DIY Divorce in Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started

Going through a divorce is never easy, but the process itself doesn't have to make it harder.

If you and your spouse are in agreement and your situation is relatively straightforward, a DIY approach to divorce in Ireland is not only possible, it could save you thousands of euros and a lot of unnecessary stress.

That's exactly what Simple Divorce was built for. Instead of paying a solicitor a large amount of money to manage a process that doesn't need to be that complicated, Simple Divorce handles everything (the paperwork, court filing, and step-by-step guidance) for a simple fixed fee.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: the legal requirements, how the process works step by step, what documents you'll need, how long it takes, and what it costs. We've also answered the most common questions people have before they get started.

What Does "DIY Divorce" Mean in Ireland?

In Ireland, all divorces go through the court system; there's no way around that.

What "DIY divorce" means is that you handle the process yourself (or with the help of a service like Simple Divorce), rather than paying a solicitor to manage everything on your behalf.

This approach works well when both spouses are on the same page, there are no major disputes over assets or children, and the situation is relatively uncomplicated.

In those cases, you don't need a solicitor in a traditional sense; you just need the right guidance, the right documents, and a clear understanding of the steps involved.

The 3 Requirements for Divorce in Ireland

Before anything else, you need to make sure you actually qualify for a divorce.

Irish law sets out three conditions that must all be met:

1. You've been living apart for at least 2 of the last 3 years

You and your spouse must have been separated for a minimum of two years out of the three years immediately before you apply.

It's worth noting that "living apart" doesn't necessarily mean living at different addresses; couples who have separated but continued to share a home for financial or practical reasons can still meet this requirement once the marriage has genuinely broken down.

2. There is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation

The court needs to be satisfied that the marriage is over. This isn't about blame or fault; it simply means that both parties accept the relationship has permanently broken down.

3. Proper provision has been made for both spouses and any dependent children

The court must be satisfied that financial and practical arrangements are in place for everyone involved. This doesn't mean everything needs to be fully resolved before you apply, but there must be a plan, especially when children are involved.

If you meet all three, you're eligible to apply. If you're unsure, read our full breakdown of the divorce requirements in Ireland or get in touch for a free consultation.

Legal Separation vs. Divorce: What's the Difference?

This is one of the most common points of confusion, and it matters because they're not the same thing.

A legal separation is a formal court order that sets out the terms of your separation: finances, property, maintenance, and arrangements for children. It legally recognises that you are living apart, but you remain married. You cannot remarry after a legal separation.

A divorce legally ends the marriage entirely. Once a decree of divorce is granted, both parties are free to remarry.

So why would anyone choose legal separation over divorce?

Some couples prefer it for religious reasons. Others use it as a stepping stone, especially if they haven't yet met the two-year separation requirement for divorce.

In some cases, people get a legal separation first and then convert it to a divorce later, which can make the divorce process smoother since the terms are already agreed upon.

If you've been informally separated for years and never formalised anything, don't assume that means you're already on the divorce track. Informal separation has no legal standing in Ireland. Until you go to court, nothing is official.

Is a DIY Divorce Approach Right for Your Situation?

A DIY or assisted divorce works best when:

• Both spouses agree that the marriage is over.
• You've been separated for at least two years.
• There are no major disputes over the family home, assets, or pensions.
• Any arrangements for children are agreed upon between you.
• Neither party is looking to contest the divorce.

If any of the above doesn't apply, for example, if your spouse won't engage, if there's a significant dispute over property or a pension, or if you have complex financial circumstances, you may need a solicitor to represent you.

A good rule of thumb is that the more contested things are, the more professional legal support you need.

That said, many people are surprised by how straightforward their situation actually is once they get started.

Step-by-Step: How the Divorce Process Works in Ireland

Here's what the divorce process looks like from start to finish in Ireland.

Step 1: Gather your documents

You'll need your original marriage certificate (or a certified copy), proof of your Irish address, and financial information for both parties.

Step 2: Complete your affidavits

Two key sworn documents need to be prepared:

• Affidavit of Means: A detailed declaration of your financial situation (income, assets, liabilities, expenses).

• Affidavit of Welfare: This is required if you have dependent children; this outlines the arrangements in place for their care, education, and financial support.

These are legal documents that must be signed in front of a Commissioner for Oaths or a practising solicitor.

Step 3: File your application at the Circuit Court

Most divorce applications in Ireland are filed at the Circuit Court in the county where either spouse lives. In more complex cases (particularly those involving high-value assets), the High Court may be used.

You'll pay a court filing fee at this stage.

Step 4: Serve the papers on your spouse

Once filed, your spouse (the Respondent) must be formally notified. They receive a copy of the application and the supporting documents.

Step 5: Your spouse files their response

The Respondent has the opportunity to file their own Appearance and Answer. In an agreed divorce, this is usually a straightforward formality.

Step 6: Court date is assigned

The court schedules a hearing date. This can vary depending on which county you're in and how busy the court lists are.

Step 7: The hearing

This is usually brief in an uncontested case. Both parties (or their representatives) appear before the judge, confirm the facts, and the judge is satisfied that the legal requirements are met.

Step 8: Decree of Divorce is granted

The judge issues the Decree of Divorce, legally ending the marriage. You'll receive a certified copy for your records.

How Long Does Divorce Take in Ireland?

For straightforward cases, you're looking at 3 to 6 months from filing to decree. The biggest variable is usually the court waiting list for a hearing date, which varies across counties.

How Much Does Divorce Cost in Ireland?

Preparing all documents yourself and managing all court communication is technically possible, but it's easy to make mistakes that cause delays.

Most people find that using a service like Simple Divorce hits the ideal middle ground: professional support, all the paperwork handled, and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional solicitor.

Why Simple Divorce? Ireland's Smarter Way to Get Divorced

For most people, the idea of getting divorced brings up two fears: It's going to be expensive, and it's going to be complicated. Simple Divorce was built to solve both.

The reality is that if your situation is straightforward, for instance, you've been separated for two or more years, you're both in agreement, and there are no major disputes, you don't need a full-service solicitor.

What you need is someone who knows the process inside out, makes sure everything is done correctly, and takes the paperwork off your hands entirely. That's exactly what Simple Divorce does.

The Problem We Solve

Divorce in Ireland has traditionally meant one thing: solicitors and the bills that come with them.

Fees of €2,500 to €10,000 are standard, and that's before any complications arise. For couples who have already agreed on the terms and just want to move on with their lives, that cost is hard to justify. Simple Divorce exists for exactly those people, offering a clear, affordable, and professionally managed alternative that doesn't cut corners.

Every Step is Handled

From the moment you get in touch, Simple Divorce guides you through the entire process.

We assess your situation upfront to make sure you meet the legal requirements and that our service is the right fit. Once you're confirmed as eligible, we take care of all the documentation: preparing your affidavits, completing your court forms, filing your application, and making sure everything is submitted correctly and on time.

You don't need to figure out which court to use, how to swear an affidavit, or what to do if something needs to be amended. That's all handled for you.

We make sure you're doing it right

One of the biggest risks is making errors on legal documents that can cause delays, or worse, rejections.

Our team reviews everything before it goes to court. Every document is prepared to be compliant with current Circuit Court family law rules, and our team is on hand to answer questions at every stage.

Affordable and transparent

Simple Divorce charges a single fixed fee of €699. For most clients, the process costs a fraction of what they would have paid a traditional solicitor, and they get a dedicated team managing the whole thing from start to finish.

What our clients say

“I highly recommend Simple divorce. I dealt with Amy, and she could not have been more helpful. I found it very daunting at first with all the documents but Amy went through all of them step by step and talked me through everything over the last few months. All in all I had a great experience, it took so much stress away. I got officially divorced 2weeks ago and the whole process only took about 6 months…”

— Kim Nolan

When divorce feels overwhelming, Simple Divorce's empathetic team turns a dreaded process into a simple and stress-free journey.

“Thanks to Amy and Simple Divorce for their help support and guidance throughout my divorce proceedings. Simple Divorce is a really easy affordable means of getting a divorce when the divorce is uncontested. They provide you with the paperwork and a step by step guide to completing the documentation required throughout the process. Amy was always very responsive whenever I had any questions or needed to clarify anything. Thanks Simple Divorce”

— Kay Sheehan

For anyone shocked by solicitor quotes, Simple Divorce delivers the same outcome at a cost that actually makes sense.

“Simple Divorce made the entire process so easy and stress-free. From start to finish, everything was handled professionally and efficiently. Communication was clear, and I always felt supported. I couldn’t believe how smoothly everything went — my divorce was completed without any hassle. Highly recommend Simple Divorce to anyone looking for a straightforward and worry-free experience!”

— Liam Ferry

Simple Divorce takes the weight off completely; clients stay informed without having to manage anything themselves.

“Outstanding service, support & step by step guidance from simple Divorce especially Amy. I really can’t recommend them enough. From the first filing to getting my divorce it only took me 8 weeks in total. You need to make sure your summiting all your paper work on time and getting it signed by a commissioner of oath and using registered post etc. Amy will guide you through each process, she was so fast at returning calls & giving me very clear directions to each step. It’s hard to believe it was so simple in the end. Officially a very happy divorced lady today. Thank you once again Amy & Simple Divorce”

— Lynda O. Mahony

For clients who want to move forward with their lives, Simple Divorce delivers results faster than most people expect.

“Thank you, Amy, and team. @Simple divorce for all your guidance and support with my divorce, which was granted today, 19/05/23, I would highly recommend Simple Divorce Amy and her team .You might have your fears of doing this alone, but the team is with you every step of the way I would have been lost without them. Thank you, thank you, thank you, very happy Single Lady”

— Ann Mooney

Simple Divorce understands that behind every case is a person going through a difficult time, and our team shows up accordingly.

Divorce in Ireland: Frequently Asked Questions

I've been separated for years, but never did anything officially. Does that count?

Yes. The two-year separation period counts from when the marriage broke down, regardless of whether you formalised it. So if you separated five years ago, you've likely already met that requirement.

However, informal separation has no other legal standing in Ireland; any financial arrangements, property agreements, or parenting terms are only legally binding once formalised through the courts.

Do I need to have a legal separation before getting a divorce in Ireland?

No. You don't have to get legally separated before getting a divorce. You can go straight to divorce once you meet the two-year requirement. However, if you already have a legal separation agreement in place, the divorce process is simpler because many of the key terms are already agreed upon and on record.

Can we still get divorced in Ireland if we were married abroad?

Yes. What matters is that you are currently a resident in the Republic of Ireland. Irish courts have jurisdiction regardless of where the marriage took place.

What documents do I need to get started to file for divorce in Ireland?

Your original marriage certificate, proof of your address in Ireland, and financial information (income, assets, debts, expenses) for both parties. If you have children, you'll also need to document the arrangements in place for them.

Does it matter who caused the breakdown of the marriage?

No. Irish divorce law is not fault-based. The court doesn't need to know whose "fault" it was, and blame doesn't factor into proceedings. Many people feel guilty or hesitant about this, but the law is designed to be neutral.

Is Simple Divorce more affordable than a traditional divorce lawyer?

Yes. We offer a more budget-friendly option with transparent pricing, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional services.

How do I know if I qualify for an online divorce?

We can help assess your situation during a free consultation to determine if Simple Divorce is right for you.

How does the divorce process work with Simple Divorce?

We handle all the paperwork and guide you through each step. You’ll receive a detailed guide with every set of documents, and we’re here to support you by appointment, phone, email, or post whenever needed.

What if my spouse doesn't want the divorce?

A spouse cannot block a divorce in Ireland if the legal requirements are met, but they can make things more complicated, especially around financial and property terms. If your spouse is refusing to engage or is contesting aspects of the settlement, professional legal representation becomes important.

Can I use Simple Divorce for my divorce if we have children?

Yes. The court needs to be satisfied that proper arrangements are in place for your children before granting a divorce. You'll complete an Affidavit of Welfare setting out those arrangements. As long as both parties agree on custody, access, and maintenance, this doesn't need to be complicated.

Ready to Get Started?

If your situation is straightforward and both of you are ready to move forward, there's no reason this has to be drawn out or expensive.

Simple Divorce offers a fixed-fee service of €699, handling all the paperwork, guiding you through every step, and supporting you through to your Decree of Divorce.

Apply online or book a free consultation to find out if Simple Divorce is right for you.