How to Make a Will in Ireland (Without a Solicitor)

In Ireland, a solicitor is not required to make a legally valid will. A will is legally binding if it is executed correctly in accordance with Irish succession law. This applies regardless of who drafted the document. 

This guide exists because most problems with DIY wills in Ireland arise not from wording, but from execution errors during signing and witnessing.

Irish law imposes strict formal requirements for execution. If these requirements are not followed precisely, the will may be deemed invalid in probate. This can occur even where the testator’s intentions are clear.

Under the Succession Act 1965, a will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two independent adults who are present at the same time.

This guide reflects current Irish succession law and standard probate practice as applied by the Irish courts.

What a Will Does

A will is a legal document that:

  • sets out how your assets are distributed after your death,
  • appoints one or more executors to administer your estate,
  • can appoint guardians for minor children,
  • allows you to make specific gifts or instructions.

If you die without a valid will (known as dying intestate), your estate is distributed according to statutory rules, which may not reflect your wishes.

Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in Ireland

For a will to be valid under Irish law, all of the following requirements must be met:

  • The will must be in writing
  • The person making the will (the testator) must:
    • be 18 years or older (or married)
    • have mental capacity at the time of making the will
    • be acting freely, without undue influence
  • The will must be signed by the testator
  • The signature must be made in the presence of two witnesses
  • Both witnesses must:
    • be over 18
    • sign the will in the presence of the testator and each other
  • Witnesses must not be beneficiaries, nor spouses or civil partners of beneficiaries

If any of these requirements are not met, the will may be declared invalid, either wholly or in part.

Handwritten wills are permitted in Ireland, but they carry a higher risk of interpretation and execution errors.

Can I Make a Will Online in Ireland?

Yes. An online or template-based will can be legally valid in Ireland, provided it is executed correctly.

Online will services typically:

  • guide you through required clauses,
  • generate a written document,
  • require you to print, sign, and witness the will correctly.

The primary legal risk with DIY wills is not drafting, but incorrect execution or use in unsuitable circumstances.

Who This Guide Is Suitable For

Online or DIY wills are generally suitable if:

  • your estate is straightforward,
  • you are single or married with one family unit,
  • all assets are located in Ireland,
  • there are no complex trusts or tax arrangements.

Many straightforward estates in Ireland are routinely administered using properly executed DIY or online wills, provided the legal execution requirements are met.

You should consider professional advice if you have:

  • children from a previous relationship,
  • significant assets outside Ireland,
  • a family business or partnership,
  • complex inheritance or tax planning needs,
  • concerns about potential disputes.

Using a solicitor does not make a will “more legal”. It reduces risk in complex cases.

Step-by-Step: How to Make and Execute Your Will

  1. Draft the will using an Irish-specific template appropriate to your situation.
  2. Print the document. Electronic signatures are not valid for wills in Ireland.
  3. Arrange two independent witnesses who are adults and not beneficiaries.
  4. Sign together: you sign first, then both witnesses sign immediately after, with everyone present.
  5. Store the will safely and inform your executor where it is kept.

If your circumstances are straightforward, you can generate a compliant Irish will online and execute it yourself by following the steps above.

Common Mistakes That Invalidate Irish Wills

  • A beneficiary acting as a witness
  • Witnesses signing separately or at different times
  • Failure to physically sign the printed document
  • Informal handwritten amendments after signing
  • Using non-Irish templates that conflict with Irish law
  • Losing the original signed will or failing to store it securely

Most invalid wills fail due to execution errors, not bad intentions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an online will valid in Ireland?
Yes, if it is executed correctly with proper witnessing.

Do I need a solicitor to make a will?
No, but professional advice is recommended for complex estates.

Can I change my will later?
Yes. A new will can revoke previous wills if stated clearly.

What happens if I die without a will?
Your estate is distributed according to intestacy rules.

Can witnesses be family members?
Yes, provided they are not beneficiaries.

Key Legal Reminder

In Ireland, legality depends on execution, not authorship. A carefully executed DIY will can be fully valid. A poorly executed solicitor-drafted will can fail.

If in doubt, seek clarification before signing.