In the last 50 years, Irish family law and Irish social attitudes towards the family have changed beyond recognition. Although the constitutional idea of the family is still based on marriage, family law now embraces and provides for a diversity of family forms. With the introduction of divorce Ireland has moved from a system which attached shame to the breakdown of marriage to one that provides for the reality of modern family life. Contemporary law now centres around the rights of children and promotes a child-focused approach to dispute resolution.
