The truth about out-of-court settlements

AN article based on the report by Dr Carol Coulter on behalf of the Court Service paints a benign but misleading picture of the family law system (Irish Examiner, February 20).

Because Dr Coulter’s research found that 90% of cases were settled outside court, the article gives the impression these cases are settled amicably and fairly and that both parties can then get on with their lives in relative comfort.

The truth behind the statistics is different. We, in Amen, come across many men who settle such cases but they do not do so because the settlement terms are fair or just. They agree to settle because they know, or are left in no doubt by their legal teams, they will suffer even greater injustices in court.