Introduction to Family Breakdown
Family breakdown is a major problem in the Ireland today and affects people from all walks of life especially in the current times in which we live. Be it married or unmarried parents, grandparents, step parents, extended families, and most importantly the children. Unfortunately the out dated legislation in Ireland and the Irish Constitution do not recognise the diversity of family life in today’s Irish society however things will change and these issues are currently being debated at both government level and that of organisations that specialise in this area following the launch of the Proposed Children’s and Parental Responsibility Bill 2010 from the Law Reform Commission. I will discuss this Bill in later articles.
Furthermore, given the nature of this area of law, many people are so traumatised emotionally, that they cannot even begin to think of the practical issues that need to be dealt with, not to mention telling the children. This is why people engage the services of a solicitor to take care of these practical issues or in the event of lack of funds the legal aid board which can take months. There are also D.I.Y. companies similar to my own to assist you.
Over the next number of articles I aim to provide people with a basic understanding of family breakdown, and all the issues that are associated with. These articles will give people an opportunity to sit down at their own convenience and read through them. The articles will assist people to deal with their own litigation issues either by understanding what is required in attempting to come to an agreement or knowing the basic principles of the family law court, and tips on representing yourself successfully or indeed having a better understanding of your solicitor’s actions.
Each article will consist of definitions of each topic, the options associated with them, and likely outcomes based on previous case law. At the end of the series there will also be paperwork involved in drafting agreements as well as making applications to court in order for the reader to compile their own paperwork. There will be no laws or complicated jargon, just simple step to step guides to the topic of the article. The topics covered will range from access and custody issues to maintenance, the family home, domestic violence, and pensions. I will also cover separation agreements, judicial separations and divorce and finally international child abduction.
If any reader would like to make contact with me on any issue regarding family breakdown I would be happy to assist you. I can be contacted at info@familybreakdown.ie or 086 0569822. In the next article I will be discussing Maintenance Issues and all that is associated with it so if you have a query please make contact but until then take care
