The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligation of Cohabitants Act 2010
The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligation of Cohabitants Act 2010 became law on January 1st 2011. 
It incorporates two very important new developments:
- The Act has reformed the law in relation to people involved in same-sex relationships. Such couples who wish to make a permanent commitment to one another may now enter into a Civil Partnership. People who have committed themselves to a Civil Partnership now have the same legal rights and entitlements as husbands and wives in relation to property, taxation and inheritance and similar rights in relation to Seperation and Divorce
- It reforms how Cohabiting couples who are living together in an intimate and committed relationship are to be treated. Cohabiting Couples have not been given the same rights but their relationship now creates certain specific legal rights and entitlements if the parties involved can prove that they are Qualified Cohabitants. Each Cohabitants rights depends on the particular circumstances of their own specific relationship.
If you have any queries on your rights under this novel and very important piece of legislation, please contact our Family Law specialist Ms Dara Fitzsimons at dfitzsimons@steenoreilly.ie