Cohabiting couples

Cohabitants do not possess the same rights and obligations as married couples or civil partnerships

Check the formal rules that may affect the relationships of same-sex couples.

Property rights of cohabiting couples relating to buying a home, private rented accommodation, local authority housing, and the Family Home Protection Act.

Cohabiting couples have no automatic right of inheritance on the death of either partner. Important information on your rights and making provisions for dependants.

Your civil status in Ireland may make some differences to your life insurance or pension entitlements. Find out about these differences, unclaimed life insurance policies and contacts for more information.

Law regarding guardianship of children of non-marital relationships.

When the parents of a child separate and they cannot agree on who should have custody of the child, the court will decide. Find out about the law regarding the custody of children of non-marital relationships.

How the courts decide arrangements for access to children for separating unmarried parents.

Find out about fertility services and whether unmarried couples can avail of fertility treatment.

Under Irish law, surrogate mothers are legally the natural mothers and guardians of their children. Legal situation if a surrogate mother had a child for a same-sex couple.

Cohabitating couples in Ireland can jointly adopt children.

Cohabiting couples in Ireland may foster children. What is fostering and what rights do cohabiting couples have?