Preserving Legal Insight and Public Understanding
brophysolicitors.ie was once the online home of a respected Irish law firm. While that firm is no longer in operation, we’ve retained this domain to continue promoting legal literacy and access to trustworthy information for the Irish public.
Today, brophysolicitors.ie serves as a resource for individuals seeking guidance on Irish law, covering topics such as family law, property, probate, personal injury, and more. We share articles, updates, and curated links to authoritative legal sources to help demystify the legal process in Ireland.
Our goal is not to offer legal representation, but to empower readers with clarity and context around common legal challenges in everyday life.
If you’re looking for a solicitor, we recommend visiting a recognised legal directory such as Law Society of Ireland or Citizens Information.
Changing a child’s surname after a divorce or separation can be a sensitive and complex issue. The courts will weigh whether the change is in the child’s best interests, and both guardians must typically agree unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Judicial separation allows couples in Ireland to legally formalise their separation without ending the marriage. It’s a useful route when divorce is not yet an option—whether due to timing or personal reasons.
In Ireland, legal guardianship gives a person rights and responsibilities in relation to a child’s upbringing, including decisions around education, religion, and healthcare. While mothers automatically gain guardianship at birth, fathers do not always have the same status — particularly if they are not married to the child’s mother.
Unmarried fathers can apply for guardianship through the courts, or more commonly now, be named on the child’s birth certificate if registered after 18 January 2016. Even then, many fathers still face challenges accessing their rights, especially during a separation or divorce.
