Hugh Condron - Family Law Consultant

  Family Law Review for 2025 Major Reform to the Family Court System The Family Courts Act 2024 (now being implemented) . Although signed into law late in 2024, the Family Courts Act 2024 has effectively become one of 2025’s central Family Law legislative developments, although it’s full implementation is some way off. Click on the link for a free comprehensive review of the legislation Free Download It establishes dedicated Family Court divisions within the existing court system Family High Court, Family Circuit Court, and Family District Court. Judges with specialist experience will sit full time on these divisions. The Act enshrines a set of guiding principles focussed on the best interests of the child, efficiency, user friendliness, and active case management . T here is emphasis on alternative dispute resolution processes. These reforms are being rolled out progressively throughout 2025 and into early 2026, with a government imple...

  Ireland’s Proposed Rental Reforms from March 2026: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know (Awaiting final details of the legislation) Ireland is moving toward a new rental framework that is due to begin on the 1 st of March 2026. The Government has published detailed policy documents explaining what is intended, but the final draft legislation has not yet been published. That means the broad direction is clear, but some important details may still change once the Bill is finalised and enacted. Hugh Condron hughcondron What’s already in place before March 2026? Before the proposed March 2026 reforms begin, the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2025 has already introduced a nationwide rent control approach similar to what previously applied only in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs). In simple terms, rent controls were expanded so they apply broadly across the State during this interim period. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) has also published guidance on how the interim ...

  What is a Separation Agreement and is it legal? Separation Agreements are typically used when a couple decides to live apart but are not yet ready to pursue a full divorce. The agreement can address financial, custodial, and other practical matters to help ensure an amicable separation process. Despite what some people might say, Separation Agreements are legally binding. It is important to note that a Separation Agreement does not dissolve your marriage, that can only be done through the court by way of Divorce. Separation Agreements are not orders made by the court, which means they can potentially be challenged or changed later on. To make sure that a Separation Agreement is taken seriously by a court, it's important to have the agreement drafted or reviewed by someone with experience in this area. The agreement should be voluntarily entered into by parties, with each having received legal advice beforehand. Full disclosure of finances from both parties is also essential, and ...

  Here's a brief overview of the history of divorce in Ireland: Until 1995, divorce was constitutionally banned in Ireland. The ban dated back to the 1937 Constitution, which reflected the strong influence of the Catholic Church on Irish society and law. In June 1986, a referendum to remove the constitutional ban on divorce was defeated. In November 1995, a second referendum narrowly passed (50.28% in favor), allowing for the introduction of divorce legislation. The Family Law (Divorce) Act was enacted in 1996, officially legalising divorce in Ireland. Initial divorce laws were relatively strict, requiring couples to live apart for four out of the previous five years before filing. In 2019, a referendum passed to ease divorce restrictions, reducing the separation period to two years. It is worth noting that the two years living separately includes time spent living separately and apart under the same roof.  hugh condron hughcondron How to get a divorce Once you have been livin...