How does divorce work in Ireland if my mam has no income and is in an emotionally abusive marriage?

Hi all,

My mam (early 50s- not irish) is in a nearly 30-year marriage. My dad (irish) moved to the UK about a year ago for work but comes home every couple weeks, but their relationship has been emotionally abusive and financially controlling for years.

• He recently blocked her on everything after she didn’t give an exact date for visiting him (she was waiting to see if my sister was returning abroad) - said he doesnt want anything to do with her
• She has no income of her own, no access to finances, no friends here, and hasn’t seen her family in her home country in years
• no access to finances, she just uses my dads credit card for groceries etc
• She raised tall the kids (homemaking and childcare- one still in school). My dad earns well but shares no financial info.
• She’s still trauma bonded and unsure what to do, but I want to understand what options she has

My questions:

• Can she start divorce proceedings without income?
• What happens to the house if it’s in both names?
• Does emotional abuse have any bearing in Irish family law?
• How long does divorce typically take?
• Is free legal aid available and reliable?

Any advice or shared experience would help. I’ve already spoken with Women’s Aid, but I’d like to hear from people who know the Irish system or have been through similar.

Thanks.