Family and child laws in need of reform

GREATER rights for children, single fathers, civil partners and step-parents are among a range of sweeping changes to family law being recommended by the Law Reform Commission.

Reflecting the changing nature of family relationships in modern Ireland, the reforms include the rights and responsibilities of civil partners, co-habitants, step-parents, grandparents and other members of the extended family. For the first time, it recognises the specific rights of a child to maintain a relationship with both parents.

The recommendations include: