Frequently Asked Questions

Saor Law is a free Irish family law advice and information service that provides free, pro bono legal advice to people going through divorce, separation, and relationship breakdown in Ireland. The volunteer solicitors and barristers who advise through Saor Law offer confidential support at no cost.

Yes, 100%. Saor Law is a free Irish family law advice and information service. Our legal advisors are qualified solicitors and barristers who volunteer their time. There is no charge for our advice service.

Our legal advisors are qualified Irish solicitors and barristers who have volunteered to provide pro bono advice through Saor Law. They have expertise in family law and are regulated by their respective professional bodies.

Yes. Our service is available to anyone in Ireland. Consultations are conducted by phone or video call, so your location doesn't matter.

Absolutely. All consultations with the volunteer solicitors and barristers who advise through Saor Law are completely confidential. We take your privacy very seriously.

You must have lived apart from your spouse for at least two out of the previous three years, there must be no prospect of reconciliation, and proper provision must be made for both spouses and any children.

An uncontested divorce typically takes 6 to 12 months. Contested divorces can take considerably longer depending on the complexity of the issues involved.

No. Either spouse can apply for divorce without the other's consent. However, an uncontested divorce is generally quicker and less expensive.

Yes. The courts recognise that financial circumstances may require couples to continue living under the same roof while leading separate lives.

The court's primary concern is the welfare of the children. It will make orders regarding custody, access, and maintenance that serve the children's best interests.

A judicial separation is a court order that removes the obligation to cohabit. Unlike divorce, it does not end the marriage. You remain married but live apart under legally binding terms.

You might choose separation if you don't yet meet the requirements for divorce, have religious or personal reasons for not divorcing, or want to keep certain benefits of marriage such as succession rights.

Yes. The court can order maintenance for both a spouse and children as part of a judicial separation decree.

Grounds include adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion for one year, living apart for one year with consent, living apart for three years, or no normal marital relationship for one year.

Yes. Many people obtain a judicial separation first and then apply for divorce once they meet the living apart requirements.

Yes. If you qualify as a 'cohabitant' under the 2010 Act (lived together 5+ years, or 2+ years with children), you may have rights to maintenance, property adjustment, and pension adjustment.

A cohabitation agreement is a written contract between partners setting out how property, finances, and other matters will be handled if the relationship ends. It is strongly recommended for unmarried couples.

No. There is no concept of common law marriage in Ireland. However, the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 provides certain protections for qualifying cohabitants.

If you are a qualifying cohabitant and your partner dies without making provision for you in their will, you may be able to apply to the court for provision from their estate.

This depends on how the property is legally owned. If you are a qualifying cohabitant, you may be able to apply for property adjustment orders through the courts.

You can book a free appointment through our website by clicking 'Book Free Call' or by contacting us directly. We'll arrange a convenient time for your consultation.

You'll speak with a qualified solicitor or barrister who will listen to your situation, explain your legal options, and advise on the next steps. The consultation is confidential and without obligation.

Initial consultations typically last 30 to 45 minutes. This gives enough time to understand your situation and provide meaningful advice.

Have any relevant documents ready, such as marriage certificates, court orders, correspondence from solicitors, financial documents, and any notes about your situation.

The solicitor or barrister advising through Saor Law will provide advice and, if appropriate, refer you to other services or a solicitor who can take your case further. There is no obligation to take any action.