Brigid's Story: When There's No Will
Cork, Ireland — A long-term partner fights for her share of the estate
Brigid and her partner had been together for more than fifteen years. They'd built a life in Cork, shared finances, and made plans for their future. But they'd never married. When her partner died suddenly, Brigid was left with nothing — at least officially. Under Irish law at that time, because there was no will and they weren't married, everything went to his adult children from a previous relationship. Brigid, who had given up her career to care for their home and had no financial provision for the years ahead, was devastated and bewildered.
The house they'd lived in together, the savings they'd accumulated, the pension — all of it passed to his children. Brigid had no legal claim, no protection, and faced real hardship. She knew this wasn't fair, but she didn't know what rights she might have. Friends suggested she should do something, but it felt hopeless. The law, she thought, had no place for people like her.
After months of uncertainty, Brigid spoke to a solicitor who specialised in family law. She learned that cohabitants — people living together outside marriage — do have rights under Irish law, even when there's no will. Her solicitor took her case to court and argued that she had provided for the household, made sacrifices for the relationship, and deserved provision from the estate. The court agreed. The judge ordered that a sum be paid to Brigid from her late partner's estate, recognising her contribution and her need.
What the law says
In Ireland, a person who has lived with a deceased partner in a genuine domestic relationship for at least two years can apply to court for a share of that person's estate, even if there's no will and even if they weren't married. The court can order "provision" from the estate — money or property — if it decides that the deceased failed to make proper provision for the cohabitant's needs. The court looks at the length of the relationship, how the couple lived, any children, financial contributions, and what the cohabitant gave up for the partnership.
Important time limit
If your partner has died, you must apply to court within six months of the date of death. This is a firm deadline. After six months, you lose the right to make a claim, with very few exceptions. If you think you might have a claim, speak to a solicitor immediately — don't wait.