Family Law decisions may have an impact on things such as:
- Arrangements for your children
- Maintenance
- The family home
- Money, assets and pensions
You may wish to seek professional legal advice to understand these impacts.
You can decide to represent yourself in your family law matter. The Courts Service cannot advise you how to do this. However, we can inform you that the services offered by a professional legal representative should include:
- Advising you of your legal rights.
- Outlining how you might reach agreement.
- Explaining the law and court procedures to you.
- Preparing and filing your paperwork.
- Communicating to others involved in your family law matter.
- Speaking on your behalf in court
If you decide to represent yourself, you will need to understand court procedures.
Who else can help?
Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) is an organisation that offers free confidential legal advice. FLAC do not act as legal representatives for family law matters.
The Law Society of Ireland has a list of solicitors' contact details. There are no fixed fees for private solicitors so you should ask them about the costs before you start.
If you don’t think you can afford a private solicitor, you may wish to contact the Legal Aid Board to see if you are eligible for their services.