Hello, I am not married, but living together for past 20 years , 3 kids and now we are separating. What type of solicitor do I need? Would I be advised to contact a specialist family law solicitor or use my normal local practice? Should I ask my solicitor to arrange a consultation with a barrister? as my partner has already contacted a solicitor and a support group. At the moment we are awaiting an appointment with the F.O.C Family Mediation Service but prior to this I would like to know the legal entitlements regarding kids, maintenance, property and pensions and anything else of course.
Separation Specialist Family law solicitor?
- Thread starter plankton
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You are required to help provide for your children until they are 18 or 23 if in full time education.
As you were not married, there are no other legal obligations. You do not need a Solicitor to separate from your partner.
If you have not already done so, you might like to take out guardianship of your children. Again, you don't need a Solicitor for this.
If you have jointly owned property, then depending on how the property was purchased, you will have to sort out how that property is sold and the proceeds divided between you.
As you were not married, there are no other legal obligations. You do not need a Solicitor to separate from your partner.
If you have not already done so, you might like to take out guardianship of your children. Again, you don't need a Solicitor for this.
If you have jointly owned property, then depending on how the property was purchased, you will have to sort out how that property is sold and the proceeds divided between you.
Hi Burmo,
I queried this legislation when i recently made a will and i was informed by solicitor that it would be another 4-5 years before this legislation would be tested in court.i.e. solicitor was reluctant to say what outcome would be if i was faced with it
I queried this legislation when i recently made a will and i was informed by solicitor that it would be another 4-5 years before this legislation would be tested in court.i.e. solicitor was reluctant to say what outcome would be if i was faced with it
Brendan Burgess
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I would have thought that most solicitors do family law and that you do not need a specialist as such.
Have you friends in the locality who have gone through a similar breakup? Whom did they use?
Have you friends in the locality who have gone through a similar breakup? Whom did they use?
When you say your "normal local practice", note that if you and your ex-partner have used this practice in the past (eg to buy your house) then they will not be able to act for either of you.
Otherwise, as Brendan says, most solicitors would have experience in family law and recommendations from friends/family would be best way to go.
The cohabiting couples legislation is in force but I gather the problem is that it hasn't been used enough yet to give an indication of what to expect the outcome in cases to be,
Otherwise, as Brendan says, most solicitors would have experience in family law and recommendations from friends/family would be best way to go.
The cohabiting couples legislation is in force but I gather the problem is that it hasn't been used enough yet to give an indication of what to expect the outcome in cases to be,
Thanks for the replies, I did arrange an appointment with a solicitor who is advising a member of the group "Unmarried and Separated Parents Ireland" USPI.ie I am presently applying for guardianship and custody. Interesting the position of cohabitation couples in relation to property etc. I will post again after advice from the solicitor.