Do I need to engage a solicitor to wind up an estate?

You do not need to use a solicitor to wind up an estate in Ireland, however, it is recommended.

 

Even a small estate can be difficult to wind up without an understanding of the legal process and your legal duties. Challenges you may face when winding up an estate of a loved one include:

 

    • Gathering and valuing all of the deceased’s property, which may include hidden assets
    • Obtaining a Grant of Probate and, in particular, completing the Application forms which require to be submitted to Revenue and to the Probate Office with the correct supporting documentation
    • Complicated estates with many beneficiaries
    • Property overseas
    • A person attempting to contest the Will and take a claim against an estate
    • Trust matters
    • Inheritance tax matters
    • Insolvent estates, or even difficulty managing the debts of an estate

Instructing a solicitor can relieve some of the burdens and ensure proper administration of the estate. Dealing with an estate can be time consuming, complex and complicated.

 

 

Do you need to use the solicitor that holds the deceased’s Will?

No. When choosing a solicitor, the Executor is free to use any solicitor you wish. Of course, there may be some advantage in using the solicitor the deceased discussed their Will and estate matters with, but an experienced solicitor will be able to gather the information and interpret the Will and the wishes of the person who has passed away.

 

 

Specialist Wills Solicitors, Dublin

Our personal, attentive service along with our commercially-minded guidance allows us to build long-term, ongoing relationships with our clients. We clearly outline the implications from initial contact, helping to dispel the mystery behind the law and legal process. Our highly personal service reflects our culture, which is centred on understanding, integrity and trust.

 

 

How long does it take to get a Grant of Probate in Ireland?

Obtaining a Grant of Probate in Ireland is one of the essential elements of dealing with an estate when someone has died. The Grant of Probate confers authority on the executor to ingather the estate and distribute it to the beneficiaries. The process can take between 6-8 months. This is largely down to the delays in the Probate Office can be anything from 18 weeks to 25 weeks.