Most people in Ireland know they should make a will. They just don’t get around to it.
It’s rarely about indifference. More often, the process feels heavier than it needs to be — expensive, awkward, and easier to postpone than to face.
The reality is simpler than many people expect: for a large number of Irish adults, a solicitor is not required to make a legally valid will, provided the rules are followed correctly.
This guide explains how wills work in Ireland, when professional advice is genuinely needed, and how to make sure a will is valid under Irish law.
What a Will Does (In Plain English)
A will is a written document that sets out:
- who receives your property and assets
- who manages your affairs after death (your executor)
- who will care for your children if they are under 18
- any specific wishes you want respected
Without a valid will, Irish law decides these matters for you. This is known as intestacy, and it often produces outcomes people never intended.
A will creates clarity. It reduces conflict. It saves time, cost, and stress for those left behind.
Do You Need a Solicitor to Make a Will in Ireland?
No.
Irish law does not require a solicitor to draft a will. A will is legally valid if it complies with the Succession Act 1965, regardless of who prepared it.
Solicitors are essential for complex estates. They are optional for straightforward ones.
Many people simply need:
- a properly structured will
- correct execution (signing and witnessing)
- sensible appointments for executors and guardians
When Professional Advice Is Recommended
You should consult a solicitor if you have:
- property outside Ireland
- complex business or trust arrangements
- blended families with competing interests
- significant tax planning considerations
This guide is intended for simple to moderately straightforward Irish estates, which represent the majority of people.
Legal Requirements for a Valid Irish Will
These requirements come directly from Irish succession law and have remained largely unchanged since the Succession Act 1965.
To be valid in Ireland, a will must meet all of the following:
- be in writing
- be made by someone aged 18 or over
- be made by someone of sound mind
- be signed at the end of the document
- be signed in the presence of two witnesses
- both witnesses must be present at the same time
- witnesses must also sign the will
- witnesses must be over 18
- witnesses must not benefit under the will
Most invalid wills fail due to witnessing errors, not because of how the will was written.
Important Rights to Be Aware Of
Under Irish law, a spouse or civil partner has a legal right share of an estate. A will cannot simply override this entitlement.
Children may also have rights in certain circumstances.
A properly structured will acknowledges these realities and reduces the risk of later disputes.
Common Mistakes That Cause Problems
The most frequent issues include:
- a beneficiary acting as a witness
- witnesses not present together
- missing or misplaced signatures
- informal handwritten changes after signing
These mistakes are avoidable with clear instructions and care.
Making a Will Without a Solicitor — Safely
For many people, a sensible approach is to:
- use a will structured specifically for Irish law
- complete it using guided questions
- print it
- sign it correctly with two eligible witnesses
Electronic signatures are not valid for wills in Ireland. Physical signing matters.
A Practical Next Step
If your circumstances are straightforward and you want to put proper arrangements in place without unnecessary cost, you can generate a legally structured Irish will in minutes — provided you follow the execution rules carefully.
A will does not need to be complicated. It just needs to be done properly.
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.
0 comments