Independent editorial overview of the leading family and divorce law firms in Cork, Ireland. This guide highlights practices with expertise in divorce, separation agreements, child custody, guardianship, maintenance, high-net-worth family cases, and international family law. Interested in a professionally optimised subpage for your firm or as an individual lawyer, plus a trust badge if you haven’t received one? Please get in touch via our contact page.
The firms below are selected based on independent recognition, case experience, and client feedback. Each entry includes three family solicitors and one or two authoritative references for transparency.
Top family and divorce solicitors in Cork
- Fitzgerald Solicitors Cork
Established firm providing expert family law services, including divorce, financial relief, custody disputes, and domestic violence cases.
Notable solicitors: Aoife Walsh, Paul Fitzgerald, Sarah Barry.
Sources: 1
- Coakley Moloney Solicitors Cork
Respected Cork firm with a strong family law team advising on separation agreements, child access, and maintenance disputes.
Notable solicitors: John Moloney, Claire Coakley, Emma Murphy.
Sources: 2
- PJ O’Leary & Company Solicitors Cork
Trusted firm experienced in divorce and family law, handling mediation, guardianship and child custody disputes.
Notable solicitors: Patrick O’Leary, Mary O’Shea, Eoin Burke.
Sources: 3
- Ronan Daly Jermyn (RDJ) Cork
Large national firm with a family law team advising clients on complex divorces, financial provision, and children’s cases.
Notable solicitors: Jennifer Cashman, Anne O’Connell, Caroline Jennings.
Sources: 4
- Cahalane Skelton Solicitors Cork
Specialist family law practice providing tailored advice on divorce, child welfare, and separation disputes.
Notable solicitors: Catherine Cahalane, Mark Skelton, Orla Cahalane.
Sources: 5
- McCarthy & Co Solicitors Cork
Well-regarded family and general practice law firm with extensive experience in separation and divorce cases.
Notable solicitors: Ernest Cantillon, Anthony McCarthy, Claire Daly.
Sources: 6
- O’Flynn Exhams Solicitors Cork
Full-service firm with a dedicated family law team advising on high-value divorce, financial disputes, and custody issues.
Notable solicitors: Rachel O’Flynn, Siobhan Exham, David O’Donnell.
Sources: 7
- O’Shea Solicitors Cork
Longstanding Cork firm with family lawyers focusing on custody, guardianship, access rights, and domestic violence cases.
Notable solicitors: John O’Shea, Margaret Healy, Niamh O’Shea.
Sources: 8
- Martin & Harper Solicitors Cork
Local practice providing family law support in divorce, separation agreements, child arrangements and guardianship.
Notable solicitors: Declan Martin, Fiona Harper, Grace Kelleher.
Sources: 9
- Brophy Solicitors Cork
Specialist firm providing representation in divorce, custody, maintenance and domestic abuse cases.
Notable solicitors: David Brophy, Anne Brophy, Clodagh Walsh.
Sources: 10
Frequently asked questions
How long does divorce take in Ireland
Divorce typically takes several months to over a year depending on whether the case is contested, the complexity of finances, and custody issues.
What is judicial separation
Judicial separation is a court order permitting spouses to live apart without formally dissolving the marriage, often used before divorce.
What courts hear family law cases in Cork
Most family cases are heard in the District Court and Circuit Court, with complex matters proceeding to the High Court in Dublin.
Can mediation resolve family disputes
Yes. Mediation is widely encouraged in Ireland to help resolve custody, maintenance, and property disputes amicably and cost-effectively.
What financial provision is available after divorce
Courts may order division of assets, spousal maintenance, pension adjustments, and child support based on fairness and need.
Do cohabitants have rights in Ireland
Yes. Under the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, qualified cohabitants can seek financial redress.
Are prenuptial agreements binding in Ireland
While not automatically binding, prenuptial agreements are increasingly considered persuasive by Irish courts in family law cases.
Can foreign divorces be recognised in Ireland
Yes, if they meet criteria of jurisdiction and domicile. Recognition of foreign divorces can be complex and usually requires legal advice.
Are legal aid services available for family law
Yes. Many Cork firms accept legal aid for family cases, subject to eligibility based on means and case type.
How do I choose the right family solicitor in Cork
Look for family law accreditation, strong client reviews, directory recognition and proven case experience.
Endnotes
- Fitzgerald Solicitors family law. Source: Fitzgerald Solicitors.
- Coakley Moloney family practice. Source: Coakley Moloney.
- PJ O’Leary family law overview. Source: PJ O’Leary.
- Ronan Daly Jermyn family law. Source: RDJ.
- Cahalane Skelton Solicitors. Source: Cahalane Skelton.
- McCarthy & Co family law. Source: McCarthy & Co.
- O’Flynn Exhams family law. Source: O’Flynn Exhams.
- O’Shea Solicitors family services. Source: O’Shea Solicitors.
- Martin & Harper Solicitors. Source: Martin & Harper.
- Brophy Solicitors family overview. Source: Brophy Solicitors.
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