Probate Solicitors Cork | Grant of Probate Ireland

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate — paying debts, collecting assets, and distributing inheritance to beneficiaries. In Ireland, probate is granted by the Probate Office of the High Court in Dublin, though Cork solicitors handle most of the preparation and filing work on your behalf.

Whether you are the executor of a will or the next of kin of someone who died without a will, a Cork probate solicitor can guide you through every step.

What Is a Grant of Probate?

A Grant of Probate is a court document that confirms a will is valid and gives the executor legal authority to deal with the deceased's estate. Banks, the Land Registry, and other institutions will not release assets without it.

If the person died without a will (intestate), the court issues Letters of Administration instead — see our guide on Letters of Administration.

When Is Probate Required in Ireland?

Probate is generally needed when the deceased owned property in their sole name, or held assets (bank accounts, investments) above thresholds set by individual financial institutions. Joint assets typically pass automatically to the surviving owner without probate.

The Probate Process in Cork — Step by Step

1. Locate the will — Find the original will. The solicitor who drafted it may hold it, or it may be in a safety deposit box or at home.
2. Value the estate — The executor values all assets and liabilities at the date of death. A solicitor helps obtain property valuations and financial statements.
3. File Inland Revenue Affidavit (CA24) — This Revenue form declares the estate value and calculates Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) liability.
4. Submit to Probate Office — The solicitor prepares and lodges the Oath of Executor, original will, and CA24 with the Probate Office.
5. Receive Grant of Probate — Once approved (typically 6–12 weeks after submission), the Grant is issued.
6. Administer the estate — Collect assets, pay debts, and distribute to beneficiaries according to the will.

How Long Does Probate Take in Cork?

The total timeline from death to distribution typically ranges from 6 to 18 months. Delays arise from contested wills, complex assets, Revenue queries, or property sales. A Cork probate solicitor helps minimise delays. See our detailed guide: Probate Timeline Ireland.

Cost of Probate in Cork

Probate costs in Ireland typically include solicitor fees (often calculated as a percentage of the estate value, commonly 1–2%), plus court fees, Revenue filing fees, and valuation costs. Most Cork probate solicitors will provide a clear fee estimate at the outset. See: Probate Cost Ireland.

Contested Probate

If someone disputes the validity of a will — claiming the testator lacked mental capacity, was under undue influence, or that the will was not properly executed — the matter may go to the High Court. Cork solicitors experienced in contested probate are essential in these situations.

Probate Without a Will

When someone dies without a valid will, their estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules under the Succession Act 1965. A family member applies for Letters of Administration. See: Probate Without a Will.

Find a Cork Probate Solicitor

Our directory lists Cork solicitors with specialist probate expertise. Many offer a free initial consultation.

• Grant of Probate — Full Guide
• Probate Solicitor Fees in Ireland
• Small Estate Probate
• Foreign Assets and Probate
• Probate Solicitors Ballincollig