Having a solicitor draw up a will is a relatively quick process and most will only charge around €100 for their services. You can draw up as many wills as you like but you must revoke the previous will if it deals with the same assets.

You can make your own will and indeed, stationary shops throughout the country sell do-it-yourself will kits which make the process even simpler. Still, it is advisable to go through a solicitor when drawing up a will to absolutely ensure that it is legal and above board.

There are a number of key criteria required to ensure that a will is legally valid. You should be over 18 when making the will (the rare people married before 18 also qualify). You must be acting of your own free will, be of sound mind and understand that you are making a will.

In addition you should be fully aware of the extent of your assets and be capable of recalling everyone who will benefit from the estate. The will must be in writing (at one time oral wills were accepted from certain professions but this is no longer the case) and signed in the presence of two witnesses at the same time. Witnesses and their spouses cannot benefit from the will. If the will fails to meet any of the above criteria, it can be rendered invalid and the law of intestacy will apply to your estate.