{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6884be8a3781311f9174ddcc/6884be99f6d4262b07ba4731?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Navigating Separation and Divorce with Family Law Solicitor Hilary O'Connor","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/6884be8a3781311f9174ddcc/e46dc1a04b63d687f4e004c5a8dbfe96.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2021753/open_sms\">Send us a text</a></p><p>Navigating separation and divorce is emotionally charged and legally complex, requiring careful consideration of finances, children’s needs, and your own well-being throughout the process. Family law solicitor Hilary O’Connor offers clear guidance on managing this challenging life transition.</p><p><br/></p><ul><li>Mediation should be the initial step in separation proceedings as it is free and enables couples to resolve issues collaboratively.</li><li>Living “separate and apart” for one year qualifies for separation in Ireland, while divorce requires two years out of the last three.</li><li>Emotions run high during separation – being “too mad and too sad” can impair decision-making and needlessly prolong the process.</li><li>The family home often becomes a central issue, but financial realities mean that one household budget must now support two homes.</li><li>Pensions are just as important as property in settlement discussions, yet are frequently overlooked.</li><li>Access to children is the child’s right to see both parents, not a “gift” the primary carer can withhold.</li><li>The legal process includes submitting affidavits of means and welfare, with full financial disclosure required for settlements.</li><li>Qualified cohabitants (those living together for 2+ years with children or 5+ years without) have similar, though not identical, rights to married couples.</li><li>Maintenance for children continues until the age of 18 (or 23 if in full-time education), while spousal maintenance may be lifelong.</li><li>Self-care is essential – seek counselling, surround yourself with supportive people, and “stock up on vitamins” as your immune system will be affected.</li></ul><p>Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube <a href='https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN4xDBAAv7WCZCJ0VJC8lIXiX8_QtHFZJ&amp;si=yi8ifI_sbjJJISSi'>here</a>. Don’t forget to follow <em>The Laura Dowling Experience</em> podcast on Instagram <a href='https://www.instagram.com/lauradowlingexperience?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=='>@lauradowlingexperience</a> for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, <a href='https://www.instagram.com/fabulouspharmacist?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=='>@fabulouspharmacist</a> for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. </p>","author_name":"Laura Dowling"}