Seamas Turner · Partner · Wexford
Drinagh, Wexford, Y35 E76D
Partner handling family law and divorce, civil and commercial litigation and personal injuries, at a firm that has practised since 1888.
Family solicitors in Ireland
Divorce and judicial separation, guardianship, custody and access, maintenance, and safety and barring orders. Family cases in Ireland are heard in private ('in camera'), mostly in the District and Circuit Courts.
- Firms
- 32 listed solicitors cover family
- Towns
- in 18 towns
Find a family solicitor near you
Family law in Ireland: what to know
- To start divorce proceedings you must have lived apart for at least two of the previous three years (Family Law Act 2019). Judicial separation can be sought after one year apart, or on other grounds.
- Maintenance, guardianship, access and safety or barring orders usually start in the District Court; divorce and judicial separation are Circuit Court cases.
- The Family Courts Act 2024 is bringing in specialist family court divisions, with the first due to start in January 2027.
- The Legal Aid Board runs law centres offering means-tested civil legal aid, and a free Family Mediation Service.
Read our guide: How Divorce Works in Ireland: Steps, Timeline and Costs to Expect
Solicitors focusing on family work
Solicitors whose own published profile focuses on family work.
Margaret Fortune · Partner · Waterford
8 Gladstone Street, Waterford, X91 E896
Partner handling family law, medical negligence and personal injury cases and other court work, at a Waterford firm founded in 1941.
David Higgins · Partner · Galway
22 Mainguard Street, Galway
Galway-based partner working on family law, employment law, maritime law and business disputes. Berwick also has offices in Dublin and Ennis.
Augusta Tuohy · Partner · Castlebar
Mountain View, Knockaphunta, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 T283
Partner practising in family law, litigation including personal injuries claims, and residential and commercial conveyancing and commercial leases.
Matthew de Courcy · Partner, Family Law · Dublin
31-33 Usher's Quay, Dublin 8, D08 E4YD
Partner who leads the firm's family law department, handling child and family law matters; he also practises criminal law. Qualified in Ireland in 2010 and also qualified in England and Wales.
Rachel Nolan · Principal · Drogheda
Tullyallen Village, Drogheda, Co. Louth
Principal solicitor working mainly in family law, criminal law, employment and probate, for clients in Louth, Meath, Cavan and Dublin.
Jerry Twomey · Partner, Family Law · Limerick
80 O'Connell Street, Limerick, V94 WTP3
Partner handling family law at a Limerick city-centre firm whose practice also covers immigration, employment, property, wills and probate, and personal injury.
Patsy Gallagher · Solicitor · Letterkenny
House B, Carnamuggagh Upper, Kilmacrennan Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 V050
Handles civil and criminal litigation, employment law and family law at a Letterkenny practice founded in 2006.
Common questions about family solicitors in Ireland
How long do we have to be separated before a divorce in Ireland?
You must have lived apart for at least two of the previous three years when proceedings start, there must be no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, and proper provision must exist for each spouse and any children. Judicial separation can be sought after one year living apart, or on other grounds.
Which court deals with family law cases?
Maintenance, guardianship, access and safety or barring orders usually start in the District Court. Divorce and judicial separation are heard by the Circuit Court. Family cases are held in private. Specialist family court divisions are due to start in phases from January 2027.
Can I get legal aid for a family law case?
Civil legal aid is provided by the Legal Aid Board through its law centres, and family law makes up most of its work. It's means-tested and you usually pay a contribution. The Legal Aid Board's Family Mediation Service is free.
Are the family law solicitors listed for Ireland regulated?
To practise in Ireland a solicitor must be on the Roll of Solicitors kept by the Law Society of Ireland and hold a current practising certificate. You can search any solicitor or firm on the Law Society's Find a Solicitor register. Complaints about a solicitor's services or conduct go to the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA). Lawvoo lists firms from the details they publish themselves — check the register before you instruct a firm.