Family Law Solicitors in Dublin for Divorce Where Significant Assets Are Involved
We advise on high-net-worth divorce, judicial separation and complex financial provision: businesses, property portfolios, pensions, inherited wealth and cross-border assets. Discreet, solicitor-led and focused on proper provision under Irish law.
Complex Asset Family Law, Handled Properly
Divorce in Ireland is governed by the constitutional and statutory requirement that proper provision be made for spouses and dependent children. Where the assets include a trading company, a professional practice, investment property, substantial pensions or inherited and trust assets, proper provision becomes a detailed exercise in disclosure, valuation and structuring — not a formula. That is the work this firm concentrates on.
Richard O’Shea is a solicitor with a Law Society Diploma in Mediation and is TEP-qualified, which is directly relevant where trusts, estates and succession interests form part of the family wealth. Our approach is discreet and settlement-focused, with the capacity to litigate fully where disclosure is contested or protective orders are needed.
What We Advise On
Free Preparation Tools
Work through the documents you will need for financial disclosure. Runs entirely on your device — nothing is stored or sent.
General information on the likely route your case may take, from mediation to the High Court. On-device only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a high-net-worth divorce in Ireland?
There is no statutory definition, but in practice the term describes divorce or separation cases involving substantial or complex assets: businesses, investment property, significant pensions, inherited wealth or cross-border holdings. Cases involving assets above approximately €3 million are generally dealt with in the High Court.
Are Irish divorce proceedings private?
Yes. Family law proceedings in Ireland are heard otherwise than in public under the in camera rule. The public and press are excluded, and information from the proceedings cannot generally be published in a way that identifies the parties.
Do I have to go to court to divorce in Ireland?
A court decree is always required to dissolve a marriage, but the terms — asset division, maintenance, pensions — can be agreed through negotiation or mediation and then ruled by the court. Many cases involving significant assets settle without a contested hearing.
How long must we be living apart before applying for divorce?
Under the Family Law Act 2019, spouses must have lived apart for at least two of the preceding three years before divorce proceedings issue. Living apart can, in some circumstances, include living separately under the same roof.
Which court will hear my case?
Divorce and judicial separation are dealt with in the Circuit Court or the High Court. Cases involving assets above approximately €3 million are generally brought in the High Court. The Family Courts Act 2024 provides for a restructured family court system; commencement of that structure should be checked at the time of your case.
Do you advise on the tax consequences of divorce?
No. We advise on the legal process and orders. Where tax consequences arise on transfers of assets, pensions or maintenance, we will identify that a tax question exists and refer you to your accountant or tax advisor and to Revenue guidance.
Arrange a Confidential Consultation
Consultations are private and without obligation. All enquiries are handled through our Dublin office at Ormond Quay, Dublin 7.
Richard advises on divorce, judicial separation and complex asset family law at Mary Molloy Solicitors, a Dublin firm established in 1981. His mediation qualification supports negotiated and mediated settlement of financial matters, and his TEP qualification is directly relevant where trusts, inherited assets and succession issues arise in the division of family wealth. LinkedIn
Legal information, not legal advice. This page provides general information on Irish family law. It is not legal advice, and it does not create a solicitor–client relationship. Outcomes in family law depend on the specific circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court. You should obtain advice from a solicitor on your own situation before acting.
Where tax consequences arise on separation or divorce, you should obtain independent advice from your accountant or tax advisor and consult Revenue guidance. We do not provide tax advice.
In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.