Why should I make a will?

• Making a will allows you to decide who gets what.
• A properly prepared will ensures that your assets are allocated the way you intended.   It allows the Executor of your will to distribute your estate according to your wishes.
• A will significantly reduces the chances of family, friends or business partners squabbling.
• Without a will the distribution of your assets is determined by the Laws of Intestacy.    Members of your family or friends may not receive what you would have wished.  It may even result in your estate being left in full or in part to the State.

 HOW CAN CANTILLONS SOLICITORS HELP YOU?

• The Wills and Probate Department at Cantillons Solicitors are experienced in all aspects of wills and probate.

WHERE SHOULD I START?

• It is vital that your assets, their value and where they are located are recorded at the time you prepare your will.
• Taking time to complete your Personal Assets Record will ensure that your Executors will be able to find details of all your assets after your death and know where to find bank accounts, shares / saving certificates, deeds, life insurance policies and all other relevant and financial information.
• You should have all of these details available when making your will so that we can advise you fully on the legal or tax implications that could arise.

THE DRAFTING OF WILLS

• The drafting of a legally binding will ensures that your estate passes to your chosen beneficiaries.
• We will explain all aspects associated with making a will, including the role of Executors, Trustees and Guardians.
• We will advise you on the legal obligations to your spouse and children and provide advice that will minimise the tax exposure to those who benefit from your estate.
• We provide a caring and efficient service that includes home and hospital visits.

 CAN I CHANGE MY WILL?

• You may change or alter your will at any time.   It is good practice to review your will every three to five years.

 INTESTACY

• Where a person has not made a will or the will they have made is found to be invalid, that person is said to have died intestate.
• Where a person dies intestate their property is distributed according to the Laws of Intestacy laid down in the Succession Act 1965. Where some of those who would have inherited have died before the Testator, their children may be entitled to share in the estate.

DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE ON INTESTACY

Sarah McNulty

Solicitor

Experience

Sarah joined Cantillons in 2015, having graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Civil Law Degree from University College Cork. She successfully completed her Law Society FE-1 Examinations and thereafter, completed the Law Society of Ireland Professional Practice Courses at Blackhall Place, Dublin.

Sarah gained invaluable experience in medical negligence litigation, having spent three years in the Medical Negligence Department and has been involved in a diverse range of cases including birth injuries, cancer misdiagnosis, surgical errors, fatal claims and defective medical device claims. Sarah also has experience with Inquests and the Coroner’s Court.

Now working in General Litigation Department, Sarah places a particular importance on client care and advises clients in relation to all aspects of civil litigation; to include personal injury claims, accidents at work, road traffic accidents, public liability claims, defamation, data protection breaches and assault claims.

Sarah is a valued contributor to our weekly column published in a local newspaper and in addition, has had numerous legal blogs published on our website.

Qualifications

• Honours Bachelor of Civil Law Degree
  Completed Law Society Professional Practice Courses at Blackhall Place, Dublin