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Parenting arrangements
Information on parenting arrangements, including mediation and going to court.
There are two ways of working out parenting arrangements where parents find this difficult:
Mediation:
Mediation is sitting down with a trained independent person who can help you to talk to each other and work out good decisions together about your child and which will work towards your child’s best interest.
The Government provides an excellent, free and confidential mediation service. Contact them at 01 6344 320, www.fsa.ie.
Going to Court:
Try to avoid going to court if possible. This is not the best place to be sorting out family issues regarding your children. Tensions can get very high and often bitter. However, in some cases this is the only option.
You don’t need to get a solicitor to go to court. Either parent can go to the court clerk in the local District Court and start the process. You must have an address for the other parent.
However, you need to be comfortable about speaking up for yourself. Court clerks can be very helpful and will guide you through the paperwork. You might be entitled to Legal Aid. The Legal Aid Board provides legal advice and legal aid in relation to civil law matters to people whose disposable income is less than €18,000. To find your local Legal Aid Centre ring LoCall: 1890 615 200 or visit www.legalaidboard.ie.
Family Law Courts are not open to the general public as hearings are held in private. Only parents and witnesses are allowed in.
Contact Treoir for a copy of ‘Taking the Stand’, which has lots of helpful hints on resolving disputes regarding children, on representing yourself in court and what it is like going to court.
Remember that it is much better for children if both parents are involved in their lives.
Content developed by Treoir the National Information Centre for Unmarried Parents.
For further supportive information, please contact Treoir on:
LoCall: 1890252084
Tel: 01–6700 120
Email: info@treoir.ie.
