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Marriage and families are recognised social structures - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 5 - 2022
Question 5
Marriage and families are recognised social structures. (a) Describe the legal obligations for marriage in Ireland. (b) Analyse how socio-economic factors have aff... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Marriage and families are recognised social structures - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 5 - 2022
Step 1
Describe the legal obligations for marriage in Ireland.
Answer
In Ireland, there are several legal obligations that must be fulfilled for a marriage to be recognized:
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Age Requirement: Both partners must be over 18 years of age.
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Mental Capacity: Each partner must have the mental capacity to understand the nature of the marriage. If either partner is intoxicated or mentally impaired due to drugs or alcohol, they may not be eligible to enter into a marriage.
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Notification: Partners must give notice of their intention to marry to a registrar for civil marriages; religious ceremonies also require advance notification.
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Registered Venue: The marriage must take place in a registered venue, ensuring its legitimacy.
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Free to Marry: Neither partner may be in an existing marriage at the time of the wedding. They must both be single, widowed, or divorced.
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Voluntary Basis: Marriages must be entered into voluntarily. Neither person can be coerced into the marriage.
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Wedding Registration: After the ceremony, marriages must be registered to be legally acknowledged.
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Relationship Restrictions: Partners must not be closely related; the law prohibits certain degrees of consanguinity.
Step 2
Analyse how socio-economic factors have affected the changing roles of older family members in contemporary society.
Answer
The roles of older family members in contemporary society have transformed significantly due to various socio-economic factors:
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Changing Family Structures: There has been a shift from nuclear families to more diverse structures, where older family members may now live independently or in smaller family units.
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Increased Involvement: Older family members, such as grandparents, are increasingly active in the lives of their grandchildren, providing essential support and care. They often serve as vital role models.
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Economic Pressures: There are more financial pressures on younger generations, which can lead them to seek support from older relatives, thus altering the dynamics of familial roles.
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Healthcare Improvements: With advances in healthcare, older adults are living longer. This longevity means that they can remain involved and active within the family context for extended periods.
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Policy Changes: Government policies have evolved to provide additional support for older adults, including pensions and healthcare, enabling them to maintain a quality standard of living and continue their contributions to the family.
Step 3
State why it is important to make a will and outline the procedure involved in making a will.
Answer
Making a will is critical for several reasons:
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Peace of Mind: Having a will ensures that individuals can dictate how their assets are distributed, alleviating potential conflicts among dependents.
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Property Management: A will helps to specify who will inherit property, potentially saving time and reducing tax burdens.
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Guardian Designation: Parents can designate guardians for their children in the event of their passing, which is crucial for their protection.
Procedure for Making a Will:
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Asset Inventory: Begin by taking an inventory of all assets, including property and finances.
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Beneficiary Identification: Identify individuals or organizations to whom you wish to leave your assets.
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Drafting the Will: Write the will, specifying the distribution of assets. Legal language can be used, or templates can be employed for clarity.
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Witness Requirement: The will usually must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign the document.
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Storing the Will: Finally, store the will in a safe place, such as a bank safe deposit box or with a legal advisor, ensuring that it is accessible when needed.