If you are the owner or joint owner of a business and you have reached the difficult decision to end your marriage, you are likely to have reasonable concerns about the future of the family business. Here we look at key considerations regarding the law and its application.    The law in Ireland regarding the distribution of assets The Family Law Act 2019 amends previous family law legislation to update provisions regarding the distribution of assets and property during divorce proceedings. One of the key aspects of this legislation is how it deals with assets, including family busin ..read more

If you have sustained an injury at work, a public space, or in a road traffic incident, you will need to process a claim via the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), if you wish to apply for compensation. In this short guide, we explain what it is and how the process works. What is the Personal Injuries Assessment Board? In short, it’s a statutory body established to assess personal injury compensation for victims of workplace, motor, and public liability accidents. Its primary aim is to provide a fair, independent, and efficient assessment process, reducing the need for litigation and ..read more

From tragic misdiagnoses to delayed treatments, incidents in Ireland’s healthcare system can lead to devastating outcomes for patients and their families. High-profile legal settlements highlight the human cost of these errors and prompt conversation about healthcare standards, accountability, and the imperative for systemic reforms. Here are five examples of medical negligence cases that have resulted in pressure on healthcare services to address failings and improve standards. €1.9 million settlement in a fatal birth injury case The High Court approved a €1.9 million settlement for the cas ..read more

There are a lot of factors to consider throughout the process of purchasing your first home. Whilst it may seem like a daunting undertaking, it can be achieved with careful planning and professional advice. If you are just starting out on the home ownership journey, here are our top tips for first-time homebuyers. Consider the fees you will need to pay When purchasing your first home there are various fees and costs that you will need to factor in, including stamp duty (1% of the value under £1 million), the fees charged by your conveyancing solicitor, surveyor fees to check the property’s co ..read more

If you plan to take a legal action against your spouse or a family member, you are likely to need to produce a Family Law Civil Bill. In this short guide, we answer some of the key questions about civil bills and their role in family law cases. What is a Family Law Civil Bill? A Family Law Civil Bill is a legal document that initiates proceedings in family law cases within the Circuit Court. It outlines the specific claims or relief being sought by the applicant, ranging from divorce, separation, custody, and access to children, to maintenance and property issues. The bill details the facts o ..read more

On International Women’s Day, 8 March 2024, we had the pleasure of welcoming An Tánaiste Micheál Martin to officially open our new McCarthy + Co Solicitors offices in the West Cork Technology Park, Clonakilty. The date was particularly meaningful as it marked the legacy of our firm’s founder, Ann McCarthy, who started this journey 37 years ago. Ann’s story is one of resilience and determination. Not satisfied with having had successful careers as a theatre nurse and a transatlantic flight attendant in the 1960s and ’70s, which were ended by the marriage ban then in force, Ann went on to requ ..read more

In Ireland, employer’s responsibilities regarding workplace safety and accident prevention is mandated by The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. In the following guide, we explore the key aspects of this Act, the requirements for both employers and employees, and the consequences of failure to adhere with the legislation. What does the Act have to say about the general duties of the employer? Section 8 of the Act outlines the general duties of employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health, and welfare at work of their employees. This includes preventin ..read more

The transfer of property ownership to a family member, while generally simpler than buying or selling, still requires careful handling to ensure everything is correctly executed. The conveyancing team here at McCarthy + Co provides expert legal assistance to families requiring help with this process, be it adding a new partner to your property’s title documentation or a full transfer of ownership to or another member of the family. Arrange a consultation with us today to discuss how we can help you with the legal aspects of transferring ownership. Below we have answered some of the most ..read more

A DIY (Do-It-Yourself) divorce, where you handle the divorce proceedings without professional legal assistance, can be appealing due to its lower cost and perceived simplicity. However, it carries several risks and potential disadvantages. If you are thinking about getting a DIY divorce to save time and money, be sure you have considered the following risks. Failure to address complex legal issues DIY divorces can be risky due to complex legal issues like child custody, spousal support, division of assets, and debt allocation. These matters require a deep understanding of legal procedures and ..read more

Experiencing an assault at work can be a profoundly distressing event, leaving both physical and emotional scars. It’s a situation that no one should have to face, yet it remains a reality for too many workers across various industries. If you have found yourself in this unfortunate and challenging position, we have outlined in this article the key considerations in protecting your well-being and legal rights. What should I do if I have been physically assaulted at work? If you have been assaulted at work, there are numerous immediate and important steps that you will need to take to ensure y ..read more