Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
The Daily PollTHE CABINET WILL today agree on the wording of what the Irish electorate will be asked to vote on in the upcoming divorce referendum.
If the referendum is passed, the government would introduce primary legislation on the time period before you can get a divorce, rather than having it in the Constitution which must be put to a public vote when changes are proposed.
Under the current system, married couples need to have lived apart for at least four years during the previous five years. The new proposals would see that reduced to two years, with the Oireachtas providing the legislation for this.
The referendum is due to take place on 24 May, the same day as the local and European elections.
What do you think: Should the four-year minimum time period for divorce be reduced?
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Yep most defo. It’s 2019 people need to be able to move on with their lives.
@Annette: Nice and quick to get daddy kicked out of the house he co owns to see his ex move another bloke in to the house he is paying the mortgage for, folks if you are a man you need your head examined to get married in this country because if it goes wrong and you have a house and kids you are screwed….the judge will turf you out and leave your misses in the house!
@Peter Hughes:, an Italian buddy told me that marriage rates in certain parts of Italy have almost dropped to zero, because of those inequities.
@Peter Hughes: You would prefer the wife and kids get turfed out and the father gets to stay in the house ?
@Tommy Roche: Why do you assume the mother gets the kids?
@Tommy Roche: How about mammy gets turfed out and the dad looks after the kids?, suppose you never thought about that one now did you, the woman can go out and work and pay for the mortgage and the man can move another lady in…….but we don’t get that option now do we!
@Peter Hughes: Divorce vs separation is not going to change that circumstance. I’m not sure if being married with children vs. unmarried with children has much difference either in terms of what the courts typically determine in Ireland. I would presume everyone wants to get out of having to say ‘my wife’ or ‘my husband’ and having to pay out ‘temporary’ maintenance arrangements with no proper examination of claims during the 4 year wait. Generally, I think less time suffering in a bias system would be better for all and may even make situations less toxic between people – so better for children and mental health, which should both be priority number 1. It also may take a lot of strain off in terms of legal fees for high conflict situations, as court determinations for divorce tend to have a lot more standing that flippant family court decisions during separation – including important things like custody. 4 years is a long time (and a much harder argument to fight after the fact) for someone to waiting for custody issues to be rebalanced, due to the quick and undetailed nature of family court hearings – especially if they don’t have the money to keep going back to push for better custody arrangements.
In short, a lot of people behave like utter jerks to each other during separation and mutually seem to ruin each other’s lives financially and psychologically. The shorter the time they have to do that the better for their mental health, their finances and most importantly kids! I believe a vote for a shorter time is one of those rare things that’s could for both men and women alike – and oddly, families in all the shapes they come.
@Matthew Handibode: I’m assuming the the kids mother would need to care for them, while the husband in Peter’s example is out working to pay the mortgage ?
Well, to make it fair why don’t we introduce four-year time period of being engaged before people can get married.
@Nell Aguilera: yup makes sense!
Make it quick as long as any asset is disposed of. No one should get house or more time with the kids. Equal custody of children so no payments back and forth. The current system is set up to screw men and make Solicitors rich.
Maybe people should exercise some personal responsibility and not rush into marriages if they aren’t willing to stick it out.
I agree, but would also suggest after separation couples should be encouraged to try counselling to try resolve any issues or at least try to make the proceedings amicable and the independent (not religious based counselling service) could counsellor would make their recommendations and allow for an “easy” if there’s ever a thing divorce after one year of separation. If there’s kids involved it’s a whole different story, access rights, support would all have to be negotiated before divorce granted.
@Nialler: that would mean our government would have to put such a service in place, and unfortunately they’re more focused on cutting support services than adding more.
@Irish Genius: It’s hilarious that they are deleting all comments regarding the corrupt M50 toll scam.
@Ronan Sexton: comments should not be shut down.
After say 80 comments just delete first one and add latest.
Only delete otherwise for legal reasons or racism etc
There needs to be some deterrent to sham marriages which are rife in Ireland right now. This will only further facilitate them. You can still move on with your life while waiting the 4 years for official divorce recognition
@Anthony: I guess it was easy for you then?
@Paul Furey: who whats to marry a second time? Marriage is a legal contract to ensure the inheritance of children. 4 years you’d be lucky if the legal case is sorted in that time.
There shouldn’t be a time period. Where’s that option?
People aren’t getting divorced for the craic, I’m sure they know their own minds and shouldn’t be made wait that long! Ridiculous!!
Let people who want or need one to move on rather than adding tension between the two devorcees over an unnecessary long legal battle
Yes. Butt out of other people’s lives.
That is why they are housekeepers.
I think it should stay as it is. As someone who has just come out the other end of divorce. It has taken me 4 years to recover emotionally from the breakup of my marriage. One/two years is far too short.
have your say