The Modern Family: Relationships and the Law

The Modern Family: Relationships and the Law seeks to set out and explain the law as it relates to all families and the relationship between its different members.

The definition of the family in Ireland has changed enormously in the past generation. Recently there has been ground changing legislation which has helped redefine the changing legal definition of what constitutes a family.

For example, the Marriage Act 2015 which recognises full legal marriage between two persons of the same sex. The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, gives full legal recognition to children born as a result of IVF and their parents, who may not be the biological parents. The Gender Recognition Act 2015 allows transgendered persons to register their preferred gender and recognises a marriage of a transgendered person subsequent to their change of gender. Furthermore, the law recognises persons who live as a couple, with or without children, who are not married.

The Modern Family: Relationships and the Law explains the rights and obligations of the modern Irish family. Issues such as taxation, children, relationship breakdown, rights of cohabitants, succession, IVF and court procedures are addressed. A useful ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ is also included.