Wills, Probate and Trusts

Funerals are an emotional yet essential process for families, offering a moment to grieve, find closure, and honour a loved one’s final wishes. However, when disagreements arise among executors, particularly about funeral arrangements, this period of mourning can quickly become fraught with conflict. The legal case of Patel v Patel [2025] sheds light on how […]

When disputes arise over the administration of an estate, clear legal guidelines and processes are critical to resolving the matter fairly and efficiently. Recently, in a High Court case in Ireland, a man lost a legal challenge regarding access to his late mother’s accounts due to his position as a “non-proving” executor. This case highlights

Estate planning is essential to ensure that your assets are distributed as you intend after your passing. A recent High Court case in Ireland brought this significance sharply into focus. John Donnelly, a 54-year-old bachelor from Newbridge, Co Kildare, died unexpectedly during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. With no will in place, his €937,000 estate

When someone makes their will, legal questions surrounding their mental capacity can arise, particularly if their behaviour seems “unusual,” or if there are disputes among beneficiaries. One pivotal High Court ruling, which upheld a will despite the deceased’s eccentricities, sheds light on this critical aspect of estate planning. This article explores what testamentary capacity means,

Introduction Trust structures play a critical role in wealth management, estate planning, and philanthropy, making it essential for trust administrators and financial planners to remain informed of evolving legal frameworks. One such significant framework is the Hague Convention of 1 July 1985 on the Law Applicable to Trusts and on their Recognition, commonly known as

Navigating the legal complexities of inheritance, mental capacity, and decision-making can be a challenging process. This is particularly true in cases where mental illness or diminished capacity comes into play. A recent case in Ireland has brought to light the critical role of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (ADMCA) in providing a framework for

Probate disputes are among the most complex and emotionally charged legal challenges families face, often resulting in lengthy court cases if not managed prudently. The Irish High Court case Myles Gilvarry v William Naylor ([2024] IEHC 668) serves as a poignant reminder of why pragmatic legal advice is crucial in resolving these disputes efficiently and

Caring for vulnerable individuals often involves navigating complex legal frameworks. For caregivers in Ireland and the UK, understanding the laws surrounding decision-making capacity is crucial to ensuring that those in their care are supported respectfully and legally. Ireland’s Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (ADMCA) and the UK’s Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) are two legislative

Introduction Navigating decision-making for those who may struggle with capacity has historically been challenging and often fraught with legal complexities. Ireland’s Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (ADMCA), as amended in 2022, introduces a revolutionary framework that prioritises individual autonomy and supports decision-making for those who may lack capacity. For caregivers and advocacy groups, understanding this