THERE is no shortage of guide books and pamphlets on the subject of divorce. The latest issues are called Divorce, A practical guide to Divorce in Ireland by two firms of Dublin solicitors, Amorys and Helen Aufochs & Co, and Marriage, separation, divorce, your life assurance and pension rights, from the Irish Progressive Building Society. The latter pamphlet was prepared as part of a presentation to financial advisers.

The divorce in Ireland guide is "not a textbook", say the authors, "hut a practical, user friendly and nonlegal handbook" which will help answer questions like what information and documents are needed by your solicitor? What about the children and maintenance? Will the farm or family business have to be sold? What are the tax implications?

The Irish Permanent publication focuses on the same questions in a briefer format, but also includes some very useful specimen letters which could be sent to your spouse's solicitor requesting voluntary disclosure of information about life assurance and pension schemes. It also clearly points out that while the pamphlet is only a guide, anyone considering a divorce should "do nothing without first getting competent legal and financial advice".

The Divorce in Ireland guide is available from all leading bookshops at £4.99, while the Marriage, separation and divorce, pamphlet is available free from all Irish Permanent branches, from Irish Progressive Life and from financial advisers.