Cohabitation Property Rights Ireland — Legal Advice — Guide

Cohabitation property rights advice in Ireland confirms whether you qualify as a cohabitant, what rights you have to the home and what to do next. Cohabiting couples do not have the same rights as married couples, but the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 may apply.

You can upload your folio, deeds, contract, photos or other documents through our secure link; a solicitor would then typically review everything before preparing advice. There is no hourly billing: the price is fixed for the service described. Property and land issues are usually easier and cheaper to resolve early, before a sale, mortgage or family transfer is held up. The advice is based on Irish law and practice and on the documents you provide, so the more complete your documents, the more precise the advice can be. If the advice shows that further work is needed, such as correspondence, a Land Registry application or a planning or court process, the template will explain the options and any further cost before anything else is done.

What’s included

• Cohabitation status check
• Property contribution review
• Rights summary
• Written advice
• Confidential 30-minute call
• 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.

Who this is for

• Unmarried partners separating after living together
• Partners living in a home owned by the other
• Cohabitants who contributed to a home
• Cohabitants concerned about rights on death

How it works

1. Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
2. Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
3. the template then reviews your documents and prepares your written advice.
4. You receive your written advice by email and, where included, a follow-up call to ask questions.

Frequently asked questions

How much does cohabitation property advice 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.

Who is a qualified cohabitant in Ireland?

Generally, someone who has lived with their partner in an intimate relationship for five years, or two years if they have a child together, subject to other conditions.

Is there a time limit for a cohabitant claim?

Yes. Claims for redress must generally be brought within two years of the relationship ending. Act promptly.

For more on separation, cohabitation and family law, see our Family Law in Ireland 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.