How to Make a Will For Your Peace of Mind

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets, such as property, savings, and personal belongings, will be distributed after your death. It is essential to ensure your wishes are respected, avoid disputes among loved ones, and provide for dependants. To make a will in Ireland, you should consult a solicitor to discuss your assets and beneficiaries, have the will drafted and reviewed and then sign it in the presence of two witnesses. 

At PJF Solicitors, we combine expertise with a personal touch, ensuring every will reflects your unique circumstances. Our clear, jargon-free guidance makes the process simple and stress-free. With our dedicated team by your side, you can feel confident that your loved ones are fully protected.

The Process For Making a Will in Ireland

Initial Consultation with a Solicitor

The first step in making a will is consulting a  solicitor to discuss your personal and financial circumstances. During this consultation, you will outline your assets, beneficiaries, and any specific concerns, such as providing for dependents or charitable donations.

Key steps in this stage include:

• Listing your assets, including their approximate value.
• Deciding who will benefit from your estate.
• Choosing suitable executors to manage your estate after your passing.
• Deciding whether a trust and/or guardians will be required for your dependants

Drafting the Will

Once your solicitor understands your wishes, they will draft the will. This document serves as a legally binding outline of how your estate should be managed and distributed.

The solicitor ensures that the will:

• Clearly specifies the distribution of your assets.
• Includes instructions for special provisions, such as charitable donations.
• Complies with Irish legal requirements for validity.

Reviewing the Draft

After the will is drafted, you will have the opportunity to review it in detail. This is your chance to ensure your wishes are accurately reflected and to make any necessary changes.

Steps in the review process include:

• Verifying that all assets and beneficiaries are included.
• Checking the accuracy of executor, trustee and guardian details.
• Making adjustments to clarify or update instructions.

Signing and Witnessing the Will

To make the will legally valid, it must be signed in the presence of two witnesses. These witnesses must not be beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries.

The process includes:

• Signing the will in the presence of two independent witnesses.
• Ensuring the witnesses also sign the document.
• Confirming that all legal formalities are properly followed.

Safekeeping the Will

After signing, it is important to store the will securely. Many people choose to leave the original document with their solicitor for safekeeping, while keeping a copy for their personal records.

Tips for safekeeping:

• Store the original will in a secure location, such as a solicitor’s office.
• Keep a copy in a personal file for reference.
• Ensure your executor knows where to find the original.

Updating the Will

Life circumstances can change, and your will should reflect any major life changes. Whether it is a new marriage, the birth of a child, or acquiring additional assets, updating your will ensures it remains relevant and effective.

Common reasons for updating a will include:

• Changes in family circumstances, such as marriage, divorce, or new children.
• Significant changes in assets or financial status.
• Revising beneficiaries or executors.

What to Leave in a Will

A will allows you to decide how your assets and belongings will be distributed after your death. Typical items to include are property, savings, investments, and personal possessions like jewellery, vehicles, or heirlooms. You can also allocate specific gifts to individuals or charities, such as cash sums or particular items. 

Additionally, a will lets you appoint guardians for minor children, outline instructions for your funeral arrangements, and set up trusts for dependents or those with special needs. By specifying these details in your will, you ensure your wishes are carried out and minimise potential disputes among your loved ones.

What to Expect from PJF’s Will-Making Services

Understanding Your Needs

Our process begins with a personalised consultation to understand your unique circumstances.We will discuss your assets, beneficiaries, and any specific concerns, such as providing for dependents or charitable donations. This step ensures we have a clear picture of your needs.

Tailoring Your Will

Once we have gathered the necessary information, we create a tailored plan to reflect your wishes. This plan ensures your assets are distributed according to your preferences while meeting all legal requirements.

Drafting and Reviewing Your Will

We draft your will with precision and ensure every detail is accurate. Once completed, we will review the document with you to confirm that it aligns with your instructions.

Signing and Witnessing

Your will becomes legally valid once it is properly signed and witnessed. We will guide you through this process to ensure compliance with Irish law.

Keeping Your Will Up to Date

Life changes, and so may your wishes. PJF Solicitors offers ongoing support to ensure your will remains relevant and effective. Whether you need to update beneficiaries or adjust provisions, we are here to help.

Why Choose PJF Solicitors to Make Your Will?

Expert Guidance

Our solicitors bring years of experience in will-making and estate planning, ensuring your wishes are clearly documented and legally binding. With a deep understanding of Irish succession laws, we provide precise, up-to-date advice tailored to your unique circumstances.

From identifying beneficiaries and executors to drafting provisions for dependants or charitable donations, we guide you through each step with professionalism and care. We stay informed about changes in legislation and legal best practices, ensuring your will is comprehensive and compliant with Irish law. Our goal is not just to draft a document but to give you complete peace of mind knowing your loved ones are protected.

Client-Centred Approach 

At Patrick J Farrell Solicitors, we believe every client’s situation is unique, and that is why our service is highly personalised. From the initial consultation, we take the time to understand your needs, concerns, and long-term goals. Whether you are planning for your family, managing complex assets, or addressing special provisions, we work closely with you to create a will that reflects your intentions.

We know that discussing end-of-life planning can be an emotional process, so we approach every case with sensitivity and respect. You’ll receive clear explanations of every step, from outlining your assets to finalising the document, ensuring you feel confident and supported throughout the process.

Proven Track Record Wills & Probate.

Over the years, we’ve helped countless clients create legally sound wills that provide security and clarity for their loved ones. From straightforward estates to more complex cases involving multiple beneficiaries or international assets, our solicitors have the expertise to handle diverse situations.

Client satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. Positive feedback and referrals reflect the quality of service we provide, highlighting our commitment to excellence. Each positive review demonstrates our dedication to ensuring every will we draft accurately represents the client’s wishes and complies fully with legal requirements.

Simple Fee Structures for Will Creation

We understand that concerns about costs can make some people hesitant to create a will. That’s why we are committed to transparency and simplicity when it comes to fees. From your initial consultation, we provide a clear breakdown of expected costs and timelines, following the Law Society of Ireland’s guidelines.

We ensure you are fully informed about the financial aspects. There are no hidden charges—just straightforward, honest advice. This clarity allows you to focus on creating a will with confidence, knowing the process is managed responsibly and within your budget.

Making a will is a vital step in protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are respected. By working with an experienced solicitor, you can navigate the process with ease, creating a legally binding document that reflects your unique circumstances. A will provides peace of mind, minimises the risk of disputes, and ensures your assets are distributed as you intend.