The Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996, in effect on 27 February 1997, introduces the option of divorce for the first time under Irish law. This fundamental change raises many questions of married couples, families and their advisors, including: is a reconciliation meeting compulsory?; what powers will the courts have to decide financial issues?; what will happen to couples already judicially separated?; and what impact will divorce have on the administration of estates? This work aims to help any lawyer advising a family with such questions. It describes the background to the new law, sets out how the new divorce procedures operate and explains how the new Act interacts with existing family law registration.