Factors the Court Considers When Making Orders on Divorce and Judicial Separation | BusinessAndLegal.ie

As dealt with elsewhere on this site (family law in Ireland) the Courts can make orders in respect of property, pensions, maintenance, financial compensation orders and succession rights. The factors the Court will consider when making these orders are

I.     The actual and potential financial resources of both spouses

II.     The actual and likely financial needs, obligations and responsibilities of both spouses

III.     The standard of living of the spouses before the separation or divorce

IV.     The length of marriage and the ages of the spouses

V.     Spousal contributions-this is increasing in importance in the Court’s considerations and looks at not just financial contributions but time spent looking after home and family

VI.     Earning capacity or lack of it due to time spent in the home due to marital responsibilities and the lack of future earning capacity due to the sacrifice of career made during marriage

VII.     Statutory entitlements-any benefit or income either spouse is entitled to in law

VIII.     Conduct-this is not a hugely important factor unless the conduct is egregious

IX.     The accommodation needs of both spouses

X.     Any separation agreement entered into by the spouses and which is still in effect

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