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Probate lawyers in Ireland: what to know before you hire
A guide by LawzanaOfficial sources checked 29 October 2026.
A grant of representation gives permission to act on behalf of a deceased person. First check whether a grant is needed, who can apply and whether any inheritance or tax deadlines are approaching.
This guide covers law and procedure in Ireland.
Grant type
Probate / administration
Probate applies when there is a valid will and a named executor is applying. [3][4]
Lost or disputed will
Solicitor required
A solicitor must make the grant application if the will is lost or its validity is disputed. [5]
Section 117 time limit
Six months
A section 117 application must be made within six months of first taking out representation. [2]
Caveat warning
14 days to respond
Lodge an appearance within 14 days of service or the caveat may be set aside. [6]
When a lawyer can help
Administering an estate with a will
You are a named executor and need authority to deal with the deceased's assets.
Handled by: Apply personally to the Probate Office or relevant District Probate Registry, or instruct a solicitor.
Prepare the grant application and help administer the estate. [1][5][3]
Handled by:
Apply personally to the Probate Office or relevant District Probate Registry, or instruct a solicitor.
€200 to €1,300 for estate values from €1 to €1 million
The bands are €200 up to €100,000; €400 up to €250,000; €700 up to €500,000; €1,000 up to €750,000; and €1,300 up to €1 million. Above €1 million, add €800 for each additional €500,000. [17]
Court fee for an application through a solicitor
€100 to €650 for net estates up to €1 million
The court-fee bands are €100, €200, €350, €500 and €650 at net estate limits of €100,000, €250,000, €500,000, €750,000 and €1 million respectively. Above €1 million, add €400 per additional €500,000 or part. [17]
Questions about lawyer charges
Is there a charge for the first consultation?
How would you calculate your fees for this estate?
Which work, VAT, court fees and other expenses would the quote include?
Can you provide a written quote and explain when payments would fall due?
Applying personally for probate
1
Check who can apply and value the assets
The executors named in the will can apply. Identify the deceased's assets, including jointly held interests, and obtain date-of-death values. Use a solicitor if the original will is lost or its validity is disputed. [1][5]
2
Submit estate information to Revenue
For deaths on or after 5 December 2001, complete Statement of Affairs Form SA.2 through myAccount or ROS. Upload a copy of the will and print the Notice of Acknowledgement. For earlier deaths, use Revenue's Inland Revenue Affidavit route. [7][16][5]
3
Post the application and supporting papers
Post the form, Revenue acknowledgement, original death certificate (or coroner's interim certificate if none has issued), and copies of the will and codicils. Keep originals. If the deceased lived in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow or abroad, use Dublin Probate Office; elsewhere in Ireland, use Dublin or their county's District Probate Registry. [5][7]
4
Attend the probate appointment
The probate official checks your papers and may request clarification. Swear or affirm the oath and pay the court fee, calculated from the net value of the Irish estate. [5]
5
Receive the grant
The grant and any additional copies ordered are posted to you after the appointment. [5]
Usually within 3 weeks after the appointment
6
Settle debts and distribute the estate
Use the grant to administer the estate. Pay debts, including taxes, before distributing the remaining assets under the will. [1]
Common questions
Does every estate need probate?
No. Jointly owned assets usually pass directly to a surviving spouse without probate. For a bank account holding less than €20,000, the bank may allow access without a grant. Contact the institution to check its requirements. A grant is usually required to transfer property or money held in the deceased's sole name. [1]
When must I use a solicitor for the application?
A solicitor must apply if the applicant is under 18, the person entitled to apply is a ward of court or lacks decision-making capacity, the original will is lost, its validity is in question, or next of kin dispute the estate. An applicant who does not live in the Republic of Ireland also needs a solicitor if beneficiaries other than the deceased's spouse will inherit €20,000 or more. [5]
Who can apply if there is a will but no executors?
The person named in the will to inherit the residue can apply for a Grant of Administration with Will Annexed. The residue is any part of the estate not specifically identified and given away in the will. [1]
Could I need a tax return even when no inheritance tax is payable?
Yes. File an IT38 when your cumulative taxable gifts and inheritances in the same group since 5 December 1991 exceed 80% of that group's threshold, even if no CAT is due. An inheritance from your spouse or civil partner is exempt from CAT. [8][11]
When must inheritance tax be paid and the return filed?
Valuation dates from January to August have a 31 October deadline that year; September to December dates have a 31 October deadline the following year. For valuation dates in the year ending 31 August 2026, the deadline extends to 18 November 2026 only if both the return and appropriate payment go through ROS. Late filing attracts a surcharge: 5% of tax, capped at €12,695, if less than two months late; 10%, capped at €63,485, if more than two months late. Late-payment interest may also apply. [12][13][14]
Must beneficiaries receive their inheritance within a year?
There is no fixed one-year completion guarantee. Section 62 requires distribution as soon as reasonably practicable, taking the estate's circumstances into account. Proceedings against personal representatives for failure to distribute generally need the court's permission if brought within one year of death. Creditors can bring proceedings sooner. [10]
