Estate Planning in Ireland FAQs: Everything You Need to Know to Protect Your Family and Legacy
At Fortitude Financial Planning, we often hear the same important questions from clients:
Do I really need a Will?
What happens if I don’t have one?
Is estate planning just for the wealthy?
The truth is, estate planning is essential for everyone, regardless of age or wealth.
Whether you’re just starting out or planning for retirement, this guide answers common questions to help you take control of your future.
What Is an Estate Plan and Why Do You Need One?
An estate plan is a set of legal documents that outlines how your assets should be managed if you become incapacitated or pass away. It can also include instructions for guardianship, medical decisions, and protecting your loved ones.
Estate planning ensures:
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Your wishes are followed.
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Your family is protected from legal stress.
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Your assets are distributed efficiently and tax-effectively.
Why Is Estate Planning In Ireland Important?
Without an estate plan:
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The law decides who inherits your assets.
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Unmarried partners may not be entitled to anything.
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Your children’s guardianship could be decided by the courts.
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Your family may face delays, expenses, and emotional strain.
With a proper estate plan in place, you maintain control, reduce uncertainty, and provide peace of mind to those you care about.
What Are the Key Documents in an Estate Plan?
A complete estate plan may include:
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Will – Specifies asset distribution and guardianship for minor children.
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Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) – Appoints someone to manage your financial affairs if you’re unable to.
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Advance Healthcare Directive – Outlines your preferences for medical treatment and appoints a healthcare decision-maker.
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Trusts – Useful for protecting vulnerable beneficiaries or managing inheritance over time.
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Letter of Wishes – Offers non-binding guidance to executors or trustees.
Each document serves a distinct purpose in protecting your financial and personal wishes.
When Should You Start Estate Planning?
The best time to create an estate plan is as soon as you have something—or someone—to protect. That could be:
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Purchasing property.
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Having children.
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Entering into a relationship or marriage.
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Receiving an inheritance or starting a business.
Even in your 20s or 30s, having a basic Will and EPA is smart planning.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Ireland?
If you die without a valid Will (known as dying intestate):
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The Succession Act 1965 determines how your estate is divided.
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Spouses, children, or relatives inherit in a set order—possibly against your wishes.
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Unmarried partners have no automatic rights.
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The courts will decide who cares for your children.
Creating a Will ensures your voice is heard, even when you’re no longer here.
Is Writing a Will Enough, or Do You Need a Full Estate Plan?
While a Will is the cornerstone of estate planning, it’s not enough on its own. A complete estate plan also addresses:
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What happens if you lose capacity during your lifetime.
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Asset protection and tax planning.
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Complex family situations, such as blended families or children from previous relationships.
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Succession planning for business owners.
At Fortitude Financial Planning, we can help you tailor estate plans to your full financial and family picture.
Can You Create an Estate Plan Yourself in Ireland?
You can create a basic Will using DIY kits, but there are risks:
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Legal errors or vague wording can make your Will invalid or contested.
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Your plan might not be tax-efficient or properly reflect your wishes.
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You may overlook important documents like an EPA or healthcare directive.
Working with professionals ensures your estate plan is legally sound, comprehensive, and future-proof.
Do You Need an Estate Plan If You Don’t Have Much Money?
Absolutely. Estate planning in Ireland is not just for high-net-worth individuals. It’s about:
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Choosing who looks after your children.
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Making sure your partner or spouse is protected.
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Avoiding family disputes and confusion.
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Having your healthcare and financial decisions respected if you’re unable to make them.
Even modest estates deserve thoughtful planning.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Future with Estate Planning
Estate planning isn’t about preparing for the worst—it’s about taking care of the people you love and ensuring your hard work provides a lasting legacy.
Whether you need a simple Will or a comprehensive estate strategy, Fortitude Financial Planning is here to guide you through each step with clear advice and a personal approach.
Let’s Talk About Your Estate Plan
At Fortitude Financial Planning, we help individuals and families across Ireland:
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Create new estate plans tailored to their unique circumstances.
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Review and update existing Wills and estate documents.
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Navigate complex family or financial situations with care and clarity.
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Plan confidently for the future with trusted, expert guidance.
We also work closely with solicitors, tax advisors, and other professionals to ensure your estate plan is fully integrated—legally sound, tax-efficient, and aligned with your broader financial goals.
Get in Touch
📞 Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
📧 info@fortitudefp.ie
💬 Schedule a no-obligation initial call with us to discuss your estate planning needs and how we can help protect what matters most to you.
📅 Click here to book your call now.
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Our blog posts are intended for information purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial advice.
You should always engage the services of a fully qualified financial planner before entering any financial contract.
To discuss engaging the services of Fortitude Financial Planning please email us at info@fortitudefp.ie.
Fortitude Financial Planning Ltd will not be held responsible for any actions taken as a result of reading these blog posts.
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