This text attempts to define the law as it relates to residents in Ireland, in non-marital relationships. The text provides guidelines to lawyers, mediators and social workers who are advising clients concerning relationship breakdown. In addition to addressing the implications for the male-female relationship, the book also addresses the remedies, obligations and rights of other parties who cohabit, such as members of the same family and members of the same sex. These rights, remedies and obligations cover the property and financial issues between the parties concerned, the responsibility for any children of the union, as well as succession and separation arrangements between the parties. Where precedents are considered useful, these have been included.