By Liam Collins
Peter McCrea, a farmer of Clonegal, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, who died on June 9, 2016, has left €3,786,876 in his will.
Other wills of farmers and retired farmers lodged in the Probate Office in Dublin this month were as follows:
- James Byrne, of Bohilla Lane, Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow, who died July 16, 2014, left €3,234,094.
- Alexander McDaid, Gortaway, Ramelton, Co. Donegal, died September 9, 2016, left €1,826,188.
- William Black, Cappagh, Bansha, Co. Tipperary, died May 5, 2017, left €1,387,861.
- John Doherty, Sorne, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, who died November 14, 2013, left €921,304.
- Pruduence McGlinchey, Gilltown, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, died January 13, 2017, left €652,662.
- William Hall, Drum village, Co. Monaghan, who died December 10, 2016, left €617,008 in his will.
When someone dies their property immediately passes into the hands of the executor. In order for their property to be divided according to their wishes, the executor of their estate must apply to the Probate Office to certify that the will is valid and that all legal, financial and tax matters are in order – so that the executor or administrator can be allowed to get on with the job of distributing the estate.
The estate of the deceased cannot be administered until the grant of probate is received from the Probate Office.
The main functions of the office are: to proof wills; issue grants of probate and administration; preserve probate records for inspection; provide certified copies of probate documents and to process court applications to the probate judge.
The value of estates may include property, including the family home, and should not be regarded as cash amounts.
Earlier this month, AgriLand reported that a Leitrim farmer, who died over a century ago, left €10 in his will, according to documents recently lodged in the Probate Office.
Although his death occurred decades ago, the will just came through the Probate Office in Dublin in recent weeks.