Separation

In the event that a marital relationship has broken down, a couple may wish to enter into a Legal Separation, either as an alternative to Divorce or in circumstances where they are not yet entitled to apply for a Decree of Divorce, as they have not been living apart for the required period of four years.

A legal separation can be put in place either by way of a legally binding Separation Agreement or by making an application to the Court for a Judicial Separation.

Mulligan Solicitors will advise and assist you in relation to either negotiating and entering into a Separation Agreement or bringing an application to the Court for a Judicial Separation. Even where an application is issued seeking a Judicial Separation, it is often possible to enter into negotiations with your spouse to reach an agreement before the hearing begins. We will use our best efforts to assist you to reach an agreement where possible as we believe that this is usually in the best interest of both parties. It will be necessary for full financial information to be exchanged by you and your spouse in the context of either a legal separation agreement or a judicial separation.

It will be necessary for full financial information to be exchanged by you and your spouse in the context of either a legal separation agreement or a judicial separation.

Couples who need to separate

Mulligan Solicitors are in a position to offer video consultations using Zoom, Microsoft Teams or a number of other platforms.

An initial consultation can take place in much the same way as an initial consultation in our office would occur. We will take all of the background details from you, ask you to tell us about your current situation and provide you with initial advice and detail on all of the options open to you.

Mediation appointments are also available and encouraged in the event of a marital separation. We are in a position to offer Mediation to clients using video conferencing facilities. These mediations would take place in the same way as if all parties were in the same room, but with some added advantages. Parties can take some time out by using the moot option and turning the cameras off when needed.

A family law mediation, usually takes between 4-6 sessions, with each session lasting one and a half hours and the sessions taking place on a weekly or fortnightly basis, depending on the couples needs and wishes.

In the case of domestic violence

For some people, current living situations might make life unbearable. Being cut off from support networks and inhibiting any time away from their spouse or partner, may leave them exposed to further psychological or physical abuse.

It is essential to know that at this time when everything was shutting down to save lives, including the Courts, the President of the District Court, Judge Colin Daly, decided straight away that the District Courts throughout the country would continue to hear urgent matters.

For those who are in physical danger or who are being psychologically abused, there are supports available, you can call your local District Court office and you will be told when to come to Court to have your application heard. You can also call Mulligan Solicitors on 01 637 39 46 and we will support you.