Karen Walsh: Can my former boyfriend take my farm after I break up with him?

Legal advice on what happens when relationships break down.

The rights of cohabiting couples are set out in The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act.

Dear Karen, 

I have been living with my boyfriend for two years in a house I built on the farm my father gifted to me. I am the sole breadwinner at home. My boyfriend has been unemployed for several years and I have been supporting both of us. I suspect he has a gambling problem but he won’t admit it. I also look after my elderly father. My boyfriend has never contributed financially to the farm or at home. I am tired of him always sponging off me and want to end the relationship. I am afraid that he will try and lay a claim over the house or the farm. What is the legal position if we were to break up?