Divorces granted remotely in ‘quantum leap to 21st century’

Divorces granted remotely in 'quantum leap to 21st century'

Keith Walsh

The granting of divorces in remote court hearings for the first time in Irish legal history has been welcomed as a “quantum leap from the 19th to the 21st century for courts, lawyers, judges and court users”.

Family lawyer Keith Walsh acted in a number of divorce cases heard remotely in Dublin Circuit Court last week.

Speaking to Irish Legal News, Mr Walsh said: “This is a very important step forward for access to justice and for those seeking legal separations and divorce in Ireland.

“The granting last week of divorces by Circuit Family Court judges using virtual remote courts represents a quantum leap from the 19th to the 21st century for courts, lawyers, judges and court users.

“The online divorces worked very effectively and they were properly dealt with and granted. It allows those getting divorce to get on with their lives and really accelerated the process which may have been held up for weeks or months otherwise.”

Mr Walsh paid tribute to the Courts Service and the Family Lawyers Association, in particular chairperson Nuala Jackson SC and Paul McCarthy SC, “who were very active in promoting this initiative”, as well as the Law Society and Bar Council.

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