Paul Kelly & Co. Solicitors Call us on: (01) 624 2364 Home About Paul Kelly & Co. Practice Areas Buying a House or Apartment Selling your House/Apartment Accident Claims/Personal Injury Family Law Wills & Probate Enduring Powers of Attorney Debt Collection Fees F A Q How to Find Us Contact Us Downloads / Resources Links Press Section                   What are my rights? You are here:  Home  >>  Family Law        Family Law        The breakdown of a marriage is a very emotional and difficult time. The situation is made even more difficult where children are involved.        Family law can often be a very complex area. There are a number of issues for consideration in order to achieve a conclusion that is satisfactory for both parties.        Some of the important issues for consideration in the context of any separation are the family home, other assets, finances / maintenance, custody / access, pensions and succession issues. The welfare of children is of paramount importance.                 Separation can be achieved in three ways:        Mediation – A Mediator can assist a couple in reaching agreement in relation to the issues mentioned previously and this can then form the basis for a Separation Agreement. Separation Agreement – A Deed of Separation can be negotiated with the assistance of a Solicitor. A Deed of Separation is a legally binding document, which deals with present and future issues. The Deed is signed by both parties in the presence of their respective Solicitors. Judicial Separation – Judicial Separation is a separation through the Courts and a Decree of Judicial Separation is granted by the Court. This is the final option when both parties have not been able to reach agreement and therefore High Court or Circuit Court proceedings must be issued. There are certain criteria to be met in order for a Decree of Judicial Separation to be granted.        Divorce:        Divorce has been available since 1997. There are certain criteria to be met in order for the Court to grant a Decree. The important criteria are that the parties must have lived separate and apart for a period of at least 4 years out of the preceding five years prior to the institution of proceedings, there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation and proper provision has or will be made for the spouse and dependent children. The grounds and criteria for Divorce can be discussed with the appointed Solicitor.        It is extremely important to have the advice of a Solicitor in relation to family law matters. At Paul Kelly & Co, we are committed to providing a sensitive and confidential service and our primary objective is to deal with family law matters as expeditiously and amicably as possible. Our preferred course of action is meaningful negotiation, leading to settlement. It is important, where possible, that both parties keep the lines of communication open between them, particularly where children are concerned.        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. Each case is different, although the legal guidelines remain the same.        Law Society Information Leaflet: Children of Divorce - "Survival Plan for Parents"                 If you need to talk to us about any aspect of Family Law, contact Anne Kelly at 01 6243624 or email Anne at anne.kelly@pkelly.ie               Media articles on Family Law matters:        Area Article Source Link Family Law Same-sex unions get legal approval The Irish Times January 7, 2013 Read Article Family Law Transgender legislation due within weeks The Irish Times September 8, 2012 Read Article Family Law Irish Courts see rise in Polish custody battles The Sunday Times July 8, 2012 Read Article Family Law Proposals soon on age of consent The Irish Times June 1, 2012 Read Article Family Law Provision for ex-wife found to be excessive The Irish Times October 20, 2011 Read Article Family Law Female victims of domestic violence suffer sexist attitude The Irish Times August 30, 2011 Read Article Family Law Agency cites internet misuse for marital rifts The Irish Times August 12, 2011 Read Article Family Law Maintenance reduced in order to reflect changed circumstances The Irish Times July 25, 2011 Read Article Family Law Order to deport wife violated marriage rights The Irish Times May 13, 2011 Read Article Family Law Adoption board chief to visit Vietnam The Irish Times April 13, 2011 Read Article Family Law Adoption body sent delegation to US The Irish Times February 25, 2011 Read Article Family Law Redress Board award should feature in maintenance The Irish Times November 15, 2010 Read Article Family Law New Bill to recognise prenuptial agreements The Irish Times November 5, 2010 Read Article Family Law New Bill to recognise prenuptial agreements The Irish Times October 23, 2010 Read Article Family Law Court orders infant to be returned to England The Irish Times October 4, 2010 Read Article Family Law 'No hiding place' for parents under new EU maintenance law The Irish Times September 29, 2010 Read Article Family Law Call for law on children of gays The Irish Times September 9, 2010 Read Article Family Law Navigating the legal avenues for protecting children at risk The Irish Times July 29, 2010 Read Article Family Law Adoption Authority to have independent status The Irish Times July 19, 2010 Read Article Family Law The legal quagmire that is surrogate parenting The Irish Times July 10, 2010 Read Article Family Law Partnership Bill 'a most important piece of legislation' The Irish Times July 2, 2010 Read Article               Useful Addresses:        Organisation Address Phone Website Legal Aid Board St. Stephens Green House, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2 (01) 661 5811 www.legalaidboard.ie Family Mediation Service Block 1, Floor 5, Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1 (01) 872 8277 www.fsa.ie Clanwilliam Institute Clanwilliam Court, Dublin 6 (01) 676 1363 www.clanwilliam.ie Marriage & Relationship Counselling Services (MCRS) 24 Grafton Street, Dublin 2 (01) 872 0341 www.mrcs.ie ACCORD (Formerly CMAC) 39 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 (01) 478 0866 www.accord.ie Mediators Institute Ireland (MII) 79 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 (01) 661 8488 www.themii.ie Irish Association of Counselling & Therapy 8 Cumberland Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin (01) 230 0061 www.irish-counselling.ie                          * Irish solicitors may not calculate fees or other charges in contentious business as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement nor is it our practice to do so.          Paul Kelly & Co. Solicitors: Rye Cottage, Main Street, Leixlip, Co. Kildare, Ireland Phone: (01) 624 3624 - (01) 624 2364     |     Fax (01) 624 4059     |     Email:  info@pkelly.ie Powered by: go2web