Ireland has the lowest rate of divorce in the EU, and the third lowest in the world, and the marriage rate has increased since the 1995 referendum that removed the constitutional ban on divorce. Divorce is not common, and recent statistics showed that more than 88% of marriages were the first marriage for both the bride and the groom.

Studies carried out in Ireland in recent years have demonstrated that one-parent families in Ireland are suffering a high level of deprivation, and one third of these families have been through divorce. It is very clear that families with one parent are more likely to experience poverty, and this is likely to be due to a combination of factors.

What Impact Does Divorce Have On Families?

• Almost one in five children lives in a one parent family in Ireland, a statistic that is much higher than the European average, and 87% of these live with their mothers.

• Just over 40% of lone parents are employed in paid work, although many more may be self employed, with one parent families more than twice as likely to live in consistent poverty compared with families that have two parents.

• Childcare provision in Ireland is very poor compared with other countries in the EU, with less than 0.2% of GDP spent on care and education for children of preschool age. Ireland has no system for out-of-school childcare provision, which is very restrictive for lone parents who wish to work.

• With lone parents often unable to work due to a lack of childcare, those who manage to make this situation sustainable are likely to pay dearly for it. A two parent family will spend, on average, 29% of their net income on childcare, while a one parent family averages 52% of net income spent on childcare.

• Children whose parents have divorced are much more likely to experience trauma due to the process, and it is important to ensure that children have as much support as possible during and after this difficult time. However, it is vital to remember that a destructive or unhappy marriage can also result in trauma, and that children will always be better cared for in a safe and loving family home, regardless of whether they have one or two parents.

Talk To Family Law Solicitors in Cork

Are you considering a divorce? A family law solicitor can help you to establish your options and make decisions that will be positive for your family in the future.

Contact Irwin, Kilcullen & Co Solicitors for a free consultation without obligation and benefit from our expertise in family law. Simply contact us online or call us today on +021 4270934 to talk to our experienced and helpful team.