Divorce and Irish courts

Sir, – I am writing with regard to your editorial on “Divorce and the Irish courts: lower costs must be a priority”, (April 21st). As a “small town lawyer” with a substantial family law practice, I invite any commentator/critic who seeks to downplay the seriousness and heartache of family strife to sit up a little straighter.

Lawyers, lawyers, fees, fees, etc, etc.

Perhaps a day observing a solicitor’s family law consultations might inform? Perhaps a week observing interim family law District Court hearings?

Perhaps a month observing a Circuit Court family law sitting outside of the Pale?

Ask Roe: My partner has become increasingly right wing conservative in his world view

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David McWilliams: In today’s Ireland, the rich live in houses that were built for the poor

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‘We don’t speak, we don’t eat, we don’t do anything together’: Inside an Irish divorce court

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Or better yet, perhaps a three-year secondment observing the pilgrimage which citizens of this State and their lawyers endure from the date of relationship breakdown to the date of legal relationship dissolution?

Oh, and by the way, that’s before the kids get a look in. – Yours, etc,

ALISON KEANE,

Claremorris,

Co Mayo.