The Irish Will Guide

Cohabiting Couples and Inheritance Rights in Ireland (2026 Guide)
Cohabiting Couples and Inheritance Rights in Ireland (2026 Guide) Last updated: April 2026 If you are living with your partner but are not married or in a civil partnership, Irish inheritance law treats you very differently. Many couples assume “common law marriage” gives automatic rights. In Ireland, it does not. That means if one partner dies without a will, the surviving partner may inherit nothing, even after years together and shared finances. Do Unmarried Partners Automatically Inherit in Ireland? No. Under the Succession Act 1965, only spouses and civil partners... Read more...
Letter of Wishes in Ireland: What It Is and What to Include
What is a letter of wishes?A letter of wishes is a non-binding document that sits alongside your will. It gives your executor and family practical guidance on matters that may change over time. What to include Funeral and memorial preferences Guidance for guardians of minor children Digital accounts and online instructions Personal items and sentimental gifts Contact details for key advisers Is it legally binding?No. Your will is the legally binding document. A letter of wishes helps your executor understand your preferences, but it does not replace valid will clauses.... Read more...
Who Can Witness a Will in Ireland? 2026 Rules + Common Mistakes
Quick answerIn Ireland, your will must be signed by you in the presence of two witnesses, and both witnesses must also sign in your presence. A witness should be over 18, independent, and not a beneficiary (or spouse/civil partner of a beneficiary). Who can be a witness? Adults aged 18+ People with capacity who understand they are witnessing a signature Independent people who are not receiving gifts under your will Who should NOT witness your will? Anyone named as a beneficiary The spouse/civil partner of a beneficiary Children or anyone... Read more...
Guardianship Planning in Ireland: Complete 2026 Guide for Parents
Guardianship Planning in Ireland: A Complete 2026 Guide for Parents For most parents, this is the hardest part of estate planning — not money, not legal forms, but one question: If something happens to us, who will raise our children? That is why guardianship planning matters. A will is not just about assets. For parents, it is a protection plan for children’s day-to-day life, emotional stability, education, and long-term security. Many Irish families delay this because it feels uncomfortable. But delay creates risk: uncertainty, potential disputes, and avoidable legal stress... Read more...
Will Writing Costs vs Probate Fees in Ireland (2026 Guide)
Will Writing Costs vs Probate Fees in Ireland: The Real Numbers Families Need in 2026 Most people in Ireland ask one money question first: “How much does it cost to make a will?” It is a fair question — but not the complete one. The better question is this: What are the total estate costs with a will vs without one, including probate fees, legal costs, delays, and avoidable family stress? This guide breaks down both sides: Will writing costs (solicitor, online, and template options) Probate fees and related legal... Read more...
Legal Right Share in Ireland: What Your Spouse Is Entitled To
Legal Right Share in Ireland: What Your Spouse Is Entitled To When making a will in Ireland, one of the most important things to understand is the legal right share. This is a protective provision under Irish law that ensures your spouse receives a minimum portion of your estate—regardless of what your will says. Many people are surprised to learn that you cannot simply leave your spouse out of your will. Irish succession law prioritises spousal protection, and the legal right share is a cornerstone of that protection. In this... Read more...
The Succession Act 1965 Explained in Plain English
The Succession Act 1965 Explained in Plain English Last updated: April 2026 If you're thinking about making a will in Ireland—or you've just inherited under one—you need to understand the Succession Act 1965. This sixty-year-old piece of legislation is the backbone of Irish succession law, and it controls what happens to your property when you die. Despite its importance, the Act is written in dense legal language that can feel impenetrable. This guide breaks it down into plain English, so you know exactly how it affects your will, your estate,... Read more...
Probate Costs Ireland 2026: Complete Fee Breakdown (Solicitor vs DIY)
Probate Costs Ireland 2026: Complete Fee Breakdown (Solicitor vs DIY) Meta Title: Probate Costs Ireland 2026: Complete Fee Breakdown (Solicitor vs DIY) Meta Description: How much does probate cost in Ireland in 2026? Complete breakdown of probate fees, solicitor charges, DIY costs, and hidden expenses. Save thousands with our guide. Target Keywords: probate costs Ireland, probate fees Ireland, DIY probate Ireland, probate solicitor fees Ireland, probate registry fees Word Count: ~820 words Internal Links: [Probate process post], [Executor duties post], [Irish inheritance tax post], [Property inheritance post] How Much Does... Read more...
Enduring Power of Attorney Ireland: Complete Guide (EPA vs Will 2026)
Enduring Power of Attorney Ireland: What It Is & Why It's Different From a Will Meta Title: Enduring Power of Attorney Ireland: Complete Guide (EPA vs Will 2026) Meta Description: What is an EPA in Ireland? Learn the difference between enduring power of attorney and a will, when you need one, and how to register an EPA with the Decision Support Service. Target Keywords: enduring power of attorney Ireland, EPA Ireland, power of attorney vs will Ireland, register EPA Ireland Word Count: ~680 words Internal Links: [Executor duties post], [Living... Read more...
Living Will Ireland: Complete 2026 Guide to Advance Healthcare Directives
Living Will Ireland: What It Is, Why You Need One & How to Create It (2026 Guide) Meta Title: Living Will Ireland: Complete 2026 Guide to Advance Healthcare Directives Meta Description: What is a living will in Ireland? Learn the difference from a regular will, when you need one, and how to create an advance healthcare directive that protects your medical wishes. Target Keywords: living will Ireland, advance healthcare directive Ireland, medical consent will Ireland Word Count: ~750 words Internal Links: [Appointing Guardians post], [Executor duties post], [Simple Will product],... Read more...
How to Store Your Irish Will Safely (And Who Should Have a Copy)
How to Store Your Irish Will Safely (And Who Should Have a Copy)
How to Store Your Irish Will Safely (And Who Should Have a Copy) How to Store Your Irish Will Safely (And Who Should Have a Copy) You've done the hard... Read more...
Wedding Season & Wills: Why Irish Newlyweds Need a Will Immediately
Wedding Season & Wills: Why Irish Newlyweds Need a Will Immediately
Wedding Season & Wills: Why Irish Newlyweds Need a Will Immediately Wedding Season & Wills: Why Irish Newlyweds Need a Will Immediately Congratulations on your marriage! You've just made one... Read more...