If you’re facing a family law matter in Dublin — maintenance, guardianship, domestic violence or custody — here’s where to go for help and representation:
🏛️ 1. Dublin District Family Law Office (Courts Service)
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Location: Dolphin House, East Essex St, Dublin 2 (D02 RR76)
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Services: Walk-in and appointment-based services, including emergency Domestic Violence Orders – no need for appointment for ex‑parte orders, and you can apply Mon–Fri, 9:30–12:30 & 14:00–15:00
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You’ll need: Application forms (e.g. maintenance, guardianship), Statement of Means, and any relevant supporting documents
2. Legal Aid & Free Legal Advice
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Legal Aid Board: If you meet the means test, you could get a solicitor for free or reduced costs. They also offer family mediation.
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Local Centres in Dublin: Ballymun, Dolphin House, Jervis St, Clondalkin, Tallaght, Smithfield…
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FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres): Offers free initial advice via phone (01 906 1010), though they don’t provide representation
3. Family Mediation
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A confidential, structured way to agree on children, maintenance, housing, etc.—available through the Legal Aid Board for no cost
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Dublin mediation offices: Ballymun, Dolphin House, Jervis St, Tallaght. Current waiting times run about 6–11 weeks; cancellations may be quicker
4. Other Support Services
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Citizens Information Centres: Local FLAC referrals; info on legal aid eligibility.
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Women’s Aid / Men’s Aid / Safe Ireland: For domestic violence cases; Dolphin House offers a drop‑in service
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Barnardos, One Family, Treoir, Rainbows, etc.: Support for parenting, child welfare, single parents, and unmarried families
5. Representing Yourself / McKenzie Friend
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You can represent yourself in court, and may even bring a lay supporter (a “McKenzie friend”) to assist you—depending on the judge’s discretion
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If your case is complex, a judge may strongly encourage you to seek legal advice. Contact Maura Hurley.
✅ Recommended Next Steps
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Contact the Dolphin House Court Office (walk-in or appointment) and gather required forms and Statement of Means.
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Apply for Legal Aid through your nearest Legal Aid Board law centre (e.g., Dolphin House or Ballymun). If approved, they’ll assign a solicitor.
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Reach out to FLAC (01 906 1010) for free legal advice and guidance on your options.
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Consider mediation, especially for custody and maintenance matters—it’s confidential, cheaper, and often faster than court.
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Explore support agencies like Women’s Aid, Barnardos, Treoir or One Family for emotional, practical, and financial guidance.
📌 Quick Contact List
| Service | Phone / Email | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin District Family Law Office | +353 1 888 6355 / districtfamilylaw@courts.ie | Dolphin House, East Essex St, Dublin 2 |
| Legal Aid Board (Dublin centres) | Phoenix House: +353 1 888 6315 | Phoenix House, Smithfield; Ballymun; Jervis St; etc. |
| FLAC | 01 906 1010 | Upper Dorset St, Dublin 1 |
| Family Mediation (Legal Aid Board) | Dolphin House: 01 672 5886 | 4th Floor, Dolphin House, Dublin 2 |
| Women’s Aid Helpline | 1800 341 900 (24/7) | Dolphin House drop‑in (Mon–Fri) |
We offer a personalised, discreet service regarding Court Appearances for our clients. Our offices are centrally located in Dublin 7 adjacent to public transport and the Courts. We are highly committed to representing our clients to the highest standards. We also advise and represent clients in court on a daily basis.
We strive to accommodate our clients’ needs and are flexible and obliging in the services and appointment times we can offer.
