Guide only — this matter needs a solicitor. Under Irish law this work must be carried out by a solicitor, so it is not sold on this site. The information below explains what is involved so you can brief a solicitor with confidence.
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A cohabitation agreement in Ireland lets an unmarried couple put in writing how property, money and other assets are owned during the relationship and what happens if it ends. This service is for couples who live together, or plan to, and want a bespoke agreement drafted by a solicitor of your choice under the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, for a fixed price (not currently available).
Unmarried couples do not have the same legal protections as married couples or civil partners. Under the 2010 Act, a “qualified cohabitant” may be able to apply to court for financial redress when a relationship ends, even where nothing was agreed in advance. A properly made cohabitants’ agreement can set out what each of you expects instead.
What’s included
- 30-minute video consultation
- Bespoke cohabitation agreement drafted to your specific circumstances
- Coverage of property, finances, debts, children, business interests and future contingencies
- Plain-English signing pack with execution instructions
- Free 12-month update window if your circumstances change
Who this is for
- Couples buying a home together where one partner is contributing more to the deposit or mortgage
- Couples moving into a property that one partner already owns
- Couples who have, or are planning, children together and want clarity on finances
- Partners with a business, savings or other assets they want to record as their own
How it works
- Contact a solicitor of your choice.
- Complete a short questionnaire and read our guide to a 30-minute video consultation with a solicitor of your choice.
- Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
- Your agreement and signing pack are delivered by email. Before signing, each partner should get independent legal advice (or both receive legal advice together and waive independent advice in writing), as required by section 202 of the 2010 Act.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cohabitation agreement cost in Ireland?
This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
Is a cohabitation agreement legally binding in Ireland?
Under section 202 of the 2010 Act, a cohabitants’ agreement is valid if it is in writing and signed by both partners, complies with the general law of contract, and each partner has received independent legal advice (or both have received advice together and waived independent advice in writing). A court can vary or set aside an agreement in exceptional circumstances where enforcing it would cause serious injustice.
Who counts as a qualified cohabitant in Ireland?
Broadly, a qualified cohabitant is someone who has lived with their partner in an intimate and committed relationship for at least two years where they have a child together, or at least five years otherwise. Other conditions apply, so it is worth taking advice on your own situation.
For more on separation, cohabitation and family law, see our family law guides and services.
If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.