Making a Will

It is very important to make a will and even more so when you own property and have people who are dependent on you. While you don’t need a solicitor to make a will, it is generally recommended that you do instruct a solicitor to make your will.

• The Law Society has produced a leaflet for consumers, which explains the process of making a will.
• Visit the relevant section of the Citizens Information Board’s website.
• FLAC have produced a useful wills and intestacy leaflet.

Administration of Estates

A lot of everyday tasks require attention and important decisions may have to be made with regard to the deceased’s property and personal belongings (for instance, should the house be sold?).

People who have been appointed as personal representatives or executors in a will might be interested in the leaflet 'Administration of Estates' which explains in broad terms what is involved and why it may be important to seek timely professional advice and assistance.

It is essential to identify from the outset any legal issues which may need to be dealt with. These are not always obvious and can result in a personal representative being held personally liable. Your solicitor will advise you on the steps to be taken and will be in a position to deal with any underlying complexities. He/she will attend to the considerable administrative detail involved, from assembling accurate date-of-death information, completing the Revenue and Probate Office forms required in the application for a grant of representation to collecting the assets (in the absence of a will, a bond, usually from an insurance company, will be necessary), filing tax returns, obtaining tax clearances, making arrangements for the distribution of the estate and related accounting to the personal representatives and beneficiaries.

Contact a solicitor for more information.