Family Law

There are many areas of Family Law that Parte & Associates can assist you with in a professional, sensitive and confidential manner:

Separation agreements
Judicial Separation and Divorce
Custody, access and guardianship applications
Annulment
Adoption
Cohabitation agreements

Divorce and separation can be an extremely difficult, confusing and stressful time for any individual or family. Part of the process involves planning for your future and that of your children. We can help you to understand the legal process and your rights so that you can achieve financial security and your children’s best interests. We can assist in drafting your Separation Agreement or, where there isn’t agreement between the parties, by representing you in Court proceedings for judicial separation or divorce.

Guardianship describes the legal responsibility of parents to make decisions and perform duties in relation to their child’s upbringing. Married parents are automatically joint guardians of their children. An unmarried father can apply to the District Court to become his child’s guardian – he does not have automatic guardianship rights. It is a straightforward application and we can assist you and represent you in the District Court. Custody involves the day-to-day care of a child under the age of 18 and access refers to the right of the parent with whom the child does not live to spend time with the child. If parents are unable to agree on custody and access arrangements, either parent may make an application to the District Court to decide which parent will have custody of the child and what access the non-custodial parent will have. The child’s welfare is the most important factor for the Court to consider. We can advise and represent you in custody and access applications in the District Court.

Annulment When a marriage is annulled in Ireland, it is struck from all records and stands as having never transpired in law. In order to obtain an annulment of your alleged marriage in Ireland, you must make an application to Court. There are some significant implications resulting from a civil annulment of marriage; primarily that you will lose some of the rights you enjoyed as a married person. This will have implications for a range of things in your life from your family home, to maintenance, guardianship of children, succession and inheritance. It is important to be aware that a church annulment does not have any legal effect. It does not mean that you may legally remarry – although it may mean that you can remarry in the eyes of the church. We at Parte & Associates can advise you on how to apply for an annulment and the consequences of obtaining one.

Adoption is the process whereby a child becomes a member of a new family. It creates a permanent, legal relationship between the adoptive parents and the child. Domestic adoptions are rare in Ireland and most prospective parents have to look abroad to adopt a child (“Inter-country adoption”). The adoption process is an exciting time for hopeful parents but it also involves legal complexities that often need the attention of a solicitor. If you are considering adoption and require advice on the legal part of the process, or putting together your Adoption Dossier, please contact us at Parte & Associates on 01-6608353.

Cohabitation Agreements When people who are not married decide to buy a property together, it is advisable for them to enter into a Cohabitation Agreement. The Cohabitation Agreement comprehensively sets out what will happen to the property in the event that the relationship breaks down. Being cautious at an early stage will pay off in the unfortunate event that the couple decides to go their separate ways.

If you require assistance or representation in a Family Law matter, please contact us at Parte & Associates on 01-6608353 for a professional and sensitive service.