Should I make a Will?

If you have assets or property it is important that you make a Will to allow for the proper distribution or your assets and property if you die. A Will allows you to properly provide for the needs of your spouse, children or family members in the event of your death. In a situation where you have a child or children and in the event of the untimely death of both parents of the said child or children a properly drafted Will can deal with division of your property and appointment of Guardians and Trustees for your dependants. With proper advice a Will can also be used as a Tax Planning opportunity.

Anybody can make a Will providing you are over the age of 18 and of sound mind. You will have to appoint an Executor who may be a close family member or friend and who should have a detailed knowledge of the assets and property of the person making the Will. It would also be common for the person to appoint their Solicitor as the Second Executor as the Solicitor will also obtain details of the assets and property of the person making the Will and in the event of the death of that person the Solicitor will be in a position to properly advise the other executors with a view to taking out a Grant of Probate in order to deal with the Beneficiaries of the Will.

Costs

The legal costs involved in making a Will are relatively inexpensive and depend on the length of time taken in preparing the Will. Typically the costs are between €60 and €100 plus Vat @ 23%.

Identity

Please refer to Solicitor's Obligations under the Criminal Justice Act