New online service for probate applications

Legal professionals can now access an online service to apply for probate, intestacy or a Grant of Letters of Administration, the Law Society has announced.

In October, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) rolled out a pilot trialling the online service and more than 50 firms took part in the development of the service. They used real cases to assess its suitability and give feedback to HMCTS.

Ian Bond, the chair of the Law Society’s wills and equity committee, took part in the pilot via his firm, Talbots Law. He said: “Dealing with the administration of a loved one’s estate can be complicated. Part of that process is the application for a grant of representation.

Complexity and value of estates

“Depending on the nature, complexity and value of a deceased person’s estate will determine the administrative process required to obtain the necessary grant.

“The digitisation of the process to apply for the grant of representation means that in most uncontested applications the online service has made the system much easier for our solicitors and a better experience for our clients.”

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The online system started with applications where wills already existed but has developed further and this is set to continue, allowing for a wider range of applications. Mr Bond said he looked forward to working with HMCTS to continue the development of the system, and that he was pleased more solicitors could now join the scheme and see the benefits for themselves.

Work in progress

The Law Society said it was important to note the system was a work in progress and those trying it were welcome to provide feedback themselves through emailing [email protected].

The new online service allows law firms to:

• manage their own accounts on the system
• view all their probate applications in one place
• check the stages of their applications online instead of needing to phone HMCTS
• submit applications at any time of the day.

According to the HMCTS, the only paperwork that needs to be sent to the probate service is the original will and any inheritance tax documents. Solicitors need a Pay By Account to use the new service, as this facilitates payment for applications.

The Law Society is continuing to meet with HMCTS to review the probate service, which experienced disruptions and delays all through 2019. The Society will be meeting with the service at the beginning of February to discuss.

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