Call for a national wills register in Ireland
Royal London Ireland has urged the Government to create a national online register of wills, arguing that such a system exists in most other European countries and would help families locate a loved ones will more quickly after death. The proposal comes amid concerns that a large share of Irish adults have not prepared a will, while others who have may have left no instructions about where to find it.
Why a registry matters
Estimates of how many Irish adults have no will vary, but the consensus is that between 60% and 70% have not completed one. Even among those who have written a will, locating the document can be a protracted and stressful process. A national will register would capture basic, non-content details about a will—such as the date and custodian—without divulging the wills contents. This, the insurer says, would make it easier for executors and families to pinpoint the correct document quickly when probate is needed.
How it would work in practice
Joe Charles, proposition director at Royal London Ireland, explains that a national register would not include the wills actual terms. Instead, it would function similarly to a central directory: locating information that confirms a will exists and where it is held, the date it was drawn up, and the solicitor or custodian responsible for safekeeping.
“A national online State will register would make it easier to locate a will and confirm its validity, reduce probate delays and help prevent wills being contested,” Charles said. He added that the arrangement could reduce the distress that families face when a Will remains hidden or comes to light only after lengthy searches, sometimes years after a death.
Current gaps and risks
At present, locating a will can be a hurdle. If a deceased person had a solicitor who has since retired or passed away, or if records are scattered across different archives, families may be left without clear guidance. In some cases, probate can proceed only to be revoked months or years later when a more recent version of a will is discovered, creating financial and emotional strain for relatives.
Past attempts and the road ahead
Legislation to establish a national wills register has been introduced several times in Ireland, including attempts in 2011, 2016, and 2021, but none have progressed to completion. Royal London Ireland argues that a formal statutory framework is now needed to ensure that a central authority maintains the register, with appropriate safeguards to protect privacy and ensure accuracy.
The broader implications
Supporters say a national register would align Ireland with European best practice, where similar systems exist to speed up probate and reduce disputes over inheritance. A streamlined process could also help reduce the emotional and financial burden on families following a death, allowing for swifter financial settlements and fewer contentious probate proceedings.
What happens next?
Royal London Ireland stresses that a national will register would complement, not replace, wills and estate planning. It would be a practical tool to support executors, legal professionals, and families in locating the correct document and verifying its status. The insurer argues that government leadership is now needed to translate this concept into legislation and, ultimately, into a functioning public register that serves Irish households.
