Remarrying in Ireland after foreign divorce

A foreign divorce

If you have a foreign divorce, you will have to supply a copy of the Divorce Decree Nisi and Absolute. If the divorce decree is in a foreign language, you must provide an English translation certified by a relevant official body or recognised translation agency.
Not all foreign divorces are recognised under Irish law. A foreign divorce will only be recognised in Ireland if at least one spouse was "domiciled" in the state that granted the divorce when the proceedings started. You may have to provide good evidence that this was the case and, therefore, that the divorce is valid under Irish law.
The Registrar will give you two questionnaires, one for the divorced party seeking to remarry and one for his/her divorced ex-spouse. You must provide certain information about your place of birth, your place of residence and employment at the time of the divorce proceedings, property and business connections abroad and some other relevant facts. If you knowingly give false information, you may be found guilty of perjury - an offence punishable by law.
This information is then forwarded to the Registrar General whose consent is required before the marriage ceremony can take place. If he/she is of the opinion that the foreign divorce is valid, then the new marriage can go ahead. If not, you can provide additional information to prove validity or else you can apply for a hearing before the .
The Court's decision on the validity of a foreign divorce in Irish law is final and binding, although you may, of course, appeal to a higher court. If the Court decides that your foreign divorce is not binding, your only option if you wish to remarry in Ireland may be to get a divorce under Irish law.

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