Wills, Probate and Trusts

The Irish Fair Deal Scheme was introduced to help families manage the often daunting costs of long-term nursing home care. While providing much-needed financial support, many have questioned if it indeed lives up to its name, particularly when it seems to effectively “tax” assets that have already been taxed. Beyond the surface, the scheme, though […]

Understanding the complexities of retirement planning can be daunting, especially when ensuring your financial security for the years ahead. An Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) offers flexibility and control over your pension savings, but before you plunge in, it’s critical to understand how ARFs work, their costs, and whether they’re the right choice for you. This

The dream of early retirement resonates with many of us. Who wouldn’t want to spend their days travelling, pursuing hobbies, or simply enjoying a slower pace of life without the pressures of a 9-to-5 job? This vision is at the heart of the FIRE movement, which stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. From viral blog

When planning for the future, many individuals choose to place their savings in joint accounts. While this can simplify day-to-day money management and provide easy access for both account holders, questions often arise about how things work when one partner passes away. Specifically, will having all savings in joint names complicate matters or delay access

Navigating inheritance tax can be complicated, but good estate planning can help ensure your loved ones are not burdened with large tax bills after your death. With recent developments in tax legislation, now is an opportune time to explore strategies to minimise inheritance tax on estates. This guide explores practical ways to legally reduce inheritance

The introduction of Ireland’s Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 has been nothing short of a generational shift in the nation’s approach to capacity law. By replacing the old, binary wardship system with a more nuanced, rights-based framework, the legislation has positioned autonomy and the will of the individual at its core. This represents a departure

The tragic murder of Valerie French by her husband, James Kilroy, sent shockwaves through the local community and highlighted pressing issues in Irish legal structures regarding guardianship and the administration of estates. This article explores the court case recently determining Valerie’s estate administration, the crucial legal aspects of replacing executors in Ireland, and the legislative

When drafting a will, most of us consider it a definitive step towards safeguarding our loved ones from potential complications after our passing. However, as seen in the recent High Court case involving the estate of Patrick (Paddy) Quinn, the reality can sometimes become far more complex if the original will cannot be found. This

A recent report by Goodbody has revealed a staggering statistic that retirees in Ireland are set to pass on €295 billion in wealth over the next twenty years. Although they make up just 16% of the population, this demographic holds 27% of the nation’s net wealth. These figures highlight the importance of estate planning for

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of life’s most profound emotional challenges. Alongside the grief, there’s a daunting task ahead that many find overwhelming – organising a funeral. This responsibility may fall on family members or friends with little to no prior experience, often leaving them uncertain about where to start.