Free AI help for wills, trusts & estate law

Yes, using our AI legal assistant is completely free of charge. You can ask questions, receive information, and explore your options without any costs whatsoever. There are no hidden charges, subscription fees, or obligations. We believe in making estate planning information more accessible, particularly when you're beginning to navigate these important legal matters in Ireland.

Our AI assistant provides information based on publicly available Irish estate planning and probate law and is regularly updated to reflect current Irish legislation and legal principles. However, Irish law can be complex, and every situation has unique aspects that may affect how legal principles apply. While the information is designed to be helpful and informative, it cannot account for every detail of complex situations or specific Irish legal requirements. For definitive guidance on your specific circumstances, a qualified Irish solicitor can provide personalised advice.

Probate in Ireland is the legal process through which a deceased person's will is validated and their estate is administered. The process involves applying to the Probate Office for a Grant of Probate (if there's a will) or Grant of Administration (if there's no will). The executor or administrator must inventory assets, pay debts including any Capital Acquisitions Tax due to Revenue, and distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries. Not all estates require probate - it depends on the value and types of assets involved, and some institutions may release smaller amounts without requiring probate.

Yes, you can write a will without a solicitor in Ireland, and it can be legally valid if it meets the requirements under the Succession Act 1965. Irish law requires the will to be in writing, signed by you in the presence of two independent witnesses who must also sign in your presence and in the presence of each other. However, for complex estates, business interests, or significant assets, professional legal advice is often recommended to ensure your will is valid, achieves your objectives, and minimises potential tax consequences under Irish law.

When someone dies without a valid will in Ireland (dying "intestate"), their estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules set out in the Succession Act 1965. The surviving spouse has specific rights, and the remainder is distributed to children, parents, and other relatives in a specific order. The court will grant Letters of Administration to the person entitled to administer the estate (usually the surviving spouse or nearest relative). The Legal Right of spouses and the rights of children are protected under Irish succession law.

In Ireland, a Grant of Probate is issued when the deceased left a valid will naming an executor. A Grant of Administration is issued when there's no valid will (intestacy) or when the named executor cannot or will not act. Both grants give legal authority to deal with the deceased's assets, but the Grant of Administration requires the administrator to follow the intestacy rules under the Succession Act 1965, while executors follow the instructions in the will.

Yes, wills can be contested in Ireland on several grounds including lack of mental capacity, undue influence, fraud, duress, or improper execution under the Succession Act 1965. Additionally, Section 117 of the Succession Act allows children to apply to court if they feel the will has failed to make proper provision for them. Surviving spouses also have statutory rights that cannot be defeated by a will. However, will contests can be complex and costly, so it's important to understand the legal grounds and prospects of success before proceeding.

Our AI assistant can help you identify situations where speaking to a solicitor may be beneficial. While it's not a substitute for legal advice, it can guide you through common questions and help you understand when professional support might be the right next step. In general, we recommend consulting a solicitor for complex matters such as Capital Acquisitions Tax planning, setting up trusts, contested probate, estates involving business interests, foreign assets, Section 117 claims, or if you're unsure about Irish legal requirements. Simple wills and straightforward probate matters might not require professional help, but solicitors can provide peace of mind and ensure everything is handled correctly according to Irish law.