• 120 solicitors gathered at The Glencarn Hotel, Castleblayney for a major legal conference
• Family law, criminal law and professional negligence experts updated local solicitors
• The conference was an initiative of the Law Society Finuas Skillnet and the Cavan, Monaghan, Drogheda and Louth Solicitors’ Bar Associations

On Friday 12 October, over 120 legal professionals from the north eastern region gathered at The Glencarn Hotel, Castleblayney for a major annual legal conference.

Organised by the Law Society Finuas Skillnet in association with Monaghan, Cavan, Drogheda and Louth Solicitors’ Bar Associations, the event updated local solicitors on key areas of law including professional negligence and complaints, criminal law practice, family law and more.

Solicitor Kevin Hickey, of Barry, Hickey and Henderson, Clones, is President of the Monaghan Bar Association and says the event was a time for local solicitors to gather, learn and reflect on the current legal landscape.

Family law

Family law aims to protect the rights of citizens when relationships break down, or where children are in danger of harm. Family law expert and chair of the Law Society’s Family & Child Law Committee, Keith Walsh, addressed the conference and provided updates on areas of family law including cohabiting couples, separation and divorce.

Solicitor Kevin Hickey says family law issues need to be addressed with sensitivity. “Dealing with family law issues can be a sensitive and life-changing time for many clients. Whether it is the breakdown of a relationship or death of a partner, family law often covers some of the most trying cases in the profession.”

“There are over 7,250 cohabiting couples living in the Monaghan, Cavan and Louth region, and almost two thirds of these couples have children. However, many cohabiting couples don’t know their rights and what legal protection they have as a family unit.”

“Under the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, some cohabitating couples now have legal rights in relation to their cohabitating partner, including seeking maintenance or financial provision from his or her estate.”

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