What Happens If You Don't Have a Will in Ireland?
Quick answer · Applies to Ireland
Without a will you are intestate, and the Succession Act 1965 decides who inherits. A spouse with children gets two-thirds and the children share one-third. You cannot leave gifts to friends or charities, or choose specific items for specific people.
Most people assume their partner or children will automatically receive everything.
In Ireland, if you don't leave a will, you're treated as "intestate", which just means "no will". The Succession Act 1965 then will govern who gets what, using fixed rules, not your personal wishes.
How things are shared
- If you're married and have children — Your spouse gets two-thirds, your children share one-third equally
- If you're married with no children — Your spouse gets everything
- If you're not married and have children — Your children share everything equally
- If you have no spouse or children — It goes to your closest relatives, usually parents first, then siblings, then wider family
Why that can feel wrong
These rules don't leave room for the life you actually live. For example, you generally can't use intestacy rules to:
- leave something to friends
- leave gifts to charities
- choose specific items for specific people
A calmer way to handle it
A will lets you choose who gets what, in plain terms, and we'll guide you through it.