Wills, Probate and Trusts

Making a difference can be as easy as planning ahead. Many people wish to support causes close to their hearts, yet day-to-day financial pressures make regular donations challenging. Including a charitable gift in your will is a thoughtful way to contribute, and it allows you to create a lasting legacy without affecting your current lifestyle. […]

Navigating the complex world of finances and inheritance taxes can leave many parents with lingering questions about the most effective way to gift wealth to their children. A pressing concern for many is whether it’s possible to gift €400,000 tax-free to each child during their lifetime. The short answer? Yes, it is possible, but as

The Law Commission in Britain has announced sweeping changes to its wills legislation, proposing reforms that aim to modernise a system anchored by the Wills Act of 1837. These changes are poised to bring more flexibility, accessibility, and fairness to an area of law that affects everyone yet has remained rigid for nearly two centuries.

When discussing trusts and their administration, legal disputes frequently arise due to complex structures, jurisdictional questions, and conflicting interpretations. One such case, Dunne v Dunne [2025] IEHC 120, explores pivotal issues surrounding exclusive jurisdiction clauses, forum non conveniens (a legal principle addressing the most appropriate jurisdiction for trials), and prior international litigation. This blog provides

For over 60 years, Section 117 of the Succession Act 1965 (s.117) has shaped the way property is passed from parents to children in Ireland under testamentary wills. Designed to ensure testators (those who make a will) fulfil their moral duty towards their children, it has long been heralded as a safeguard for fairness and

Winning the lotto is a dream many of us share. But what happens when that dream becomes your reality? Do you celebrate wildly, plan your escape to a tropical island, or start drafting up a budget for responsible financial planning? The truth is, a sudden windfall requires measured decision-making to ensure your newly discovered wealth

When it comes to family homes, making fair decisions is rarely as simple as it seems. Many parents hope to treat their children equally, but well-intentioned estate plans sometimes create more friction than harmony. One increasingly common scenario unfolds when a parent leaves the house to two or more children, especially when one is living

Equity release schemes and the Fair Deal Scheme are two pathways that can help Irish homeowners fund later life care and maintain financial flexibility. But what happens when these two options intersect? If you are considering equity release and foresee the need to rely on the Fair Deal Scheme for future nursing home care, understanding

Unexpected financial surprises are not uncommon when handling a loved one’s estate, but few things cause as much uncertainty as discovering a forgotten holding of shares months or even years after the estate appears sorted. If you are an executor or family member in this situation, you may wonder if probate is required for a

Handwritten changes to homemade wills often lead to more heartache and confusion than people realise. A recent High Court case involving property on South Circular Road in Dublin has brought this legal risk into sharp focus. If you’re considering making or changing your will, this case highlights why seeking expert legal advice is so important