A will is one of the most straightforward legal documents you can put in place, and one of the most important. Yet the majority of adults in Ireland don’t have one — usually because it feels like something to deal with later.
The difficulty is that ‘later’ can arrive without warning, and without a valid will your wishes carry no legal weight at all.
Dying without a valid will means the law — not you — decides who inherits.
What happens without a will
If you die intestate — that is, without a valid will — your estate is distributed according to fixed statutory rules under the Succession Act. Those rules may not reflect your relationships, your intentions, or the needs of the people who depend on you.
What a will lets you control
It’s simpler than you think
For most people, making a will is a short and inexpensive process. We talk it through, prepare a clear draft for you to review, and arrange proper signing and witnessing so the document is valid.
We discuss your assets, your family, and your wishes, and flag anything that needs particular care.
We prepare a will in plain, precise language and give you time to read it and ask questions.
We oversee correct signing and witnessing, so there is no doubt about validity.
Marriage, separation, a new child, buying property, or a death in the family can all affect your will. It is worth reviewing every few years and after any significant change in your circumstances.
How Oak Legal helps
You’ll deal directly with Jason Burke, who will make sure your will is clear, valid, and genuinely reflects what you want. If your affairs are more complex, we’ll advise on the estate and tax considerations too.