The Irish Will Guide

Executor Liability Ireland: Personal Responsibility & Protection Guide 2026
Can an executor be held personally liable in Ireland? Learn your legal responsibilities, tax obligations, debt payment duties, and how to protect yourself from costly mistakes. Read more...
Can You Contest a Will in Ireland? Grounds, Deadlines and Costs
# Can You Contest a Will in Ireland? Grounds, Deadlines and Costs When someone you love passes away, discovering that their will doesn't reflect what you expected—or what seems fair—can be devastating. Perhaps you've been left out entirely, received far less than your siblings, or suspect the will doesn't truly represent your parent's wishes. You might be wondering: can you actually contest a will in Ireland? The short answer is yes. Challenging a will in Ireland is more common than many people realise. Whether you're concerned about being treated unfairly... Read more...
Small Estate Probate in Ireland: Do You Need Probate for Low-Value Estates?
# Small Estate Probate in Ireland: Do You Need Probate for Low-Value Estates? When someone passes away in Ireland, the assumption is often that probate is mandatory—a lengthy, expensive legal process that every family must endure. But here's the reality: **not all estates require full probate**. If you're dealing with a low-value estate, you may qualify for a simplified process that can save you thousands of euros and months of waiting. Understanding Ireland's small estate procedures could be the difference between a 6-12 month probate ordeal and a straightforward process... Read more...
Codicil vs New Will in Ireland: How to Amend Your Will Properly
# Codicil vs New Will in Ireland: How to Amend Your Will Properly Life changes. Your will should too. Whether you've had a new child, gotten married, divorced, acquired property, or simply changed your mind about beneficiaries, your will needs to reflect your current wishes. But when it comes to updating your will in Ireland, you have two main options: drafting a **codicil** or creating an entirely **new will**. Choosing the wrong method can lead to confusion, legal disputes, or even invalidate your wishes entirely. In this guide, we'll explain... Read more...
Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in Ireland (2026 Checklist)
Making a will is one of the most important documents you'll ever create — but only if it's legally valid. Every year, Irish families face devastating probate delays, contested wills, and unexpected intestacy because a homemade will didn't meet the strict legal requirements set out in the Succession Act 1965. The difference between a valid will and a worthless piece of paper often comes down to small technical details: a witness who signed in the wrong place, a beneficiary who witnessed the document, or a signature that wasn't properly attested.... Read more...
DIY Will Ireland: When It Works and When It Doesn't
Thinking of writing your own will in Ireland? Learn when a DIY will is sensible, common mistakes to avoid, and when professional help is worth the cost. Read more...
Is an online will legal in Ireland?
Yes, an online will can be legal in Ireland if it is signed and witnessed correctly. Here is the practical legal guide to doing it right. Read more...
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Ireland?
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Ireland? Many people put off making a will, thinking they'll get around to it "someday." But what actually happens if you die without a will in Ireland? The answer might surprise you—and it's probably not what you'd want for your loved ones. When you die without a valid will, you die "intestate." This means Irish law decides who inherits your estate, regardless of what you might have wanted. Your spouse might not get everything. Your partner might get nothing. And the... Read more...
DIY Will Ireland: How to Make Your Own Will in 2026
DIY Will Ireland: How to Make Your Own Will Making your own will in Ireland is completely legal, affordable, and more straightforward than you might think. Whether you're looking to save money, avoid solicitor appointments, or simply take control of your estate planning, a DIY will in Ireland can be a smart choice—as long as you understand the legal requirements and follow them carefully. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about making your own will in Ireland, from what to include to how to... Read more...
Is an Online Will Legal in Ireland?
Is an Online Will Legal in Ireland? If you're considering making a will using an online service, you're probably wondering: are online wills valid in Ireland? It's a fair question, and one that many people ask before committing to creating their will digitally. The short answer is yes—online wills are perfectly legal in Ireland, provided they meet the same legal requirements as traditional handwritten or solicitor-prepared wills. Let's explore what makes a will legally valid in Ireland, how online will services like MakeAWill.ie ensure compliance, and why choosing the online... Read more...
Business Succession Planning Ireland: Passing a Business Through Your Will
Business Succession Planning Ireland: Passing a Business Through Your Will Last updated: April 2026 If you own a company, partnership share, or family business, your will is not just a personal legal document—it is part of your continuity plan. Without proper business succession planning, a profitable business can freeze after death due to uncertainty over ownership, control, and decision-making authority. What Is Business Succession Planning? Business succession planning means setting out how ownership and control transfer when an owner dies, retires, or becomes unable to act. In an estate context,... Read more...
Irish Will for Property Abroad: UK, Spain, Portugal and Beyond
Irish Will for Property Abroad: UK, Spain, Portugal and Beyond Last updated: April 2026 If you own a holiday apartment in Spain, an investment flat in the UK, or land overseas, a basic Irish will may not be enough on its own. Cross-border estates often involve extra legal systems, extra probate steps, and costly delays for families. This guide explains how to plan your Irish will when you have property abroad. Can an Irish Will Cover Foreign Property? Yes, an Irish will can include foreign assets. But whether it works... Read more...