This week, Topic talks to Denise Cassidy of Denise Cassidy Solicitors, who discusses the process of making a will.
Making a Will is a critical step in ensuring that your wishes are respected, and your loved ones are cared for after you’re gone.
What You Require for Your Will Appointment
• Inventory of Assets and Liabilities: Make a list of the assets you have, including properties, bank accounts, personal belongings, and any debts.
• Executors & Beneficiaries: Decide who you would like to inherit your assets and appoint two people you trust to act as the Executors of your estate. An Executor is responsible for ensuring your wishes are carried out as per your Will and at least one should be local or reside in Ireland. The Executors addresses and phone numbers will be required.
• Consider Special Circumstances: If you have dependents, you’ll need to include guardians and/or trustees. If you wish to include charitable bequests have the charity name, number and address noted for your Solicitor.
• Burial wishes: While you may wish to include your burial wishes in your Will, the Will may not be read for several weeks after your death, and it is preferable to inform your next-of-kin of your burial wishes or leave a note with your important documentation.
• Photo ID and a utility bill: Your Solicitor will require a copy of your photo ID and a utility bill to verify your identity for the purposes of making the Will.
The Solicitor Process for Drafting Your Will
• Drafting the Will: Arrange a meeting with your Solicitor. The Solicitor prepares a draft of your Will, ensuring all legal formalities are met.
• Review: You will review your Will and discuss any changes with your Solicitor.
• Execution: For the Will to be legally valid, it must be signed by you in the presence of at least two witnesses who should not be beneficiaries. The Solicitor retains the original signed Will in their fire-proof safe.
• Changes: You can review the Will with your Solicitor at any time and if you wish to make changes, a new Will can be executed, which revokes the previous Will.
Taking Out a Grant of Probate
What is Probate? Probate is the legal process by which your Will is “proved” as valid. Once your Executor obtains a Grant of Probate, they have the legal authority to administer your estate.
Final Thoughts
Ensuring that your Will is clear, valid, and safely stored can save your loved ones from a great deal of stress during an already difficult time. We advise you to regularly review your Will with your Solicitor, especially after major life changes.
Check out their website at denisecassidy.ie or their Facebook page to see what services they offer in more detail, and you can call their Mullingar office on 044 9362017 to discuss your legal affairs. Denise Cassidy Solicitor will be more than happy to assist you.
