Caveat & Estate Challenge Advice

Caveat and estate challenge advice in Ireland helps people who are concerned about a Will or estate decide whether to lodge a caveat. We tell you whether a caveat is appropriate and how to lodge it. Once probate issues, challenging an estate becomes harder, so acting before the grant is important.

You can upload your folio, deeds, contract, photos or other documents through our secure link; a solicitor would then typically review everything before preparing advice. There is no hourly billing: the price is fixed for the service described. Property and land issues are usually easier and cheaper to resolve early, before a sale, mortgage or family transfer is held up. The advice is based on Irish law and practice and on the documents you provide, so the more complete your documents, the more precise the advice can be. If the advice shows that further work is needed, such as correspondence, a Land Registry application or a planning or court process, a solicitor would explain the options and any further cost before anything else is done.

What’s included

• Estate intake
• Caveat suitability opinion
• Process advice
• Cost view
• Confidential call
• Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

Who this is for

• Family members with concerns about a Will
• People who believe they have a claim on an estate
• People worried an estate will be distributed quickly
• Beneficiaries concerned about an executor’s conduct

How it works

1. Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
2. Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
3. A solicitor would then typically review the documents and prepare written advice.
4. You receive your written advice by email and, where included, a follow-up call to ask questions.

Frequently asked questions

How much does caveat advice cost in Ireland?

This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

What does a caveat do?

A caveat lodged in the Probate Office prevents a grant issuing without notice to the person who lodged it, giving time to raise concerns.

Should I lodge a caveat?

A caveat should only be lodged where there is a genuine concern, as it can cause delay and cost. The advice tells you whether it is appropriate.

For more on Wills, probate and inherited property, see our Wills & Probate in Ireland guide.

If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.