Redress scheme for cohabiting couples
If you have been living with your partner and your relationship ends, you may be able to avail of the
Redress scheme for cohabiting couples. The aim of the redress scheme is to protect a financially dependent member of the couple if the long-term cohabiting relationship ends (either through death or separation).
Under the redress scheme, cohabiting couples can get similar orders from the court as are available to married couples when they separate or divorce if the court is satisfied that one of you was financially dependent on the other. The types of orders you may apply for under the redress scheme include property adjustment orders, maintenance orders and pension adjustment orders.
To apply for court orders under the redress scheme, you must be a qualified cohabitant. This means you must have been:
- Living together in an intimate and committed relationship for at least 5 years, or
- Living together in an intimate and committed relationship for 2 years if you have had a child with your partner
You must apply for these orders within two years of your relationship ending, unless there are exceptional circumstances. The rules of the scheme are set out in the Cohabitants are defined in the
Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010.