Got Married in NI, live in Ireland (ROI), where to get legally separated?

lilies

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Hi, my wife and I married 6 years ago in Northern Ireland. We opted to marry in Belfast as it was quicker and easier than doing so down here. We've never actually lived in Northern Ireland or any other part of the UK. Anyway, we are now thinking of getting legally separated, not divorced, just legally separated. Are we correct in believing that we have a choice in what jurisdiction we want to have this done, in NI or Ireland (ROI)? If we have the choice, in which jurisdiction would be it be easier, faster and cheaper to get legally separated in? I am guessing NI. I am also guessing that a legal separation agreement from NI is valid in Ireland. It would be a mutually agreed separation. No kids involved. A simple straight forward separation agreement. Not a judicial separation.

By the way, how does someone "un-separate", does the couple simply start living together again as husband and wife or do you need to complete forms indicting that the former agreement is null and void? Thanks.
 
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Why would you get separated instead of divorced. You're only 6 years married have you tried mediation to try and keep the marriage together. What about the finances?
 
I'm a little confused, your first question is about getting legally separated and your second is about un-separating. Sounds to me like your not sure about what your doing.
If that's the case I would recommend do nothing at this stage until you are sure your making the right decision.
 
Why would you get separated instead of divorced. You're only 6 years married have you tried mediation to try and keep the marriage together. What about the finances?

Thanks but the separation would be very amicable. We do not need mediation. The separation may well be a temporary measure.
 
I'm a little confused, your first question is about getting legally separated and your second is about un-separating. Sounds to me like your not sure about what your doing.
If that's the case I would recommend do nothing at this stage until you are sure your making the right decision.

Thanks but we do know what we are doing, having discussed it extensively and having looked at our options.
 
Suspect this is a strategic separation...

Thanks, well, if it was a so-called "strategic separation" (never heard that term before) is it illegal? We assumed people can separate for whatever reasons they want and do not have to spell them out as would, I believe, be the case in a divorce?
 
Suspect this is a strategic separation...

So it seems, common enough these days.
OP: you will need, IMO, a court administered SA, aka a judicial separation agreement, for it to survive the inevitable attack that are usually associated with these.
 
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