Plan ahead for 2025- make a Will
Plan ahead for 2025- make a Will
The start of a New Year is the perfect time to make a will. This will give you peace of
mind as to how your possessions will be distributed when you die.
What is a will?
A will is a legal document that outlines how your property, money and other assets (also
known as your estate) should be distributed after your death. This may involve leaving
your assets to family, friends or charities that are important to you. By making a will, you
ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Steps to making a will
We will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
A will is only valid if it is made in writing, you are over 18 years and you must be able to
understand and decide what you are doing (this may be referred to as having legal capacity).
The will must also be signed by you in the presence of two witnesses.
Keeping your will up to date
Life can change quickly so keeping your will up to date is important. A will made years
ago may not reflect your life today. For example, you might have gotten married or have
a new life partner, you may have had children since your last will or your children may
have become adults, you may own more property or have other assets to consider.
What happens if I don’t make a Will?
If a person dies without making a will, they will have died ‘intestate’. If this happens,
there are laws that set out how the estate will be divided and this means your estate may
not always go to the people you would have chosen.
Where there is no will, your spouse or civil partner is entitled to either all or two-thirds of
your estate, depending on whether you have children or not. The remaining one-third is
divided between your children.
If you don’t have a spouse, civil partner or children, your estate will be divided among your
living relatives according to a set formula. Cohabiting couples or those in long-term
relationships without legal status may receive nothing. These are important personal
considerations to discuss with your solicitor to avoid future upset or uncertainty.
Talk to us!
Every adult should have a will. We strongly encourage you to make a will or to review
your existing will to make sure it is up to date. Talk to us for advice and support on making
a will.
You can contact any of our solicitors in the Cashel and Cahir offices at 062 61288 or 052 7441244 if you wish to make a will.
