Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989
Number 6 of 1989
JUDICIAL SEPARATION AND FAMILY LAW REFORM ACT 1989
REVISED
Updated to 1 August 2022
This Revised Act is an administrative consolidation of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989. It is prepared by the Law Reform Commission in accordance with its function under the Law Reform Commission Act 1975 (3/1975) to keep the law under review and to undertake revision and consolidation of statute law.
All Acts up to and including the Electoral Reform Act 2022 (30/2022), enacted 25 July 2022, and all statutory instruments up to and including the European Union (Decisions in Matrimonial Matters and in Matters of Parental Responsibility and International Child Abduction) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 400 of 2022), made 31 July 2022, were considered in the preparation of this Revised Act.
Disclaimer: While every care has been taken in the preparation of this Revised Act, the Law Reform Commission can assume no responsibility for and give no guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up to date nature of the information provided and does not accept any liability whatsoever arising from any errors or omissions. Please notify any errors, omissions and comments by email to
revisedacts@lawreform.ie.
Number 6 of 1989
JUDICIAL SEPARATION AND FAMILY LAW REFORM ACT 1989
REVISED
Updated to 1 August 2022
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
The obtaining of a Decree of Separation
Ancillary Financial, Property, Custody and Other Orders
Court Jurisdiction
Miscellaneous
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Acts Referred to |
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Adoption Acts, 1952 to 1988 |
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1954, No. 18 |
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1940, No. 23 |
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1976, No. 27 |
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1981, No. 22 |
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1976, No. 11 |
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1981, No. 21 |
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1964, No. 7 |
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Legitimacy Declaration Act (Ireland), 1868 |
1868, c. 20 |
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1957, No. 5 |
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Matrimonial Causes and Marriage Law (Ireland) Amendment Act, 1870 |
1870, c. 110 |
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Partition Act, 1868 |
1868, c. 40 |
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Partition Act, 1876 |
1876, c. 17 |
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1987, No. 26 |
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1965, No. 27 |
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Number 6 of 1989
JUDICIAL SEPARATION AND FAMILY LAW REFORM ACT 1989
REVISED
Updated to 1 August 2022
AN ACT TO AMEND THE GROUNDS FOR JUDICIAL SEPARATION: TO FACILITATE RECONCILIATION BETWEEN ESTRANGED SPOUSES: TO PROVIDE FOR THE MAKING OF ANCILLARY ORDERS IN SEPARATION PROCEEDINGS: TO AMEND THE LAW RELATING TO THE COURTS' FAMILY LAW JURISDICTION AND TO PROVIDE FOR CONNECTED MATTERS. [19th April, 1989]
BE IT ENACTED BY THE OIREACHTAS AS FOLLOWS:
Annotations
Modifications (not altering text):
C1
Cost of mediation or counselling services declared to be in the discretion of the court (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 43, commenced as per s. 1(2).
Cost of Mediation and Counselling Services
43.—The cost of any mediation services or counselling services provided for a spouse who is or becomes a party to proceedings under this Act, the Act of 1964 or the Act of 1989 or for a dependent member of the family of such a spouse shall be in the discretion of the court concerned.
C2
Power provided to Court to make order regarding application of Family Home Protection Act 1976 (27/1976), s. 3(1), when granting decree under Act (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 54(3), S.I. No. 46 of 1996.
Amendment of Family Home Protection Act, 1976, and Act of 1989.
54. — ...
(3) Where a court, when granting a decree of judicial separation under the Act of 1989, orders that the ownership of the family home shall be vested in one of the spouses, it shall, unless it sees reason to the contrary, order that section 3(1) (prior consent of spouse to conveyance of interest in family home) of the Family Home Protection Act, 1976 , shall not apply to any conveyance by that spouse of an interest in the home and, if the court so orders, the said section 3(1) shall have effect accordingly.
C3
Power of court to procure reports in family law proceedings extended (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 47(1) and (6), S.I. No. 46 of 1996; as amended (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 52(p), commenced as per s. 1(2); and as amended (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (42/2004), s. 75 and sch. 6 part 13, S.I. No. 887 of 2004.
Social reports in family law proceedings.
47.—(1) In proceedings to which this section applies, the court may, of its own motion or on application to it in that behalf by a party to the proceedings, by order give such directions as it thinks proper for the purpose of procuring a report in writing on any question affecting the welfare of a party to the proceedings or any other person to whom they relate from—
(a) such probation and welfare officer (within the meaning of the Child Abduction and Enforcement of Custody Orders Act, 1991) as the Minister for Justice may nominate,
[(b) such person nominated by the Health Service Executive specified in the order as the Health Service Executive may nominate, being a person who in its opinion is suitably qualified for the purpose, or]
(c) any other person specified in the order.
...
(6) [This section] applies to proceedings— ...
(f) under the Act of 1989,
...
C4
Rights of spouses under Act confirmed not affected (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 48, S.I. No. 46 of 1996.
Property of engaged couples.
48.—For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that the reference in section 5 (1) of the Family Law Act, 1981, to the rules of law relating to the rights of spouses in relation to property in which either or both of them has or have a beneficial interest shall relate and be deemed always to have related only to the rules of law for the determination of disputes between spouses, or a claim by one of them, in relation to the beneficial ownership of property in which either or both of them has or have a beneficial interest and, in particular, does not relate, and shall be deemed never to have related, to the rules of law relating to the rights of spouses under the Act of 1965, the Family Home Protection Act, 1976, the Act of 1989 or this Act.
Editorial Notes:
E1
Proceedings under Act included in definition of family law proceedings (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27/2017), s. 2(1), S.I. No. 591 of 2017.
PART I
The obtaining of a Decree of Separation
Section 1
Definition.
1.—In this Act, except where the context otherwise requires—
“the court” means the court having jurisdiction under Part III of this Act.
Section 2
Application for a decree of judicial separation.
2.—(1) An application by a spouse for a decree of judicial separation from the other spouse may be made to the court having jurisdiction to hear and determine proceedings under Part III of this Act on one or more of the following grounds:
(a) that the respondent has committed adultery;
(b) that the respondent has behaved in such a way that the applicant cannot reasonably be expected to live with the respondent;
(c) subject to subsection (2) of this section, that there has been desertion by the respondent of the applicant for a continuous period of at least one year immediately preceding the date of the application;
(d) subject to subsection (2) of this section, that the spouses have lived apart from one another for a continuous period of at least one year immediately preceding the date of the application F1[…];
(e) F1[…]
(f) that the marriage has broken down to the extent that the court is satisfied in all the circumstances that a normal marital relationship has not existed between the spouses for a period of at least one year immediately preceding the date of the application.
(2) In considering for the purposes of subsection (1) of this section, whether—
(a) in the case of paragraph (c) of that subsection, the period for which the respondent has deserted the applicant, or
(b) in the case of paragraph (d) F1[…] of that subsection, the period for which the spouses have lived apart,
has been continuous, no account shall be taken of any one period (not exceeding 6 months) or of any two or more periods (not exceeding 6 months in all) during which the spouses resumed living with each other, but no such period or periods during which the spouses lived with each other shall count as part of the period of desertion or the period for which the spouses have lived apart, as the case may be:
Provided that this subsection shall only apply where the spouses are F2[living apart from one another] at the time the application is made.
(3) F2[(a) For the purposes of this section—
(i) spouses who live in the same dwelling as one another shall be considered as living apart from one another if the court is satisfied that, while so living in the same dwelling, the spouses do not live together as a couple in an intimate and committed relationship, and
(ii) a relationship does not cease to be an intimate relationship merely because it is no longer sexual in nature.]
(b) In this section “desertion” includes conduct on the part of one spouse that results in the other spouse, with just cause, leaving and living apart from that other spouse.
Annotations
Amendments:
F1
Deleted (1.12.2019) by Family Law Act 2019 (37/2019), s. 2(1)(a)(i), (ii), (b)(i), S.I. No. 585 of 2019, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).
F2
Substituted (1.12.2019) by Family Law Act 2019 (37/2019), s. 2(1)(b)(ii), (c), S.I. No. 585 of 2019, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).
Section 3
Grant of decree of judicial separation, custody, etc. of children.
3.—(1) Where, on an application under section 2 of this Act, the court is satisfied that any of the grounds referred to in subsection (1) of that section which have been relied on by the applicant have been proved on the balance of probabilities, the court shall, subject to subsection (2) of this section and sections 5 and 6 of this Act, grant a decree of judicial separation in respect of the spouses concerned.
(2) (a) Where there are, in respect of the spouses concerned, any dependent children of the family, the court shall not grant a decree of judicial separation unless the court—
F3[(i) is satisfied that such provision exists or has been made, or]
(ii) intends by order upon the granting of the decree to make such provision,
for the welfare of those children as is proper in the circumstances.
(b) In this subsection—
“dependent children of the family” has the same meaning as it has for the purposes of Part II of this Act;
“welfare” comprises the religious and moral, intellectual, physical and social welfare of the children concerned.
(3) Upon the granting of a decree of judicial separation by the court, the court may, where appropriate, by order give such directions under section 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, as it thinks proper regarding the welfare or custody of, or right of access to, an infant (being an infant within the meaning of that Act) as if an application had been made under that section.
Annotations
Amendments:
F3
Substituted (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 45(a), commenced as per s. 1(2).
Editorial Notes:
E2
Power granted to Court, in proceedings relating to subs. (3), to direct the HSE to undertake an investigation of a child’s circumstances (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17/1991), s. 20(1), S.I. No. 258 of 1995; as substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40/1997), s. 17, commenced as per s. 1(2), and as amended (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (42/2004), s. 75 and sch. 7 part 6, S.I. No. 887of 2004.
Section 4
Supplemental provisions as to proof of adultery and unreasonable behaviour.
4.—(1) Where the spouses have lived with each other for more than 1 year after it became known to the applicant that the respondent had committed adultery the applicant shall not be entitled to rely on that adultery for the purposes of section 2 (1) (a) although that adultery may be one of the factors that the applicant may rely on for the purposes of section 2 (1) (b) together with other matters.
(2) Where the applicant alleges that the respondent has behaved in such a way that the applicant cannot reasonably be expected to cohabit with him but the spouses have cohabited for a period or periods after the date of the occurrence of the final incident relied on by the applicant and held by the court to support his allegation, such cohabitation shall be disregarded in determining for the purpose of section 2 (1) (b) of this Act whether the applicant cannot be reasonably expected to live with the respondent if the length of the period or of those periods of cohabitation together was or were 6 months or less.
Section 5
Safeguards to ensure applicant's awareness of alternatives to separation proceedings and to assist attempts at reconciliation.
5.—(1) A solicitor, if any, acting for an applicant for a decree of judicial separation shall, prior to the making of an application for a decree of judicial separation—
(a) discuss with the applicant the possibility of reconciliation and give to him the names and addresses of persons qualified to help effect a reconciliation between spouses who have become estranged, and
(b) discuss with the applicant the possibility of engaging in mediation to help effect a separation on an agreed basis with an estranged spouse F4[, give to the applicant the names and addresses of persons who provide a mediation service and inform the applicant of the matters referred to in sections 10 and 11 of the Mediation Act 2017], and
(c) discuss with the applicant the possibility of effecting a separation by the negotiation and conclusion of a separation deed or written separation agreement.
(2) An application for judicial separation shall be accompanied by a F4[statutory declaration made by the solicitor], if any, acting on behalf of the applicant that he has complied with the provisions of subsection (1) of this section and, where a solicitor does F4[not so declare,] the court may adjourn the proceedings for such period as it deems reasonable for the applicant’s solicitor to discuss with the applicant the matters referred to in that subsection.
(3) F5[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F4
Substituted (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27/2017), s. 25(a)(i), (ii), S.I. No. 591 of 2017.
F5
Deleted (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27/2017), s. 25(a)(iii), S.I. No. 591 of 2017.
Section 6
Safeguards to ensure respondent’s awareness of alternatives to separation proceedings and to assist attempts at reconciliation.
6.—(1) A solicitor, if any, acting for a respondent in an application for a decree of judicial separation shall, as soon as possible after receiving instructions from the respondent—
(a) discuss with the respondent the possibility of reconciliation and give to him the names and addresses of persons qualified to help effect a reconciliation between parties to a marriage who have become estranged, and
(b) discuss with the respondent the possibility of engaging in mediation to help effect a separation on an agreed basis with an estranged spouse F6[, give to the respondent the names and addresses of persons who provide a mediation service and inform the respondent of the matters referred to in sections 10 and 11 of the Mediation Act 2017], and
(c) discuss with the respondent the possibility of effecting a separation by the negotiation and conclusion of a separation deed or written separation agreement.
(2) An Entry of Appearance or a Notice of Intention to Defend an application for judicial separation shall be accompanied by a F6[statutory declaration made by the solicitor], if any, acting on behalf of the respondent, that he has complied with the provisions of subsection (1) of this section and where a solicitor does F6[not so declare,] the court may adjourn the proceedings for such period as it deems reasonable for the respondent's solicitor to discuss with the respondent the matters referred to in that subsection.
(3) F7[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F6
Substituted (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27/2017), s. 25(b)(i), (ii), S.I. No. 591 of 2017.
F7
Deleted (1.01.2018) by Mediation Act 2017 (27/2017), s. 25(b)(iii), S.I. No. 591 of 2017.
Section 7
Adjournment of proceedings to assist reconciliation or agreements on separation.
7.—(1) Where an application is made under this Act to the court for a decree of judicial separation, the court shall give consideration to the possibility of a reconciliation of the spouses concerned and, accordingly, may adjourn the proceedings at any time for the purpose of affording the spouses an opportunity, if they both so wish, to consider a reconciliation between themselves with or without the assistance of a third party.
(2) If during any adjournment of proceedings to which subsection (1) of this section relates the spouses resume living with each other, no account shall be taken of that fact for the purposes of those proceedings.
(3) Where on an application made under this Act for a decree of judicial separation it appears to the court that no reconciliation of the spouses concerned is possible, it may adjourn or further adjourn the proceedings for the purpose of affording the spouses an opportunity, if they both so wish, to establish agreement (with or without the assistance of a third party) on the terms, so far as is possible, of the separation.
(4) If an adjournment has taken place by virtue of subsection (1) or (3) of this section, either or both of the spouses may request that the hearing of the application be proceeded with and, without prejudice to subsection (5) of this section, the court shall resume hearing the application as soon as is practicable.
(5) The power of adjournment exercisable under subsections (1) and (3) of this section is in addition to and not in substitution for any other power of adjournment exercisable by the court.
(6) Where the court adjourns proceedings under subsection (1) or (3) of this section, it may at its discretion advise the spouses concerned to seek the assistance of a third party for the purpose set out in the appropriate subsection.
(7) F8[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F8
Deleted (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 45(b), commenced as per s. 1(2).
Section 7A
F9[Non-admissibility as evidence of certain communications relating to reconciliation or separation.
7A.—An oral or written communication between either of the spouses concerned and a third party for the purpose of seeking assistance to effect a reconciliation or to reach agreement between them on some or all of the terms of a separation (whether or not made in the presence or with the knowledge of the other spouse), and any record of such a communication, made or caused to be made by either of the spouses concerned or such a third party, shall not be admissible as evidence in any court.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F9
Inserted (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 45(c), commenced as per s. 1(2).
Section 8
Effect of judicial separation and rescission of decree of separation and ancillary orders upon reconciliation.
8.—(1) Where the court grants a decree of judicial separation it shall no longer be obligatory for the spouses who were the parties to such proceedings to cohabit.
(2) Following the granting of a decree of judicial separation the applicant and the respondent in the separation proceedings may at any future date by consent apply to the court to rescind the decree of separation granted and such order of rescission shall be made by the court upon it being satisfied that a reconciliation has taken place between the applicant and the respondent and that they have already resumed or again wish to resume cohabiting as F10[spouses of each other].
(3) Upon making an order of rescission under subsection (2) of this section the court may also make such necessary ancillary order or orders as it deems proper in the circumstances with regard to any orders previously made under Part II of this Act.
Annotations
Amendments:
F10
Substituted (16.11.2015) by Marriage Act 2015 (35/2015), s. 19, S.I. No. 504 of 2015.
Section 9
Abolition of decree of divorce a mensa et thoro, etc.
9.—(1) After the commencement of this Act, no action shall lie for divorce a mensa et thoro.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not have effect in relation to any action instituted before the commencement of this Act.
PART II
Ancillary Financial, Property, Custody and Other Orders
Annotations
Modifications (not altering text):
C5
Transitional provisions made (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3(2), S.I. No. 46 of 1996.
Repeals.
3.— (1) The enactments specified in the Schedule to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1)—
(a) orders made before the commencement of Part II under a provision of the Act of 1989 repealed by subsection (1) shall continue in force and be treated after such commencement as if made under the corresponding provision of this Act,
(b) ...
(c) proceedings instituted before such commencement under a provision of the Act of 1989 repealed by subsection (1) may be continued and determined as if instituted under the corresponding provision of this Act and orders made in those proceedings after such commencement shall be in force and be treated as if made under the corresponding provision of this Act.
Editorial Notes:
E3
Certain disposals made by virtue or in consequence of an order made under Part confirmed exempt from capital gains tax (1997-1998 onwards) by Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (39/1997), s. 1030, commenced as per s. 1097(1)(c), as amended (7.12.2005) by Finance Act 2006 (6/2006), s. 75(1)(c), commenced as per s. 75(2).
E4
Exemption from deduction of income tax for payments made pursuant to an order under Part II of Act provided (from year 1997-1998) by Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (39/1997), s. 1027, commenced as per s. 1097.
E5
Previous affecting provision: certain disposals made by virtue or in consequence of an order made under Part confirmed exempt from capital gains tax (6.04.1997) by Finance Act 1997 (22/1997), s. 72(1)(b), commenced as per s. 166(9); subsequently repealed (6.04.1997) by Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (39/1997), s. 1098 and sch. 30, commenced as per s. 1098(1).
Section 10
Definitions (Part II).
10.—F11[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F11
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Section 11
Preliminary orders in judicial separation proceedings.
11.—F12[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F12
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Editorial Notes:
E6
Previous affecting provision: subs. (a) substituted (27.03.1996) by Domestic Violence Act 1996 (1/1996), s. 20(a), commenced as per s. 25(1), subsequently repealed as per F note above.
E7
Previous affecting provision: power granted to Court, in proceedings relating to subs. (b), to direct the HSE to undertake an investigation of a child’s circumstances (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17/1991), s. 20(1), S.I. No. 258 of 1995; as substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40/1997), s. 17, commenced as per s. 1(2), and as amended (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (42/2004), s. 75 and sch. 7 part 6, S.I. No. 887of 2004.
Section 12
Making of applications for preliminary orders.
12.—F13[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F13
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Section 13
Maintenance pending suit, etc.
13.—F14[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F14
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Section 14
Periodical payments and lump sum orders.
14.—F15[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F15
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Editorial Notes:
E8
Previous affecting provision: power of court to discharge order made pursuant to section provided (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 26, commenced as per s. 1(2).
Section 15
Property adjustment orders.
15.—F16[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F16
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Editorial Notes:
E9
Previous affecting provision: power of court to discharge order made pursuant to section granted (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 26, commenced as per s. 1(2).
Section 16
Miscellaneous ancillary orders.
16.—F17[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F17
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Editorial Notes:
E10
Previous affecting provision: power of court to discharge order made pursuant to section provided (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act (33/1996), s. 26, commenced as per s. 1(2).
E11
Previous affecting provision: subs. (e) substituted (27.03.1996) by Domestic Violence Act 1996 (1/1996), s. 20(b), commenced as per s. 25(1), subsequently repealed as per F note above.
E12
Previous affecting provision: Power granted to Court, in proceedings relating to subs. (g), to direct the HSE to undertake an investigation of a child’s circumstances (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17/1991), s. 20(1), S.I. No. 258 of 1995; as substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40/1997), s. 17, commenced as per s. 1(2), and as amended (1.01.2005) by Health Act 2004 (42/2004), s. 75 and sch. 7 part 6, S.I. No. 887of 2004.
E13
Previous affecting provision: definition of property extended in respect of offences under Criminal Damage Act 1991 (31/1991), ss. 2 , 3(a) or 4(a), where the person charged is excluded from the home pursuant to an order under subs. (a) (27.01.1992) by Criminal Damage Act 1991 (31/1991), s. 1(3), commenced as per s. 16(2), as amended (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 48, commenced per s. 1(2).
Section 17
Order extinguishing succession rights.
17.—F18[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F18
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Section 18
Orders for sale of property.
18.—F19[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F19
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Editorial Notes:
E14
Previous affecting provision: power of court to discharge order made pursuant to section provided (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 26, commenced as per s. 1(2).
Section 19
Additional family home jurisdiction.
19.—F20[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F20
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Editorial Notes:
E15
Previous affecting provision: section amended (27.03.1996) by Domestic Violence Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 20(c), commenced as per s. 25(1), subsequently repealed as per F note above.
Section 20
Provisions relating to maintenance, property and other orders.
20.—F21[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F21
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Section 21
Retrospective maintenance orders.
21.—F22[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F22
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Section 22
Variation and discharge of financial and property orders.
22.—F23[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F23
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Editorial Notes:
E16
Previous affecting provision: power of court to discharge order made pursuant to section provided (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 26, commenced as per s. 1(2).
Section 23
Child maintenance.
23.—F24[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F24
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Section 24
Transmission of periodical payments through District Court clerk.
24.—F25[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F25
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Section 25
Amendment of section 3 of Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976.
25.—(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, section 3 (1) of the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976, is hereby amended by the deletion in the definition of “antecedent order” of—
“(i) an order for payment of alimony pending suit or permanent alimony;”
and the substitution of—
“(i) an order for alimony pending suit;
(j) an order for payment of maintenance pending suit under the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, or a periodical payments order under that Act”.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not affect the application of the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976, to an order for payment of permanent alimony in force at the commencement of this Act.
Section 26
Payments to be made without deduction of income tax.
26.—F26[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F26
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Editorial Notes:
E17
Section also repealed (6.04.1997) by Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (39/1997), s. 1098 and sch. 30, commenced as per subs. (1).
Section 27
Application of maintenance and periodical payments orders to men of Defence Forces.
27.—F27[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F27
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Section 28
Amendment of Enforcement of Court Orders Act, 1940.
28.—F28[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F28
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
Section 29
Voidance of transactions intended to prevent or reduce financial relief.
29.—F29[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F29
Part II (ss. 10 to 29, other than s. 25) repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).
PART III
Court Jurisdiction
Section 30
Definition (Part III).
30.—In this Part “family law proceedings”, in relation to a court, means proceedings before a court of competent jurisdiction under—
(a) this Act,
(b) the Adoption Acts, 1952 to 1988,
(c) the Family Home Protection Act, 1976,
(d) the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976,
(e) the Family Law (Protection of Spouses and Children) Act, 1981,
(f) the Family Law Act, 1981,
(g) the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964,
(h) the Legitimacy Declaration Act (Ireland), 1868,
(i) the Married Women’s Status Act, 1957, or
(j) the Status of Children Act, 1987, F30[and includes proceedings relating to nullity of marriage]
or between spouses under the Partition Act, 1868, and the Partition Act, 1876, where the fact that they are married to each other is of relevance to the proceedings.
Annotations
Amendments:
F30
Inserted (15.12.1995) by Courts and Court Officers Act 1995 (31/1995), s. 53, commenced on enactment.
Editorial Notes:
E18
The Adoption Acts 1952 to 1988 were repealed (1.11.2010) by Adoption Act 2010 (21/2010), s. 7 and sch. 1 part 1, S.I. No. 511 of 2010.
E19
The Partition Acts 1868 and 1876 were repealed (1.12.2009) by Land And Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 (27/2009), s. 8(3) and sch. 2, S.I. No. 356 of 2009.
E20
The Family Law (Protection of Spouses and Children) Act 1981 (21/1981) was repealed (27.03.1996) by Domestic Violence Act 1996 (1/1996), s. 23(1), commenced as per s. 25(1).
Section 31
Courts, jurisdiction and venue.
31.—(1) The Circuit Court shall be known as “the Circuit Family Court” when exercising its jurisdiction to hear and determine family law proceedings or, where provided for, when transferring family law proceedings to the High Court.
(2) Subject to the other provisions of this section, the Circuit Family Court shall, concurrently with the High Court, have jurisdiction to hear and determine proceedings under this Act for a decree of judicial separation.
(3) Where in proceedings under this Act for a decree of judicial separation an order could be made in respect of land whose F31[market value] exceeds F31[€3,000,000] and an application commencing those proceedings is made to the Circuit Family Court, that Court shall, if the respondent so requires before the hearing thereof, transfer those proceedings to the High Court, but any order made (including an interim order) or act done in the course of those proceedings before such transfer shall be valid unless discharged or varied by order of the High Court.
(4) The jurisdiction referred to in subsection (2) of this section shall only be exercisable where either of the spouses is domiciled in the State on the date of the application commencing proceedings or is ordinarily resident in the State throughout the period of one year ending on that date.
(5) The jurisdiction referred to in subsection (2) of this section shall, in the Circuit Family Court, be exercised by the judge of the circuit where either spouse to the proceedings ordinarily resides or carries on any profession, business or occupation.
F32[(6) In this section "market value" means, in relation to land, the price that would have been obtained in respect of the unencumbranced fee simple were the land to have been sold on the open market, in the year immediately preceding the bringing of the proceedings concerned, in such manner and subject to such conditions as might reasonably be calculated to have resulted in the vendor obtaining the best price for the land.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F31
Substituted (11.01.2017) by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 50(a), S.I. No. 2 of 2017.
F32
Inserted (11.01.2017) by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 50(b), S.I. No. 2 of 2017.
Modifications (not altering text):
C6
Application of subs. (4) restricted (1.08.2022) by European Union (Decisions in Matrimonial Matters and in Matters of Parental Responsibility and International Child Abduction) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 400 of 2022), reg. 7(b), in effect as per reg. 1(2).
7. The following provisions shall not have effect in relation to proceedings to which the Council Regulation (other than Article 6) applies: ...
(b) section 31 (4) of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 (No. 6 of 1989);
...
C7
Application of subs. (4) restricted (1.03.2005) by European Communities (Judgments in Matrimonial Matters and Matters of Parental Responsibility) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 112 of 2005), reg. 7(b), in effect as per reg. 1(2).
Non-applicability of certain statutory provisions.
7. The following provisions shall not have effect in relation to proceedings to which the Council Regulation (other than Article 7) applies:
...
(b) section 31(4) of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989;
...
C8
Application of subs. (4) restricted (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 39(2), commenced as per s. 1(2).
Exercise of jurisdiction by court in relation to divorce.
39. — ...
(2) Where proceedings are pending in a court in respect of an application for the grant of a decree of divorce or in respect of an appeal from the determination of such an application and the court has or had, by virtue of subsection (1), jurisdiction to determine the application, the court shall, notwithstanding section 31(4) of the Act of 1989 or section 39 of the Act of 1995, as the case may be, have jurisdiction to determine an application for the grant of a decree of judicial separation or a decree of nullity in respect of the marriage concerned.
C9
Application of subs. (4) restricted (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 39, S.I. No. 46 of 1996.
Exercise of jurisdiction by court in relation to nullity.
39. — ...
(2) Where proceedings are pending in a court in respect of an application for the grant of a decree of nullity or in respect of an appeal from the determination of such an application and the court has or had, by virtue of subsection (1), jurisdiction to determine the application, the court, notwithstanding section 31 (4) of the Act of 1989, shall have jurisdiction to determine an application for the grant of a decree of judicial separation in respect of the marriage concerned.
Editorial Notes:
E21
Previous affecting provision: application of subs. (4) restricted (23.10.2001) by European Communities (Judgments in Matrimonial Matters and Matters of Parental Responsibility) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 472 of 2001), reg. 3(2), subsequently revoked (1.03.2005) by European Communities (Judgments in Matrimonial Matters and Matters of Parental Responsibility) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 112 of 2005), reg. 11, in effect as per reg. 1(2).
E22
Previous affecting provision: power of the Court to determine rateable valuation for the purpose of subs. (3) provided (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 38(5), S.I. No. 46 of 1996; subsequently repealed by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 51(b), not commenced as of 2.11.2012.
Section 32
Hearing of proceedings.
32.—The Circuit Family Court shall sit to hear and determine proceedings instituted under this Act and under the Acts F33[and proceedings] referred to in section 30 of this Act in a different place or at different times or on different days from those on which the ordinary sittings of the Circuit Court are held.
Annotations
Amendments:
F33
Inserted (15.12.1995) by Courts and Court Officers Act 1995 (31/1995), s. 54, commenced on enactment.
Modifications (not altering text):
C10
Application of section extended (1.01.2019) by Domestic Violence Act 2018 (6/2018), s. 23(4), S.I. No. 532 of 2018.
Hearing of civil proceedings
23. — ...
(4) Civil proceedings under this Act before the Circuit Court shall be heard by the Circuit Family Court and accordingly, section 32 and subsections (1) and (2) of section 33 of the Act of 1989 shall apply to those proceedings.
...
C11
Application of section extended (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 38(5), commenced as per s. 1(2).
Jurisdiction of courts and venue.
38. — ...
(5) Section 32 of the Act of 1989 shall apply to proceedings under this Act in the Circuit Family Court and sections 33 to 36 of that Act shall apply to proceedings under this Act in that Court and in the High Court.
...
C12
Application of section extended (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 38(6), S.I. No. 46 of 1996.
Jurisdiction of courts and venue.
38. — ...
(6) Section 32 of the Act of 1989 shall apply to proceedings under this Act in the Circuit Family Court and sections 33 to 36 of that Act shall apply to proceedings under this Act in that Court and in the High Court.
...
C13
Application of section extended (27.03.1996) by Domestic Violence Act 1996 (1/1996), s. 16(4) and (5), commenced as per s. 25(1).
Hearing of civil proceedings, etc.
16. — ...
(4) Civil proceedings under this Act before the Circuit Court shall be heard by the Circuit Family Court and, accordingly, the provisions of section 32 and subsection (1) and (2) of section 33 of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, shall apply to such proceedings.
(5) The proceedings to which subsections (3) and (4) of section 33 of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989 , apply shall be deemed to include civil proceedings under this Act.
Section 33
Conduct of family proceedings in Circuit and High Courts.
33.—(1) Circuit Family Court proceedings shall be as informal as is practicable and consistent with the administration of justice.
(2) Neither judges sitting in the Circuit Family Court nor barristers nor solicitors appearing in such courts shall wear wigs or gowns.
(3) Family law proceedings before the High Court shall be as informal as is practicable and consistent with the administration of justice.
(4) In hearing and determining such proceedings as are referred to in subsection (3) of this section neither judges sitting in the High Court nor barristers nor solicitors appearing in such proceedings shall wear wigs or gowns.
Annotations
Modifications (not altering text):
C14
Application of section extended (1.01.2019) by Domestic Violence Act 2019 (6/2018), s. 15(4), (5), S.I. No. 532 of 2018.
Hearing of civil proceedings
15. — ...
(4) Civil proceedings under this Act before the Circuit Court shall be heard by the Circuit Family Court and accordingly, section 32 and subsections (1) and (2) of section 33 of the Act of 1989 shall apply to those proceedings.
(5) The proceedings to which subsections (3) and (4) of section 33 of the Act of 1989 apply shall be deemed to include proceedings under this Act.
C15
Application of subs. (1) and (2) extended (1.01.2011) by Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Act 2000 (37/2000), s. 4(4), S.I. No. 650 of 2010.
Exercise of jurisdiction.
4. — ...
(4) Sections 33(1), 33(2) and 45 (which provisions relate to the conduct of family proceedings) of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, shall apply and have effect in relation to an application under subsection (1)(b).
C16
Application of section extended (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 38(5), commenced as per s. 1(2).
Jurisdiction of courts and venue.
38. — ...
(5) Section 32 of the Act of 1989 shall apply to proceedings under this Act in the Circuit Family Court and sections 33 to 36 of that Act shall apply to proceedings under this Act in that Court and in the High Court.
...
C17
Application of section extended (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 38(6), S.I. No. 46 of 1996.
Jurisdiction of courts and venue.
38. — ...
(6) Section 32 of the Act of 1989 shall apply to proceedings under this Act in the Circuit Family Court and sections 33 to 36 of that Act shall apply to proceedings under this Act in that Court and in the High Court.
...
C18
Application of section extended (27.03.1996) by Domestic Violence Act 1996 (1/1996), s. 16(4) and (5), commenced as per s. 25(1).
Hearing of civil proceedings, etc.
16. — ...
(4) Civil proceedings under this Act before the Circuit Court shall be heard by the Circuit Family Court and, accordingly, the provisions of section 32 and subsection (1) and (2) of section 33 of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, shall apply to such proceedings.
(5) The proceedings to which subsections (3) and (4) of section 33 of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, apply shall be deemed to include civil proceedings under this Act.
C19
Application of subs. (1) and (2) extended by (31.10.1995) Child Care Act 1991 (17/1991), s. 29(2), S.I. No. 258 of 1995.
Hearing of proceedings.
29. — ...
(2) The provisions of sections 33(1), 33(2) and 45 of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, shall apply to proceedings under Part III, IV or VI as they apply to proceedings to which those provisions relate.
...
C20
Application of subs. (3) and (4) extended (1.10.1991) by Child Abduction and Enforcement of Custody Orders Act 1991 (6/1991), s. 39(2), S.I. No. 235 of 1991.
Amendment of Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989.
39. — ...
(2) The proceedings to which subsections (3) and (4) of section 33 (conduct of family proceedings in the High Court) of the Act of 1989 apply shall be deemed to include proceedings under this Act.
Section 34
Privacy.
34.—Proceedings under this Act shall be heard otherwise than in public.
Annotations
Modifications (not altering text):
C21
Application of section restricted (31.03.2005) by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 40, S.I. No. 544 of 2004, as amended (1.08.2008) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008), s. 31, S.I. No. 274 of 2008.
Proceedings heard otherwise than in public.
40. — ...
(2) For the purposes of this section each of the following shall be a “relevant enactment”—
...
(f) section 34 of the Act of 1989;
...
(3) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit—
(a) the preparation by a barrister at law or a solicitor or a person falling within any other class of persons specified in regulations made by the Minister and publication of a report of proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates, or
(b) the publication of the decision of the court in such proceedings,
in accordance with rules of court, provided that the report or decision does not contain any information which would enable the parties to the proceedings or any child to which the proceedings relate to be identified and, accordingly, unless in the special circumstances of the matter the court, for reasons which shall be specified in the direction, otherwise directs, a person referred to in paragraph (a) may, for the purposes of preparing [such a report —
(i) attend the proceedings, and
(ii) have access to any relevant documents,
subject to any directions the court may give in that behalf.]
(4) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from supplying copies of, or extracts from, orders made in the proceedings to such persons and in accordance with such conditions (if any) as may be prescribed by order of the Minister.
(5) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from being accompanied, in such proceedings, in court by another person subject to the approval of the court and any directions it may give in that behalf.
(6) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the production of a document prepared for the purposes or in contemplation of such proceedings or given in evidence in such proceedings, to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(7) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the giving of information or evidence given in such proceedings to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(8) A court hearing proceedings under a relevant enactment shall, on its own motion or on the application of one of the parties to the proceedings, have discretion to order disclosure of documents, information or evidence connected with or arising in the course of the proceedings to third parties if such disclosure is required to protect the legitimate interests of a party or other person affected by the proceedings.
(9) A hearing, inquiry or investigation referred to in subsection (6) or (7) shall, in so far as it relates to a document referred to in subsection (6) or information or evidence referred to in subsection (7), be conducted otherwise than in public and no such document, information or evidence shall be published.
(10) This section shall apply to proceedings brought, and decisions of a court made, whether before or after the commencement of this section.
[(11) In subsection (3), ‘relevant documents’, in relation to any proceedings referred to in that subsection—
(a) subject to paragraph (b), means—
(i) the petition, summons or other originating document in the proceedings,
(ii) pleadings and other documents (including the terms of settlement, if any) produced to or lodged with the court, or included in the book of pleadings, in the course of the proceedings, and
(iii) any order made by the court in the proceedings,
(b) does not include any document the contents of which are expressed to be without prejudice or in terms having a like effect.]
C22
Application of section extended (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 38(5), commenced as per s. 1(2).
Jurisdiction of courts and venue.
38. — ...
(5) Section 32 of the Act of 1989 shall apply to proceedings under this Act in the Circuit Family Court and sections 33 to 36 of that Act shall apply to proceedings under this Act in that Court and in the High Court.
...
C23
Application of section extended (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 38(6), S.I. No. 46 of 1996.
Jurisdiction of courts and venue.
38. — ...
(6) Section 32 of the Act of 1989 shall apply to proceedings under this Act in the Circuit Family Court and sections 33 to 36 of that Act shall apply to proceedings under this Act in that Court and in the High Court.
...
Section 35
Costs.
35.—The costs of any proceedings under this Act shall be at the discretion of the court.
Annotations
Modifications (not altering text):
C24
Application of section extended (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 38(5), commenced as per s. 1(2).
Jurisdiction of courts and venue.
38. —...
(5) Section 32 of the Act of 1989 shall apply to proceedings under this Act in the Circuit Family Court and sections 33 to 36 of that Act shall apply to proceedings under this Act in that Court and in the High Court.
...
C25
Application of section extended (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 38(6), S.I. No. 46 of 1996.
Jurisdiction of courts and venue.
38. — ...
(6) Section 32 of the Act of 1989 shall apply to proceedings under this Act in the Circuit Family Court and sections 33 to 36 of that Act shall apply to proceedings under this Act in that Court and in the High Court.
...
Section 36
Rules of court.
36.—(1) Rules of court shall provide for the documentation required for the commencement of proceedings under this Act in a summary manner.
(2) The rules of court, and any established form or course of pleading, practice or procedure, for the purposes of any enactment or jurisdiction affected by this Act shall, pending the due making of rules of court, apply for such purposes with such adaptations as may be necessary.
Annotations
Modifications (not altering text):
C26
Application of section extended (27.02.1997) by Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996), s. 38(5), commenced as per s. 1(2).
Jurisdiction of courts and venue.
38. — ...
(5) Section 32 of the Act of 1989 shall apply to proceedings under this Act in the Circuit Family Court and sections 33 to 36 of that Act shall apply to proceedings under this Act in that Court and in the High Court.
...
C27
Application of section extended (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 38(6), S.I. No. 46 of 1996.
Jurisdiction of courts and venue.
38. — ...
(6) Section 32 of the Act of 1989 shall apply to proceedings under this Act in the Circuit Family Court and sections 33 to 36 of that Act shall apply to proceedings under this Act in that Court and in the High Court.
...
PART IV
Miscellaneous
Section 37
Saver for existing law.
37.—Save in so far as otherwise provided in this Act, the law relating to proceedings for divorce a mensa et thoro shall, so far as applicable, apply in relation to proceedings for judicial separation.
Section 38
Amendment of sections 5 and 6 of Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976.
38.—(1) In this section “the Act of 1976” means the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976.
(2) Section 5 of the Act of 1976 is hereby amended—
(a) by the insertion in subsection (2) after “the other spouse” of the following:
“unless, having regard to all the circumstances (including the conduct of the other spouse), the Court is of opinion that it would be repugnant to justice not to make a maintenance order”,
(b) by the deletion of subsection (3), and
(c) by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (b) of subsection (4):
“(c) the conduct of each of the spouses, if that conduct is such that in the opinion of the Court it would in all the circumstances be repugnant to justice to disregard it.”.
(3) Section 6 of the Act of 1976 is hereby amended—
(a) by the insertion in paragraph (b) of subsection (1), after “any circumstances not existing when the order was made”, of the following:
“(including the conduct of each of the spouses, if that conduct is such that in the opinion of the Court it would in all the circumstances be repugnant to justice to disregard it)”,
(b) by the insertion in subsection (2), after “and continues to desert the maintenance debtor”, of the following:
“unless, having regard to all the circumstances (including the conduct of the other spouse), the Court is of opinion that it would be repugnant to justice to do so.”,
(c) by the deletion of subsection (4), and
(d) by the deletion of or adultery by” in subsection (5) and the substitution of “by, or conduct of,”.
Section 39
Discharge of orders under Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976.
39.—F34[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F34
Repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in s. 3(2).
Section 40
Reports on children in guardianship cases.
40.—F35[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F35
Repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996, subject to transitional provisions in s. 3(2).
Section 41
Custody of dependent children.
41.—F36[(1) In this section ‘dependent member of the family’ has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 of the Family Law Act, 1995.
(2) Where the court grants a decree of judicial separation, it may declare either of the spouses concerned to be unfit to have custody of any dependent member of the family who is a minor and, if it does so and the spouse to whom the declaration related is a parent of a dependent member of the family who is a minor, that spouse shall not, on the death of the other spouse, be entitled as of right to the custody of that minor.]
(3) Section 18 (1) of the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, is hereby repealed except in relation to an action instituted before the commencement of this Act.
Annotations
Amendments:
F36
Substituted (9.01.1998) by Children Act 1997 (40/1997), s. 16, commenced as per s. 1(2).
Section 42
Amendment of section 120 (2) of Succession Act, 1965.
42.—(1) Section 120 (2) of the Succession Act, 1965 is hereby amended by the deletion of the words from “against whom the deceased obtained a decree of divorce a mensa et thoro,” to “and a spouse”.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not have effect in relation to a decree of divorce a mensa et thoro granted in proceedings instituted before the commencement of this Act.
Section 43
Divorce a mensa et thoro decrees and alimony orders.
43.—Any order made by either the Circuit Court or the High Court granting a decree of divorce a mensa et thoro in proceedings issued before the commencement of this Act shall not be affected by this Act save that any alimony order made subsequent to the granting of such decree shall be deemed for all purposes to be an order made under section 14 (1) (a) of this Act.
Annotations
Editorial Notes:
E23
S. 14 was repealed (1.08.1996) by Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995), s. 3 and sch., S.I. No. 46 of 1996. An equivalent provision dealing with periodical payments and lump sum orders is contained (1.08.1996) in Family Law Act 1995, s. 8, S.I. No. 46 of 1996.
Section 44
Collusion, condonation, recrimination, connivance.
44.—(1) Collusion between the spouses in connection with an application for a judicial separation or, subject to subsection (2) of this section, any conduct (including condonation or recrimination) on the part of the applicant shall not be a bar to the grant of a decree of judicial separation.
(2) Where an application for a decree of judicial separation is made on the ground of adultery and the respondent proves that the adultery was committed with the connivance of the applicant the court may refuse the application.
Section 45
Conduct of District Court family proceedings.
45.—(1) Proceedings before the District Court under the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976, the Family Home Protection Act, 1976, section 9 of the Family Law Act, 1981, the Family Law (Protection of Spouses and Children) Act, 1981 and the F37[, the Status of Children Act, 1987, and the Child Abduction and Enforcement of Custody Orders Act, 1991,] shall be as informal as is practicable and consistent with the administration of justice.
(2) Neither district justices hearing and determining such proceedings as are referred to in subsection (1) of this section nor barristers nor solicitors appearing in such proceedings shall wear wigs or gowns.
Annotations
Amendments:
F37
Substituted (1.10.1991) by Child Abduction and Enforcement of Custody Orders Act 1991 (6/1991), s. 39(3), S.I. No. 235 of 1991.
Modifications (not altering text):
C28
Judges’ robes when hearing proceedings under subs. (1) or proceedings involving a child specified by District Court Rules 1997 (S.I. No. 93 of 1997), order 5, as substituted (8.03.2017) by District Court (Judges’ Robes) Rules 2017 (S.I. No. 77 of 2017), rule 2.
[Order 5
Judges robes
...
2. A Judge, when hearing and determining such proceedings as are referred to in section 45 (1) of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 (No. 6 of 1989) or proceedings involving a child shall not be required to wear either such gown but shall during the sittings of the Court wear white bands or a single white neck tab and dark attire.]
C29
Application of section extended (1.01.2011) by Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Act 2000 (37/2000), s. 4(4), S.I. No. 650 of 2010.
Exercise of jurisdiction.
4. — ...
(4) Sections 33(1), 33(2) and 45 (which provisions relate to the conduct of family proceedings) of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, shall apply and have effect in relation to an application under subsection (1)(b).
C30
Application of section extended (31.10.1995) by Child Care Act 1991 (17/1991), s. 29(2), S.I. No. 258 of 1995.
Hearing of proceedings.
29. — ...
(2) The provisions of sections 33 (1), 33 (2) and 45 of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, shall apply to proceedings under Part III, IV or VI as they apply to proceedings to which those provisions relate.
...
Section 46
Short title and commencement.
46.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989.
(2) This Act shall come into operation on the day that is 6 months after the date of the passing of this Act.
Number 6 of 1989
JUDICIAL SEPARATION AND FAMILY LAW REFORM ACT 1989
REVISED
Updated to 1 August 2022
About this Revised Act
This Revised Act presents the text of the Act as it has been amended since enactment, and preserves the format in which it was passed.
Related legislation
This Act is not collectively cited with any other Act.
Annotations
This Revised Act is annotated and includes textual and non-textual amendments, statutory instruments made pursuant to the Act and previous affecting provisions.
An explanation of how to read annotations is available at
www.lawreform.ie/annotations.
Material not updated in this revision
Where other legislation is amended by this Act, those amendments may have been superseded by other amendments in other legislation, or the amended legislation may have been repealed or revoked. This information is not represented in this revision but will be reflected in a revision of the amended legislation if one is available.
Where legislation or a fragment of legislation is referred to in annotations, changes to this legislation or fragment may not be reflected in this revision but will be reflected in a revision of the legislation referred to if one is available.
A list of legislative changes to any Act, and to statutory instruments from 1972, may be found linked from the page of the Act or statutory instrument at
www.irishstatutebook.ie.
Acts which affect or previously affected this revision
• Family Law Act 2019 (37/2019)
• Domestic Violence Act 2018 (6/2018)
• Mediation Act 2017 (27/2017)
• Marriage Act 2015 (35/2015)
• Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008)
• Health Act 2004 (42/2004)
• Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004)
• Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Act 2000 (37/2000)
• Children Act 1997 (40/1997)
• Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (39/1997)
• Finance Act 1997 (22/1997)
• Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 (33/1996)
• Domestic Violence Act 1996 (1/1996)
• Courts and Court Officers Act 1995 (31/1995)
• Family Law Act 1995 (26/1995)
• Criminal Damage Act 1991 (31/1991)
• Child Care Act 1991 (17/1991)
• Child Abduction and Enforcement of Custody Orders Act 1991 (6/1991)
• Family Home Protection Act 1976 (27/1976)
All Acts up to and including Electoral Reform Act 2022 (30/2022), enacted 25 July 2022, were considered in the preparation of this revision.
Statutory instruments which affect or previously affected this revision
• European Union (Decisions in Matrimonial Matters and in Matters of Parental Responsibility and International Child Abduction) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 400 of 2022)
• District Court (Judges’ Robes) Rules 2017 (S.I. No. 77 of 2017)
• European Communities (Judgments in Matrimonial Matters and Matters of Parental Responsibility) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 112 of 2005)
• European Communities (Judgments in Matrimonial Matters and Matters of Parental Responsibility) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 472 of 2001)
All statutory instruments up to and including European Union (Decisions in Matrimonial Matters and in Matters of Parental Responsibility and International Child Abduction) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 400 of 2022), made 31 July 2022, were considered in the preparation of this revision.