Probate for International & Foreign based clients

Where a person living outside the Republic of Ireland dies leaving assets within the Republic an Irish Grant of Probate or Administration is almost always needed so that the assets can be accessed and realised.

We have many years’ experience acting for international or foreign based lawyers and solicitors, and for non-resident beneficiaries, family members or executors of a Will who need help with Irish property or assets.

If you have an immediate need for advice or assistance about our international probates service, please contact us and we will arrange for you to talk to one of our team.

In almost all cases it will help to receive a more considered answer if you have the information and/or documentation below.

  • Name, address, occupation and marital/relationship status of the deceased
  • Copy of the Death certificate
  • Copy of the Will or foreign Grant of Probate/Administration
  • List of assets of the deceased in the Republic of Ireland

Supplying this does not create any obligation and please feel free to ask any question you wish.

While each case differs it is likely at least some of the following will arise:

1. Original Documents
If a foreign Grant of Probate or Administration has been taken out, we will usually need an official sealed and certified copy. Normally this is obtained from the Registry that issued the foreign grant. If there is no foreign Grant of Representation and it is not intended to extract one, we will need the original Will, if it exists. We may also need an official death certificate.

2. Assets & Liabilities
A list of the deceased’s assets and liabilities in Ireland with supporting documentation will be required.

3. Beneficiary Details
The names and addresses of the beneficiaries and their relationships with the deceased will be needed.

4. Taxation
a. Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) also known as Inheritance Tax

CAT is often a major factor in this type of case. Unlike other jurisdictions, such as the UK, in Ireland Inheritance Tax (Capital Acquisitions Tax) is a tax on the beneficiary, not on the estate. Special rules apply to ensure compliance by non-resident beneficiaries. Where the personal representative or executor is Irish resident, he or she has a personal exposure if non-resident beneficiaries do not meet their pay and file commitments. If the personal representative or executor is not Irish resident, he or she must appoint an Irish solicitor who then becomes personally assessable and chargeable for CAT if the person primarily liable defaults in making returns or payment. Prompt action is necessary to avoid interest, surcharges and penalties.

b. Income Tax

The deceased’s Irish Income Tax affairs, if any, must be wound up.

c. Source of Funds

Where the aggregate value of the Irish funds exceeds €100,000 the Irish Revenue Commissioners will want to be satisfied as to the source of funds.

5. Personal Public Service (PPS) Numbers
To process a Probate or Administration application in Ireland PPS numbers must be provided for the deceased and most beneficiaries. Sourcing these can take time and is one of the biggest causes of delay. Any person born in Ireland automatically has a PPS number even if he or she is unaware of it. The format is seven digits and a letter. Irish PPS numbers can be obtained on application from the Department of Social and Community Affairs which we can help with.

6. Other
Depending on the circumstances it may be necessary to obtain an Affidavit of Law (as to the law in the non-Irish jurisdiction). If so, we can provide precedents. A Power of Attorney to extract the Irish Grant may be needed. The question of a spouse’s or civil partner’s legal right share and provision for dependents may arise.

Once the Grant of Probate (where there is a Will) or Letters of Administration (where there is no Will) issues the personal representative is formally authorised to deal with, gather in and administer the estate.  We will arrange for payment from financial institutions and sales as necessary.  We will then, subject to Revenue clearance, arrange for distribution of proceeds or transfers of property to close off the estate.

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Legal Services from Dublin Solicitors

Since 1991, Thomas Barry & Company Solicitors, Dublin have continued to expand and develop our legal services. We will use our experience and expertise to provide advice, guidance and legal representation in relation to your legal issues. We can provide both commercial and private clients with a tailored and effective service to help them reach a successful conclusion.

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