The team have been serving the community of Skibbereen, West Cork and nationwide for the last 10 years. With a focus on family law, litigation and employment, as the team has grown so have our practice areas, including conveyancing, probate and immigration law Here’s a bit more about what we do and why we do it.
We’re here to guide you through life’s legal challenges with care, clarity, and understanding. Whether you’re facing a problem or just need advice, we’re ready to help.
Providing legal solutions to life’s problems by combining sound legal know-how with compassion, empathy and understanding.
To create a safe, supportive space where individuals and families facing legal challenges feel genuinely cared for, clearly informed and confidently represented. We strive to be the firm that clients turn to not just for legal solutions, but for peace of mind, clarify and compassionate guidance through life’s most personal transitions.
We act with honesty, fairness, and respect in every interaction.
We take responsibility for our actions and the outcomes we deliver.
Established in 2015, our law firm has grown into a close-knit team united by a shared commitment to helping families navigate difficult times with dignity and care. We specialise in family law and disputes, and our approach is grounded in professionalism and empathy. Every member of our team is dedicated to ongoing education and development, ensuring we stay up to date with the latest legal practices and can offer our clients the highest standard of support.
We combine an understanding and respect of the traditions of legal practice with a keen eye for innovation. In 2013, Maria became the first solicitor in Ireland to obtain an order for service of proceedings via Facebook in the High Court.
We understand that legal matters are deeply personal and often emotionally challenging. That’s why we take the times to listen, to understand and to guide our clients with compassion and clarity. We’re here to help you find a path forward that protects your rights and prioritises your wellbeing.
Whether you’re facing separation, cohabitation, or other family matters, we’ll help you move forward with confidence and understanding.
Separation allows spouses to live apart without ending the marriage. Divorce legally dissolves the marriage, allowing both parties to remarry. In both cases, the court can make orders about matters such as your children, property, finances and pensions.
Not necessarily. You can agree on a legally binding Separation Agreement outside of court. If agreement isn’t possible, you may apply for a Judicial Separation through the courts.
You must have lived apart for at least two out of the previous three years before applying for a divorce.
It means you are no longer in an intimate and committed relationship, even if you still live under the same roof.
It’s a written contract between spouses that outlines arrangements for children, property, and finances. It avoids court proceedings and is legally binding. It can be used as the basis for a consent (uncontested) application to court for either judicial separation or divorce. If you have private pensions you will need a court order.
It’s a court order that formalises separation when spouses cannot agree. It addresses issues like custody, maintenance, and property.
Not always. If both parties agree on terms, the process can be handled more efficiently. Even if there is an agreement, the Judge will need to hear formal evidence from one party before granting an order. If disputes arise, court involvement is necessary.
Custody is based on the best interests of the child. Courts may grant sole or joint custody depending on circumstances. The usual order is for joint custody unless there are compelling reasons for sole custody.
Custody refers to day-to-day care. Guardianship involves legal rights and responsibilities, such as decisions about education and health.
Yes – if you have been living with the child’s mother for at least 12 months, including at least 3 months after the child was born, guardianship is automatic. If not, a court application can be made.
Access allows the non-custodial parent to spend time with the child. It can be agreed informally or ordered by the court.
Child maintenance is financial support for a dependent child. The non-residential parent typically pays it, based on income and needs.
Yes, if one spouse is financially dependent. The court assesses income, needs, and ability to pay.
The court is required to ensure that there is proper provision for both spouses and children. This includes property, pensions, savings, and debts. The factors to be taken into account by the court are set out in family law legislation.
It’s strongly recommended. A solicitor ensures your rights are protected and agreements are legally enforceable.
Yes. Mediation is encouraged and can help resolve disputes amicably, especially regarding children and finances.
Either parent can apply to the court, which will decide based on the child’s welfare and best interests.
Yes. If circumstances change, you can agree changes with the other party and / or apply to the court to vary the order.
To make the most of your consultation, gather any relevant documents such as marriage certificates, financial records, and details about children or property. Write down key questions or concerns you have, and be honest about your situation. This helps your solicitor give clear, tailored advice from the start.
I qualified as a solicitor in 2010, having worked as a legal secretary / executive for almost 10 years before that. I opened my own firm in 2015 and have grown the team since then year on year.
I work mainly in the area of litigation, in particular family law, employment law and civil litigation. I endeavour to combine a sound respect for the tradition of legal practice with a love of innovation – I believe that every problem has a solution, and usually more than one!
In 2013 I created a precedent in the Irish High Court when I became the first solicitor in Ireland to obtain an order for service of proceedings via Facebook.
I am passionate about education and in addition to my legal training, I am a certified Mediator and have a Diploma in Life & Leadership Coaching, as well as having certificates in NLP and Restorative Justice.
I believe very strongly in the importance of personal development, and I’m usually enrolled in one course or another to increase my learning in this area. This, I believe, helps not only me and my family but also my clients, and the additional courses which I have completed have greatly added to my understanding and compassion for my clients who most often meet me when they are going through a difficult time of their lives.
When I’m not working, I love to spend time travelling, reading, on the beach or enjoying good food and wine.
I’ve been with Maria O’ Donovan & Co since 2021, when I arrived as a Trainee Solicitor, and attended the part time Law Society of Ireland Hybrid Professional Course while working alongside the team in MOD & Co, gaining valuable experience by completing my studies and simultaneously learning on the job. The team at MOD & Co were an amazing help throughout my training and continue to be now that I am practising. Since qualifying as a Solicitor in January 2024 I have been focusing mainly on Property and Probate matters as well as assisting with Family Law, Licensing, Employment Law and Immigration.
Prior to moving into law, I worked for a number of years as an English teacher both in Ireland and abroad, having lived for a time in Spain and in the UK. I graduated from NUIG with a degree in English and Classical History and a Masters in International Contemporary and Media, and since beginning my legal studies I have completed additional Diplomas in Sports Law, Employment Law and Complex and Commercial property Transactions.
Outside of the office I spend the majority of my time worrying about the prospects of the Galway hurlers or my adopted club, O’ Donovan Rossa of Skibbereen. I have held plenty of administrative roles in various teams I have been involved with, in particular as PRO and fundraising officer for Realt Dearg Gaa club in Dublin, as well as working on podcasts and contributing to websites focusing on Connacht Rugby while I was based in my native south Co. Galway. I also love to travel and especially love exploring Europe to visit the many ancient places that I read about while studying classical history in college, and I make as many trips as possible across the Atlantic, working towards visiting all 50 US States and learning a little about the history (as well as local NFL or College Football!) of each place as I go.
I am always happy to discuss property sales and transfers with prospective clients, and if you want to talk sports or history that is an added bonus!
I’ve been part of Maria O’ Donovan and Co. since the very beginning in 2015, and I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated and close-knit team. As Office Manager and Bookkeeper, I ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the office and take care of balancing all client accounts. With six of us in the firm, including Maria herself, we work closely together to maintain a supportive and efficient workplace.
Outside the office, I’m passionate about textile crafts – I enjoy knitting, crochet, embroidery, and sewing whenever I get the chance. I also love to roller skate, which keeps things fun and a little adventurous! Working here combines the best of both worlds: a role I enjoy and a team I genuinely appreciate.
Edel’s career journey is a testament to adaptability, dedication, and a strong commitment to professional growth. Edel spent 10 years building a solid foundation as an Interior Designer and Sales and Showroom Manager in Cork city, where she developed exceptional client service, organisational, and communication skills. Edel moved back to West Cork and decided to pursue her interest in law and joined Maria O Donovan and Co. in 2018.
Transitioning into the legal sector, she began as a Legal Secretary to Maria, quickly demonstrating her ability to manage complex documentation, multitask under pressure, and provide empathetic support to clients navigating sensitive legal matters. Her attention to detail, discretion and willingness to learn enabled her to progress to the role of Legal Executive – a position that requires versatility, initiative and a deep understanding of legal procedures. In May 2024, Edel’s commitment to her new profession was recognised when she achieved a distinction in Legal Executive Studies from City Colleges, Dublin.
Edel is a mum of two and her weekends are busy with fun filled activities. She spends some of her free time driving the west Cork coast line soaking up the beautiful scenery and looking for inspiration for her next art work. Edel paints oil and acrylic on canvas and soothes her soul with an array of easy listening music on weekends.
Katy is a soon to be qualified Legal Executive with a strong sense of justice and a career rooted in strong family values with a genuine passion for helping others. Since 2017, she has worked alongside her sister Maria – both her mentor and manager – developing her legal skills across a broad range of areas including family law, conveyancing, personal injuries and more. She is currently completing her Diploma in Legal Executive Studies with City Colleges, building on years of practical, hands-on experience.
In her role, Katy is responsible for file administration as well as actively working alongside her colleagues on all cases, supporting clients with diligence, understanding, objectivity and a solution-focused mindset. She takes pride in being part of a close-knit team, describing her colleagues as her “work family” and genuinely enjoys her time spent in the office, working together as a team to bring solutions to a variety of cases.
Outside of the office, Katy is a proud mum who enjoys gardening, the natural world, reading, exploring history and embracing the quieter moments in life. Her approach to both work and life is guided by balance, purpose and a deep commitment to doing things the right way.
Friendly, approachable and deeply committed to helping others, Eva is often a client’s first point of contact. Since joining the team in 2023 she has blended her passion for law with a strong commitment to client care and team support, all while continuing her legal studies.
With a growing interest in employment law, human rights, and conveyancing, she brings genuine curiosity and purpose to her role. She is currently studying at the Honorable Society of King’s Inns with the aim of qualifying as a solicitor and is also completing a course with the Law Society of Ireland on AI in the legal space.
Eva helps lead the firm’s social media presence and believes in making the legal process more accessible and human. When not at work, she enjoys yoga, the outdoors, and exploring the West Cork coast, blending her passions for health and mindfulness as a qualified personal trainer and nutritionist.
