Ancillary Relief

Ancillary relief is one of the three main issues in the divorce. Ancillary relief resolves the financial issues of the divorce. Ancillary relief issues are governed by Section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act of 1973.

In resolving the financial issues or ancillary relief issues, the court will consider the following factors:

1. the income, earning capacity, property and other financial resources which each of the parties to the marriage has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future;

2. the financial needs, obligations and responsibilities which each of the parties to the marriage has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future;

3. the standard of living enjoyed by the family before the breakdown of the marriage;

4. the age of each party to the marriage and the duration of the marriage;

5. any physical or mental disability of either of the parties to the marriage;

6. the contributions made by each of the parties to the welfare of the family, including any contribution made by looking after the home or caring for the family;

7. the value to either of the parties to the marriage of any benefit.