Getting a Divorce Abroad: What You Need to Know About Recognizing Your Foreign Divorce in Ireland

If you got divorced in another country, you might be wondering if your divorce is recognized in Ireland. The answer is: it depends. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that affect the recognition of foreign divorces in Ireland and what you can do to ensure that your divorce is recognized.

Recognition of Foreign Divorces in Ireland

In general, Irish law recognizes foreign divorces, provided that the divorce was granted by a court that had jurisdiction under the laws of the country where the divorce was granted, and that the divorce is not contrary to Irish public policy.

However, the recognition of foreign divorces is not always straightforward. The circumstances of your divorce and the country where it was granted can affect the recognition of your divorce in Ireland. In some cases, you may need to take additional steps to have your divorce recognized.

Recognition of EU Divorces in Ireland

If you were divorced in a country that is a member of the European Union (EU), your divorce should be automatically recognized in Ireland under the EU regulations on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. This means that you do not need to take any additional steps to have your EU divorce recognized in Ireland.

Recognition of Non-EU Divorces in Ireland

If you were divorced in a country outside the EU, the recognition of your divorce will depend on whether the divorce is recognized as valid under Irish law. In general, Irish law recognizes foreign divorces that meet the following criteria:

  • The divorce was granted by a court that had jurisdiction under the laws of the country where the divorce was granted.
  • The divorce is not contrary to Irish public policy.

In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation to prove that your divorce meets these criteria. This may include a copy of the divorce decree and evidence that the foreign court had jurisdiction to grant the divorce.

Seeking Legal Advice

If you have any doubts about the recognition of your foreign divorce in Ireland, it’s recommended that you seek the advice of a solicitor or legal professional with experience in international divorce law. They can advise you on the specific circumstances of your divorce and provide guidance on the steps you may need to take to have your divorce recognized in Ireland.

In conclusion, the recognition of foreign divorces in Ireland can be a complex issue, but with the right guidance, it’s possible to have your foreign divorce recognized. Whether your divorce was granted in an EU country or a non-EU country, it’s important to seek legal advice and take the necessary steps to ensure that your divorce is recognized in Ireland.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such.

Aidan Duggan