One of the main reasons people delay making a will in Ireland is simple: they assume it’s going to be expensive.
That assumption isn’t irrational. Traditional solicitor-drafted wills often come with a price tag that feels hard to justify — especially if your circumstances are straightforward.
But the cost of making a will in Ireland varies widely, and in many cases it’s far lower than people expect.
This guide explains the typical costs, what you’re paying for at each level, and how to decide what makes sense for your situation under Irish law.
The Typical Cost of a Solicitor-Drafted Will in Ireland
For a straightforward will, many Irish solicitors charge somewhere in the range of:
- €150 to €400 for a single will
- €250 to €600+ for mirror wills (for couples)
Prices vary by firm, location, and complexity. Some solicitors charge a fixed fee, while others bill based on time spent.
These fees usually cover:
- taking instructions
- drafting the will
- arranging execution
- storing the original document
For complex estates, costs can rise significantly — and appropriately so.
Why Solicitor Wills Cost What They Do
Solicitor fees aren’t arbitrary.
When you use a solicitor, you’re paying for:
- professional legal expertise
- personalised advice
- responsibility for drafting errors
- time spent identifying risks and edge cases
For people with foreign property, business interests, or complicated family arrangements, that expertise is often essential.
The issue isn’t that solicitor wills are overpriced. It’s that many people don’t actually need that level of service.
When Circumstances Are Straightforward
If your situation is relatively simple — for example:
- one property in Ireland
- clearly defined beneficiaries
- no complex trusts
- no business succession issues
— the formal legal requirements for a valid will are the same.
Under Irish succession law, a will does not need to be drafted by a solicitor. It needs to be properly structured, correctly signed, and correctly witnessed.
That said, even straightforward estates can justify solicitor advice for peace of mind. The decision is about need, not entitlement.
Online Wills: What Do They Cost?
Online will-generation services in Ireland typically fall into three broad categories:
- €0 — basic templates with little or no guidance
- €9–€50 — guided, structured wills designed for Irish law
- €80–€130 — services that include solicitor review
Lower-cost options tend to suit people who:
- have straightforward circumstances
- are comfortable following clear instructions
- understand that execution still matters
Higher-cost options usually provide reassurance through professional oversight rather than additional legal requirements.
What You’re Really Paying For (At Any Price Point)
Regardless of cost, what matters most is not who created the will — but whether it is valid and appropriate.
At any price, you are paying for some combination of:
- structure (is the will legally coherent?)
- guidance (are common mistakes prevented?)
- execution support (is signing done correctly?)
- reassurance (is professional advice involved?)
A cheap will that is invalid is expensive. A reasonably priced will that is valid is good value.
The Often Overlooked Cost of Not Making a Will
Cost is frequently the reason people delay — but delay itself has consequences.
Without a will:
- intestacy rules decide who inherits
- guardianship decisions may involve the courts
- probate is often slower and more complex
- legal costs after death are frequently higher
Even where families agree, the administrative and legal burden tends to increase when there is no will in place.
So, What Does Making a Will Actually Cost?
For many people in Ireland, the realistic options are:
- €200–€400 with a solicitor
- €10–€20 using a guided online service
- €0 using an unstructured template (higher risk)
The right choice depends on complexity, not fear.
If your circumstances are straightforward, paying hundreds of euro may be unnecessary. If they are not, saving money in the wrong place can create problems later.
A Sensible Way to Decide
A practical way to decide is to ask:
- Is my situation complex or unusual?
- Do I need bespoke advice, or clear structure?
- Am I confident I can follow execution rules carefully?
Answering those questions honestly usually makes the choice clear.
A Practical Next Step
For many people, the simplest next step is to generate a legally structured Irish will and then focus on signing it correctly.
The important thing is choosing an option designed specifically for Irish law and ensuring the execution requirements are followed carefully.
A will is not about spending money. It’s about avoiding problems later.
This article is general information for Ireland and is not legal advice. If your circumstances are complex (for example, foreign property or complex trusts), you should speak to a qualified Irish solicitor.
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