The breakdown of your relationship can be an extremely difficult and emotional time and even more so when children are involved.

At Corcoran & Company Solicitors we are here to help, guide and support you through this difficult time.

If you are considering divorce, we understand that this is likely an extremely difficult and emotional time. Divorce can be a challenging process to navigate and there can be many factors to consider, from financial affairs to custody and access of children.

It is therefore imperative to obtain legal advice, so that you understand what your options are and what rights you have.
In Ireland, the basic requirements which must be met to issue divorce proceedings are that the parties must be separated for two of the previous three years and that there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation between the parties.

If there is agreement as to the terms of the divorce, the case can proceed on a consent basis, foregoing the need for a fully contested hearing before a judge. However, where there is no agreement, these cases will proceed for a full hearing before a judge, who will then decide the terms of the divorce. Contested cases can also settle outside of court prior to the hearing of the case, which is also normal.

Due to the nature and complexities associated with these cases, it is strongly advised that whether you are considering separation or divorce, or have already separated, that you obtain legal advice to understand your options, rights and the associated costs therein.

At Corcoran & Company Solicitors we are here to guide and support you through your divorce. As your Solicitors we will issue all relevant court proceedings on your behalf, and we will use our considerable experience and expertise in this area to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.

When a marriage breaks down, clarity and support is essential. Legal separation provides a structured way for spouses in Ireland to separatee and formalise their living, financial and parenting arrangements. Whether the separation is amicable or contested, we can offer practical and discreet legal advice to help you to understand your rights, assess your options, and to take the next steps with confidence.

Many couples choose to resolve matters through a separation agreement, which sets out clear terms for custody, access, maintenance, property and finances. This approach can be efficient and cost-effective where both parties are willing to engage constructively. However, where agreement is not possible—a judicial separation may be necessary. In these cases, the court can make binding orders to ensure fair arrangements are in place for the future.
At Corcoran & Company Solicitors, we understand how personal and sensitive these matters are. We guide our clients through each stage of the process with care, clarity, and a focus on practical, workable outcomes tailored to your circumstances.

If you have questions or need advice on separation, please contact the office to arrange a consultation with one of our family law solicitor.

Cohabitation, also known as living together without being married or in a civil partnership, is increasingly common in Ireland. Whilst many couples share their lives in this way, it’s important to understand that cohabitation does not offer the same legal protections as marriage. This can affect how property, finances, and parental responsibilities are handled if the relationship comes to an end.

At Corcoran & Company Solicitors, we provide straightforward, practical advice to help you understand your rights and options. Unlike married couples, cohabitants do not have automatic rights to property or assets acquired during the relationship. Without legal safeguards, disputes over finances or property can be complicated and stressful. That’s why we strongly recommend considering a cohabitation agreement—a clear, written document that sets out how assets, finances, and other responsibilities will be managed during the relationship, or if the relationship ends. This can offer greater protection to both parties and can help to avoid confusion down the line.

When children are involved, cohabitants have the same parental rights and obligations as married couples. Arrangements around custody, access, and maintenance should always focus on the child’s best interests, whether agreed privately or ordered by the court. We guide clients in putting these arrangements in place sensitively and clearly.

Because the law offers limited automatic protection for cohabitants, planning ahead is essential. Whether you want to understand your current legal position, formalise your arrangements, or need support navigating a separation, Corcoran & Company Solicitors is here to help. Our approach is always thoughtful, discreet, and tailored to your unique situation.

If you’re living together or planning to, and want clear, reliable advice on cohabitation, please get in touch with Corcoran & Company Solicitors. We’re ready to support you every step of the way.

Separation Agreements

Judicial Separation

Divorce

Separation Agreements

Where it is possible to agree the terms upon which you and your former partner will live separately then you and your former partner may enter into a binding separation agreement. Assuming that both parties cooperate in the negotiation process a separation agreement can be a quick, cost-effective and amicable way for you and your former partner to separate.

Matters which can be agreed by way of separation agreement include:

  • custody & access;

  • maintenance;

  • allocation of family assets / family home;
  • indemnification from future debts; and

  • succession rights.

Separation Agreements – Talk to us today!

At Corcoran & Company Solicitors we are experienced and skilled negotiators. As your Solicitors we will use our negotiation skills to ensure that a comprehensive and final settlement agreement is reached between the parties ensuring a fair outcome for you.

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Judicial Separation

Where it is not possible for you and your former partner to reach a negotiated settlement agreement an application can be made to court seeking a Decree of Separation. A judge can make binding orders regulating the separation of the parties. Such orders may include orders regulating:

  • the division of family assets;
  • maintenance and child support;

  • custody and access issues;

  • the division of pension entitlements; and

  • any other orders that the relevant Judge may deem necessary in the circumstances.

At Corcoran & Company Solicitors we are here to guide and support you through your judicial separation. As your Solicitors we will issue all relevant court proceedings on your behalf and we will use our considerable experience and expertise in this area to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Phone:
(01) 561 7900

Email:
info@corcoransolicitors.com

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Divorce

Where you and your former partner have been living apart for four out of the previous five years an application can be made to court for a Decree of Divorce. A Judge can make binding orders regulating the divorce. Such orders may include orders regulating:

  • the division of family assets;

  • maintenance and child support;

  • custody and access issues;

  • the division of pension entitlements; and

  • any other orders that the relevant Judge may deem necessary in the circumstances.

Divorce – Talk to us today!!

At Corcoran & Company Solicitors we are here to guide and support you through your divorce. As your Solicitors we will issue all relevant court proceedings on your behalf and we will use our considerable experience and expertise in this area to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Contact Us Today

Recent Cases / Developments

Respondent father challenged a High Court judgment (O’Hanlon J) of 31 July 2014 in which the trial judge concluded that she had jurisdiction under the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, s 11, to order the respondent to make an interim maintenance payment of €5,000 per week for 22 weeks to the plaintiff mother, with a stay on the order provided the father paid an additional €3.000 per week for a period of 22 weeks.

Father paid a total sum of €110,000 by way of additional €3,000 weekly maintenance amounts.

Father had significant earnings and agreed to pay periodic sum for maintenance for the benefit of six dependent children, four of whom have special needs, mother was seeking an order for a lump sum or in the alternative periodical payments to enable her to provide for past and future legal costs.

Held, trial judge incorrectly identified s 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 as the statutory provision which gave her jurisdiction, she did have jurisdiction under s 7 of the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act 1976, High Court order varied to vacate that part which refers to the Guardianship of Infants Act, court considers that €110,000 already paid by father was the outer limit of periodic payments which ought to have been directed on the facts herein.

Decree of divorce was granted on the basis of irretrievable breakdown of marriage.

Both spouses were able to earn their own income.

Lump sum to be paid each year in two instalments during dependency of two children, calculated on basis of €80 per week per child.

Variation granted on terms of access as set out in Circuit Court order.

Six annual instalments of €12,000 to be paid by husband to buy out any interest the wife may have in the husband’s assets.

Various other orders made in relation to land, stock and farm machinery.

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