Probate Office Search – Identify Wills & Grants of Representation in Ireland

A Probate Office Search establishes whether a Grant of Representation has been issued for a deceased person’s estate. This search is essential when selling property on behalf of a deceased owner, tracing ownership of unregistered title, or confirming whether a valid will exists. Ellis & Ellis conduct probate searches in both the Probate Office and the National Archives, ensuring complete and certified results.

What This Search Covers

Ellis & Ellis Probate Searches include:

• Grants of Representation (Probate and Letters of Administration)
• Searches in the Probate Office in Dublin – for grants issued within the last 30 years
• Searches in the National Archives of Ireland – for grants issued over 30 years ago
• Confirmation of whether a will exists and who the appointed personal representative(s) are

Each search result includes:

• Name and address of deceased
• Name(s) of grantee(s) or administrator(s)
• Record number and date of issue
• Date of death
• Type of grant (Probate, Intestate, Will Annexed, De Bonis Non)

Why It Matters

When a property owner passes away, a Grant of Representation gives the legal personal representative (executor or administrator) authority to manage and transfer ownership of the deceased’s property.

A Probate Office Search ensures:

• Confirmation that the correct person has legal authority to sell or transfer the property
• Identification of executors or administrators for title transfer
• Verification of will existence and grant status
• Support in resolving gaps in title for unregistered properties
• Compliance with conveyancing and due diligence obligations

Learn more about Probate Office Searches with our expert explainer.

Does Your Client Need This Search?

Use this search if your client is:

• Selling or purchasing property from a deceased person’s estate
• Acting as executor, administrator, or solicitor in a probate matter
• Handling unregistered title or first registration applications
• Verifying will or grant details before conveyancing
• Conducting due diligence for estate, probate, or litigation purposes

Turnaround & Delivery

• Searches conducted manually by expert Ellis & Ellis staff
• Delivered as certified PDF reports with complete details of grants found (or a “no record” confirmation)

Request This Search

Order now via the Ellis & Ellis client portal, or contact our team for assistance with probate or title-related searches.

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Probate Office Search FAQs

What is the Probate Office?
It is part of the High Court and issues Grants of Representation, authorising someone to administer a deceased person’s estate.

Why conduct a Probate Office Search?
To confirm if a will exists, who the legal representative is, and whether probate has been granted.

Which records are searched?
The Probate Office in Dublin (for grants from 1992–present) and the National Archives (for pre-1991 records).

What details are shown in the results?
Name of deceased, grantee(s), date of death, type of grant, date of issue, and reference number.

How far back do searches go?
For older records, Ellis & Ellis typically search a ten-year window after death but can extend further where necessary.

Why is this important for conveyancing?
Without probate or administration, property cannot be legally transferred, especially for unregistered titles.

Are results certified?
Yes. Ellis & Ellis provides a certified PDF report confirming findings or absence of record.

Why choose Ellis & Ellis?
Over 130 years of professional experience, €10 million indemnity cover, and trusted expertise in property and probate searches.