New arrangements announced for Circuit Family Law in Dublin

Friday 7th May 2021: The Courts Service has kept courts open and safe for urgent Family Law matters such as domestic violence throughout the pandemic. As restrictions open up, the Courts Service confirms this week that the Family Law Circuit Court Public Counter in Phoenix House is open from 9.30am to 3.30pm through lunchtime, subject to further notice.

Additional updates regarding increased Family Law business are as follows:

COUNTY REGISTRAR COURT

1. Case Progression is commencing the week beginning May 12th and every week thereafter, subject to change.
2. The scheduling of County Registrar Motions will commence on the 20th May 2021 and weekly thereafter subject to change.
3. All urgent submissions to the County Register must outline the urgency in writing. This can be submitted via email at dublincircuitfamilylaw@courts.ie or by post. 
4. All Marriage Exemption applications to continue as heretofore.
5. The list to Fix Dates is currently underway for the allocation of hearing dates with a further list to be scheduled during the Trinity term.

JUDGES COURTS

1. In excess of 400 Divorces and Judicial Separations have been processed by the Courts Service since February 2021. In addition, applications for consent rulings up to 30th April 2021 have now been issued dates for hearing. New consent rulings for Divorce and Judicial Separations will now be given a September date to facilitate general motions, but urgent rulings can be applied for in writing.
2. Additional dates have been made available in September for hearings, consents and urgent Applications.
3. Should a hearing settle, this office should be notified as soon as possible to make best use of this time to facilitate other urgent matters.
4. Applications for Pension Adjustment rulings and other consent applications to continue before Judges in chambers, as heretofore.

As restrictions ease, it is important that all Court Users continue to practice the public health measures, follow the guidance of the Courts and the health and safety protocols put in place by the Courts Service namely:

• wear face masks
• physical distance at 2m
• continue good hand and respiratory hygiene
• avoid congregating in groups
• comply with directions from Courts Service staff in relation to the management of the numbers of persons in court buildings and
• if you have symptoms, are a close contact of a person who tested positive for Covid-19, have been directed to restrict your movement or are awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test, you should not attend court, but you should contact the office at the above e-mail address at the earliest opportunity.