IrelandCan I revoke my will?
Yes, you can revoke your will at any time in Ireland, as long as you have mental capacity. Revocation must be done intentionally and in one of the ways set out in law.
What the Law Says
The Succession Act 1965 sets out how a will may be revoked in Ireland. Revocation is valid only if done deliberately and in accordance with the law.
You can revoke your will at any time before you die, provided you have the mental capacity to understand what you are doing.
Revocation must be intentional — accidental damage or loss does not count as legal revocation.
The law recognises several clear ways to revoke a will: by physically destroying it (e.g., burning, tearing, or otherwise destroying it), or by making a new will that expressly or implicitly revokes the earlier one.
Statutory TextA will may be revoked by the testator by burning, tearing, or otherwise destroying the same with the intention of revoking it.
— Succession Act 1965, s. 85 — Revocation of wills
What to Do
Ensure you have mental capacity — you must understand the nature of your will and the effect of revoking it.
Choose a clear method: burn, tear, or otherwise destroy the original will with intent to revoke it.
Alternatively, make a new will that includes a clause revoking all previous wills and codicils.
Keep evidence of your intention — e.g., witness statements or a written declaration — especially if destruction is not total.
Inform your executor or trusted person about the revocation to avoid confusion later.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.