Updating Your Will in Ireland — When and How to Change It

A will is not a document you make once and forget about. Life changes, and your will needs to reflect your current circumstances, wishes, and family situation. This guide covers when you should update your will in Ireland and how to do it correctly.

When Should You Update Your Will?

Review and potentially update your will after any of the following:

Marriage or Civil Partnership

Critical: In Ireland, marriage automatically revokes any existing will — unless the will was made in contemplation of the specific marriage. If you marry without making a new will, you die intestate. Make a new will as soon as possible after marriage.

Separation or Divorce

Divorce does not automatically revoke a will in Ireland. If you are divorced but have not updated your will, your ex-spouse may still be named as executor or beneficiary. Update your will immediately on separation. Note: a divorced spouse loses inheritance rights but may retain legal rights in some circumstances.

Birth of a Child or Grandchild

A new child or grandchild may not be covered by your existing will if it does not include appropriate residuary provisions or substitution clauses. Update your will to include them and review guardianship appointments.

Death of a Beneficiary or Executor

If a named beneficiary or executor has died, your will may have lapsed provisions. Update to name replacements.

Significant Change in Assets

If you have sold or acquired significant assets (property, business interests, inheritances), your will may not distribute them as intended. Review and update.

Change in Relationship with a Beneficiary

If your relationship with a named beneficiary has broken down, you may wish to remove them from your will.

Moving Country

Moving from Ireland to another country affects which law applies to your estate. Seek specialist cross-border estate planning advice.

How to Update Your Will in Ireland

Option 1: Make a New Will

The simplest and safest approach for any significant change. A new will should expressly revoke all previous wills and codicils. Once executed, destroy old copies to avoid confusion.

Option 2: Codicil

A codicil is a supplementary document that amends (rather than replaces) a will. It must be executed with the same formalities as the original will (signed and witnessed by two witnesses). Codicils are appropriate for minor, specific changes only — they can cause confusion when read alongside the original will.

Common Mistakes When Updating a Will

• Writing on or crossing out parts of the original will — this can invalidate the whole document
• Not having the update witnessed properly
• Keeping outdated copies that confuse the estate administration
• Forgetting to update the executor appointment after naming a new executor

How Often Should You Review Your Will?

At minimum, every 5 years, and after every major life event. The cost of an update with a Cork solicitor is typically €75–€200 for a codicil, or €150–€300 for a new simple will.

• Make or Update a Will in Cork
• How to Make a Will in Ireland