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Legal Separation Agreement

Where a couple agree to separate, the details can be worked out through a deed of separation which is acceptable to both sides.

It is a legal written contract between a husband and wife to separate. It covers maintenance, custody of children, ownership and occupation of the family home. The difference between a legal separation agreement and a judicial separation is the spouses decide the terms of separation rather than have the terms imposed by the court, the courts need not be involved . It will only involve two solicitors, one representing the wife the other representing the husband.

Mediation

Mediation is a service to help couples who have decided to separate, or who have already separated, to negotiate their own separation terms.

How can it help?
This service encourages the separating couple to Co operate with each other in working out mutually acceptable arrangements on all or any of the following;

  • Parenting the children.
  • Maintenance.
  • Family home.
  • Any other problems relating to the separation.
This service is confidential and both spouses are required to attend. They will be assisted by a professionally trained mediator.

Where can I go for Mediation?

This service is under the auspices of the Dept. of Equality and Law reform and is free.

Family Mediation Service                   01-8728277 / 01-8728708

Family Mediation Service Dundalk      042-9359410

Cavan Family Resource Centre           049-4371363     



Aim is a voluntary organisation and would ask for a contribution for each mediation session.

Judicial Separation

Judicial separation frees both partners in a marriage from their obligation to live together, it does not allow the separated spouses to remarry.

The Grounds For A Judicial Separation

  • If the spouse has committed adultery.
  • The other spouse has behaved in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with him.
  • If you have been deserted by your spouse for a continuous period of one year immediately prior to the date of application for a separation. (desertion also includes conduct on behalf of the spouse which caused you to leave).
  • That you and your spouse have lived apart for one year immediately prior to the date of application for separation and your spouse agrees to the separation.
  • That you and your spouse have lived apart for a continuous period of three years immediately prior to the date of the application.
  • The marriage has broken down to the extent that a normal martial relationship has not existed between the spouses for a period of at least one year immediately prior to the date of your application for a judicial separation.

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