Call us: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm, Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Call local rate
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm | Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Call local rate 0330 383 0319
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm | Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm

Irish divorce law to be re-examined

The four year waiting period for divorce currently required under Irish law is to be re-examined.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has said it was time to consider a cut in the lengthy separation period required of couples living in the Republic before they can finally divorce. It will be the first time the Irish government has reviewed applicable law in the country since divorce was legalised in 1996.

Ms Fitzgerald insisted that a review was now reasonable given the amount of time that had passed since the legislation was first introduced.

Irish TD (MP) Alan Shatter welcomed the move, describing the current waiting period as legal limbo, the Irish Times reports.

“A fundamental review of this area of family law is required now all the fears of the anti-divorce lobby have over a period of 20 years been proven wrong.”

Judicial separation is available to Irish couples after one year but divorce cannot be completed until the full four years have elapsed.

A national referendum would be required for any change in the law.

The blog team at Stowe is a group of writers based across our family law offices who share their advice on the wellbeing and emotional aspects of divorce or separation from personal experience. As well as pieces from our family law solicitors, guest contributors also regularly contribute to share their knowledge.

Comment(1)

  1. Andrew says:

    Anyone remember when it began and we were solemnly told that grass would grow in the streets and rats take over the cities of Ireland if divorce were introduced?

    Not quite right!

Leave a comment

Help & advice categories

Subscribe
Close

Newsletter Sign Up

Sign up for advice on divorce and relationships from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts.

What type of information are you looking for? (Optional)


Read about how we use your data in our Privacy Policy. To opt out at any time, select ‘unsubscribe’ in any of our marketing communications, or email [email protected].

Privacy Policy
Close
Close