Last updated 9 October 2026. General information only, not legal advice.
Information only — this matter needs a solicitor. OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice or take on cases. This page is a general guide.
To instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory. For self-complete documents, see our legal templates.
Making a will is one of the most important legal steps you can take for your family. More than half of Irish adults don’t have a will — which means their estate will be distributed according to the Succession Act 1965, not their wishes. A solicitor you instruct can draft your will for you.
Key points
- A will must be in writing, signed by you at the end, and witnessed by two people who each sign in your presence.
- A gift to a witness, or to their spouse or civil partner, is not valid.
- Marrying or entering a civil partnership automatically revokes an earlier will, unless it was made with that event clearly in mind.
- A spouse or civil partner has a legal right share even if the will leaves them nothing: one-third if there are children, one-half if not.
- Source: Citizens Information.
Why You Need a Will in Ireland
- Without a will, your estate is distributed by law — not by your wishes
- Unmarried partners receive nothing under Irish intestacy rules
- Children from different relationships are treated equally regardless of circumstances
- A will appoints an executor of your choice to manage your estate
- You can provide for stepchildren, charities, and specific bequests
Will Services Explained
- Mirror Wills for Couples — not currently available (two legally valid wills for you and your partner)
- Single Will drafting — not currently available
- Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) — not currently available
- First-Time Buyer Pack including Will + EPA — not currently available
What Makes a Will Valid in Ireland?
- You must be 18 or over (or married)
- You must have testamentary capacity
- The will must be in writing and signed by you
- Signed in the presence of two independent witnesses
- Both witnesses must sign in your presence — witnesses cannot be beneficiaries
Marriage, Changes and Legal Right Share
Getting married or entering a civil partnership automatically revokes an existing will, unless the will was made with that marriage or civil partnership clearly in mind. To change a will, you can sign a codicil (a separate document that updates the will) with the same witnessing formalities, or make a new will that revokes the old one.
A spouse or civil partner is entitled to a legal right share of the estate even if the will does not provide for them: one-third if there are children, or one-half if there are none. Children can also have rights; see our guide to contesting a will under section 117. Unmarried partners do not have a legal right share, so read about cohabitation rights in Ireland. If you are choosing who will carry out your wishes, see our guide to the role of an executor.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting married cancel my will?
Yes, in general. Marriage or entering a civil partnership automatically revokes your will, unless the will was made with that marriage or civil partnership clearly in mind.
Can I change my will without making a new one?
Yes. You can sign a codicil, which is a separate document that updates the will, and which you and your witnesses must sign. You can also make a new will that revokes the old one.
Can a witness inherit under my will?
No. A gift to a witness, or to their spouse or civil partner, is not valid, so use two independent witnesses.
Can my spouse be left out of my will?
Not entirely. A spouse or civil partner can claim their legal right share, one-third of the estate if there are children or one-half if there are none, even if the will does not provide for them.
How It Works
- Read the will guide and find a solicitor through the Law Society’s directory
- Complete a short questionnaire about your wishes
- A solicitor you instruct drafts your will and sends it for review
- Sign in the presence of two witnesses
Browse all family and wills services or find a solicitor first.
Related services
Not currently available — we are working to appoint a new solicitor. OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice, so the solicitor service described on this page cannot be ordered here; the page is kept as general information. To instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory, or join our no-fee waiting list to be told when solicitor services are available again.