A decree of divorce allows both parties to a marriage to remarry. If a court is satisfied that the required conditions are met, the court will grant the decree of divorce dissolving the marriage. When it grants the decree of divorce, the court may also make orders in relation to custody of, and access to, children , the payment of maintenance and lump sums, the transfer of property, the extinguishment of succession rights, pension rights and other matters.
For more information on divorce including the rules that apply to obtaining a decree of divorce, visit the relevant page on the Citizens Information website
How to apply
Most applications for divorce are made in the Circuit Court. Court rules regulate the procedure you must follow to obtain orders from the court. They also include the forms you must complete to make your application.
Court rules
The following rules are relevant in respect of divorce applications in the Circuit Court
S.I. No. 510 of 2001: Circuit Court Rules: Order 59
S.I. No. 312 of 2007: Circuit Court Rules (General), 2007
S.I. No. 358 of 2008: Circuit Court Rules (Case Progression in Family Law Proceedings), 2008
Court forms
The following court forms will assist you prepare your application:
S.I. No. 510 of 2001, Circuit Court Rules, 2001
Form 2N: Family Law Civil Bill
Form 37A: Affidavit of means
Form 37B: Affidavit of welfare
Form 37C: Notice to trustees
Form 37D: Certification Pursuant to Section 5 or Section 6 of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989 or Section 6 or Section 7 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act, 1996 (for solicitors)
S.I. No. 358 of 2008, Circuit Court Rules (Case Progression in Family Law Proceedings), 2008
Form 37L: Summons to attend case progression hearing
Form 37N: Case progression questionnaire