Can I get a divorce?
In Ireland, there is a no-fault divorce system. This means that a judge does not consider or ask why the marriage ended.
When deciding whether to grant your divorce application, a judge must be satisfied that all 3 of the following are true:
You live apart from one another
You and your spouse must live apart for at least 2 out of the previous 3 years.
You can live apart in the same house. This means you cannot be in an intimate and committed relationship while you live together. A relationship does not stop being intimate just because it is no longer sexual in nature.
You live in Ireland
You or your spouse must meet one of the following:
- Live permanently in Ireland, or
- Have lived in Ireland for at least 1 year before you apply for divorce.
There is no reasonable chance that you will get back together
The judge must be satisfied that there is no reasonable chance of reconciliation between you and your spouse.
You will be asked to provide sworn evidence to a judge to confirm that these are true and accurate descriptions of your circumstances.
Check if you can apply for a divorce
Answer a few simple questions to check if you may be eligible to apply for a divorce. Results are based on your answers, but situations can be complex, so you may want to get legal advice.
No data is recorded or sent during the process.
