and difficult time. The situation is made even more difficult where children are involved. We are committed to providing a sensitive and understanding service to our clients and our primary objective is to deal with Family Law matters as expeditiously as possible while at the same time being sensitive to the client’s needs and expectations.

We understand that the breakdown of a marriage is a very emotional and difficult time. The situation is made even more difficult where children are involved. We are committed to providing a sensitive and understanding service to our clients and our primary objective is to deal with Family Law matters as expeditiously as possible while at the same time being sensitive to the client’s needs and expectations.

Family Law can often be a very complex area. There are a number of issues for consideration in order to achieve a solution that is satisfactory to both parties. The welfare and future provision for the children is of paramount importance.

It is extremely important to have the advice of a Solicitor in relation to Family Law matters. 

An initial consultation is important for the purposes of providing advice to suit the individual needs of the client while taking into account the particular circumstances of that client. 

Some of the important issues in the context of any Separation/Divorce are:

• The family home and other assets
• Finances/maintenance
• Child welfare, custody & access
• Pensions
• Succession issues

Financial disclosure is obviously a very important part of the family law process. It is mandatory for all parties to swear an Affidavit of Means and provide the appropriate vouching documentation. An Affidavit of Means provides details of all assets, income, debts and liabilities, monthly expenditure and pension information (where applicable).

A new system has been introduced in the Circuit Family Court called “Case Progression” and we believe it is a very welcome introduction. The purpose of Case Progression is to ensure that a case is dealt with as expeditiously as possible and to minimise the costs of the proceedings. The procedures for Case Progression will be overseen by the County Registrar

We provide a comprehensive and sympathetic family law service. We understand that the break up of a relationship can be one of the most traumatic events in a person's life. Whilst we cannot change your circumstances we can ensure that this event is dealt with in a sensitive and sympathetic manner and ensure that you are advised of your legal rights and obligations.

We are acutely aware of the effect of marital breakdown on the family unit and we will endeavour to find solutions which will facilitate the minimum impact on the lives of children involved. We will do everything in our power to implement mediated and negotiated agreements and will only pursue your matter through the courts when all other non contentious avenues have been exhausted.

We will work with actuaries and forensic accountants to deal with complex financial arrangements and pensions and will advise you of the impact of such on you in lay mans terms. 

Our services include the following:-

• Separation Agreements

• Judicial Separation

• Divorce/ Consent Divorce

• Nullity

• Co-habitation/non marital relationships

• Division of assets

• Maintenance

• Guardianship

• Custody

• Access

• Child law

Our Family Law Department has a wealth of experience in all aspects of family law. We understand the dynamics of a family law case. Our clients come to us at the most stressful time of their lives. We work closely with them, assuring them of our patience, understanding and skill to reach a satisfactory resolution of their problem. We provide a full service at every court level. In matters involving guardianship, custody and access, we are sensitive to the needs of children and work towards a resolution which will minimise the impact of litigation upon them. 

Our approach is to assess your problem and advise on the legal issues which must be addressed. We will work with your financial advisers/independent forensic accountants in the analysis and protection of complex financial assets cases. We work with specialist actuaries to devise appropriate strategies for the complex question of pension adjustment. Our aim is to deliver a superior service in a cost-effective manner. We keep our clients apprised of the costs as the case develops. 

The aspects of family law in which we specialise in are: 

• Separation 
• Agreements following mediation 
• Divorce 
• Post-divorce proceedings 
• Uncontested divorces 
• Guardianship 
• Custody/joint custody 
• Care cases/child abuse 
• Paternity cases 
• Child abduction both domestic and international 
• Access 
• Adoption both domestic and inter-country 
• Financial settlements 
• Support/maintenance matters