Griffin Solicitors

Griffin Solicitors Legal Problem Solver-Probate, Property and Personal Injuries

02/09/2026

Buying a Vacant Home? You May Qualify for a Grant

If you're buying a property that has been vacant for at least two years, you may be eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

Proof of vacancy can usually be shown through utility usage records or other supporting evidence, depending on the circumstances.

The grant can be worth up to €50,000, with a higher amount potentially available for qualifying properties on offshore islands.

If you're considering buying a vacant property, check your eligibility before you start the refurbishment work.

31/08/2026

When Does an Executor's Role Actually Begin?

Being named as an executor in someone's will doesn't give you authority to act while that person is still alive.

An executor's role begins after the person has passed away.

If your concern is that an elderly or vulnerable relative is being pressured or influenced into making decisions against their wishes, that's a different and potentially serious issue.

If you're concerned about undue influence, it's important to get appropriate advice as early as possible.

28/08/2026

Planning Rules Have Changed – But Don't Assume You're Exempt

Recent changes to planning legislation have expanded certain exempted development limits, including extensions and garden rooms, alongside changes affecting heat pumps and some accommodation options.

But an exemption isn't automatic.

Before investing in an extension or other development, it's worth having the plans properly checked by an architect or other suitably qualified professional.

The last thing you want is to spend thousands and later realise that planning permission was actually required.

Check first. Build second.

26/08/2026

Is There Really Any Point in Making a Will?

Absolutely.

A will allows you to decide what happens to your estate and who should benefit from it.

Without a will, your estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy. Those rules may be perfectly reasonable, but they may not reflect what you actually wanted for your family.

Making a will means you make that decision — not the rules of intestacy.

24/08/2026

Bought Your Home – What Happens to the Title Deeds?

If you have a mortgage, your title deeds won't normally be handed over to you. Once the purchase is completed and the property is registered, the title documentation is dealt with in accordance with your lender's requirements.

Registration with Tailte Éireann can take time, particularly with a new build where new boundaries and folios may need to be mapped and registered.

If you've bought without a mortgage, your solicitor can advise you about the safe storage of your title documents after registration.

Getting the keys is a big milestone, but there's still legal work happening behind the scenes.

21/08/2026

What Happens If Someone Dies Without a Will?

If someone dies without a valid will, there is no executor appointed to deal with their estate.

Instead, the estate is dealt with under the rules of intestacy. The law determines who is entitled to inherit, and an administrator may need to obtain a Grant of Administration to deal with the estate.

Having a properly prepared will gives you much greater control over who inherits and who is responsible for administering your estate.

19/08/2026

What Actually Happens to Your Booking Deposit?

You've gone sale agreed and paid a booking deposit to the estate agent — but what happens to that money?

The booking deposit forms part of the purchase process and is held by the estate agent. On completion, it can also be used towards the estate agent's fees due from the seller.

For buyers, the important thing is understanding where your money goes and what happens to it as the transaction progresses.

17/08/2026

Do Married Couples Need Separate Wills?

Yes. Each person makes their own will.

Getting married doesn't mean you and your spouse share one will. You remain separate individuals, with your own wishes about what should happen to your estate.

Even where both spouses want to leave everything to each other, each person should have their own properly prepared will.

One person. One life. One will.

14/08/2026

Renting While Buying a Home? Don't Give Notice Too Early.

Closing dates can change. A Friday completion can become Monday—or even the following week.

If you're moving from a rental property into your new home, give yourself some breathing room. Stay in close contact with your solicitor and avoid timing your rental notice too tightly around the expected closing date.

A week of overlap can help. Two weeks can give you even more peace of mind.

A little extra time is much better than being caught between two homes.

12/08/2026

Can Probate Be Completed in Around Six Months?

Yes, it can.

In this recent estate, there was a property to sell as well as money held in bank accounts. The Grant of Probate was obtained and the property sale progressed to completion in just over six months.

There are still final Revenue requirements to deal with before the estate can be fully distributed, but it shows how efficiently probate can move when everything is properly organised.

Every estate is different, but probate doesn't always have to take years.

Address

Gabriel House, 6 Cypress Park
Dublin
D6WAH61

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Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+35314907651

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