How to Make a Will in Ireland: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Making a will is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family and ensure your wishes are respected after you pass away. Yet surveys consistently show that the majority of adults in Ireland do not have a valid will in place. This guide explains everything you need to know about making a will in Ireland in 2025 — the legal requirements, what it should cover, and why a solicitor-drafted will is always the right choice.

Why You Need a Will in Ireland

Without a valid will, your estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy under the Succession Act 1965. These rules determine who inherits your assets based on your family structure — and the results may be very different from what you would have wanted. Under intestacy rules in Ireland:

  • An unmarried partner receives nothing, regardless of the length of your relationship
  • Your estate is divided in fixed legal proportions that may not reflect your wishes
  • You have no say in who looks after your children as guardian
  • Charities or friends you wanted to benefit receive nothing
  • Administering the estate takes longer and costs more

A valid will gives you complete control over what happens to your assets and who looks after your dependants.

Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in Ireland

Under the Succession Act 1965, a valid will in Ireland must meet the following requirements:

  • In writing: The will must be a written document — handwritten, typed, or printed
  • Signed by the testator: You must sign the will at the foot or end of the document
  • Witnessed by two adults: Two independent adult witnesses must be present when you sign and must sign the will themselves
  • Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries: If a witness is also a beneficiary under the will, or married to a beneficiary, the gift to that person will be void — though the rest of the will remains valid
  • Testamentary capacity: You must be of sound mind when making the will — you must understand what you are doing and its consequences
  • Age: You must be 18 or over (or a member of the Defence Forces on active service)

What Should Your Will Cover?

A comprehensive will should address the following:

Appointment of Executor

Your executor is the person responsible for administering your estate — gathering your assets, paying debts, and distributing what remains to your beneficiaries. Choose someone you trust who is organised and capable of handling paperwork. It’s common to appoint two executors as a backup.

Guardianship of Minor Children

If you have children under 18, your will is the place to name who you want to act as their guardian if both parents die. Without this, the courts decide. This alone is reason enough for every parent to have a will.

Specific Gifts

You can leave specific items — a house, a car, jewellery, money — to named individuals. Be precise about what you’re leaving and to whom.

Residuary Estate

After specific gifts and debts are paid, what remains of your estate is the “residue.” Your will should name who receives this and in what proportions.

Trusts for Minor Beneficiaries

If you’re leaving assets to children under 18, they cannot legally hold property in their own name. Your will should include a trust provision setting out who holds the assets and at what age the child receives them outright.

Spousal Rights and the Succession Act

In Ireland, a surviving spouse has a legal right share under the Succession Act — regardless of what your will says. This means:

  • If you have no children, your spouse is entitled to one half of your estate
  • If you have children, your spouse is entitled to one third of your estate

You cannot fully disinherit a spouse in Ireland. A solicitor can advise on how to structure your will within these rules.

Can I Write My Own Will in Ireland?

Technically yes — there is no legal requirement that a will be drafted by a solicitor. However, DIY wills are a common source of problems. Issues with wording, unclear provisions, incorrect execution, or failure to account for Irish succession law can result in the will being challenged, parts being void, or your wishes not being carried out. A solicitor-drafted will is inexpensive relative to the value of your estate and the peace of mind it provides.

How to Update Your Will

You should review your will after major life events — marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary or executor, or a significant change in your assets. Marriage automatically revokes a will made before the marriage in Ireland. Divorce does not automatically revoke a will — specific provisions are needed.

To change your will, you can either make a new will (which revokes all previous wills) or add a codicil — a formal amendment that must be executed with the same formalities as the original will.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to make a will in Ireland?

A solicitor-drafted will in Ireland typically costs between €150 and €400, depending on complexity. At Online Legal Services, we offer a fixed-fee online will drafting service so you know the exact cost before you commit.

Where should I store my will?

Store the original signed will in a safe place — a fireproof safe, a bank safe deposit box, or with your solicitor. Tell your executor where it is. Never store the only copy of your will somewhere inaccessible, or where it could be destroyed.

What happens if my will is lost or destroyed?

If no original signed will can be found after your death, the courts will presume you died intestate (without a will). This is why keeping a safe copy is essential.

Can I leave my house to someone in my will?

Yes — subject to the legal right share of a surviving spouse and the rights of dependent children under Section 117 of the Succession Act. A solicitor can advise on how to structure property gifts in your will correctly.

Make Your Will Online Today

Our Online Will Drafting Service provides a solicitor-drafted, legally valid will tailored to your circumstances — at a fixed fee, from the comfort of your own home. Also see our Enduring Power of Attorney for future capacity planning, or book a 30-minute consultation to discuss your estate planning needs.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified Irish solicitor.

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