Ireland’s divorce process is based on a ‘no-fault’ system, meaning the court does not consider the reasons behind the breakdown of the marriage. However, to obtain a divorce, you must meet the following three key requirements:
1. Living Apart for two of the past three years
You and your spouse must have lived apart for at least two of the previous three years. Living apart does not require separate homes—you can live in the same house as long as your relationship is no longer intimate or committed. The court assesses not only physical separation but also the nature of your relationship.
2. Residency in Ireland
To establish jurisdiction, you or your spouse must:
- Permanently reside in Ireland, or
- Have lived in Ireland for at least one year before filing for divorce.
3. No reasonable chance of reconciliation
The court must be satisfied that your marriage has irretrievably broken down, with no realistic prospect of reconciliation. This must be demonstrated through sworn evidence, which reflects your specific circumstances.
If you would like more information or need assistance with your divorce application, please contact our experienced legal team at 01 873 5012 or info@mcgrathmullan.ie. We are here to support you every step of the way.