By Liam Collins

Numerous wills of farmers and retired farmers were recently lodged in the Probate Office in Dublin, with valuations ranging from a will of €507,000 up to almost €2.4 million.

The largest of these is the bequest of Thomas Phelan of New Park, Ballysax, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, who died on November 16, 2016, leaving €2,398,674 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 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.