What are the requirements for a valid will in Ireland?

What the Law Says

The Succession Act 1965 sets out the formal requirements that a will must meet to be legally valid in Ireland.

To be valid, a will must be made by a person aged 18 or over who is of sound mind — meaning they understand the nature of making a will, know the extent of their property, and appreciate the claims of those who might expect to benefit.

The will must be in writing — it cannot be oral or recorded digitally unless specifically permitted by law (which it is not for standard wills).

The testator must sign the will, or direct another person to sign it in their presence and by their direction. The signature must be made or acknowledged by the testator in the presence of two or more witnesses present at the same time.

Each witness must then sign the will in the presence of the testator (though not necessarily in the presence of each other). Witnesses must be independent — they cannot be beneficiaries or spouses/civil partners of beneficiaries, as this would void their gift.

Statutory Text

No will shall be valid unless it is in writing and signed by the testator or by some other person in his presence and by his direction and is attested by two or more witnesses present at the same time.

— Succession Act 1965, s. 78 — Formal validity of wills

What to Do

Sources