Legal professionals are now able to access probate services online.
From the start of October, HM Courts and Tribunals service have increased the online access for legal professionals to make applications for probate, intestacy or a grant of representation after a national pilot was launched.
Since the pilot process was implemented over 50 law firms have used real cases to help test and improve the online system.
The technology allows the legal service professional a lot more information regarding the applications each firm send out. The online process creates a dashboard for all outstanding probate applications made by the professional whilst monitoring the stages, leading to fewer phone calls and wasted time.
All users of the service must have a Pay By Account (PBA) before being accepted onto the national pilot.
The Law Society have offered guidance and links to firms in a bid to help them apply for a PBA account and register to use the online service.
Ian Bond, the Law Society’s Chair of Wills and Equity Committee, commented: “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.
“Depending on the nature, complexity and value of a deceased persons 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.
“Whilst the online system started with applications where a will existed it has developed and will continue to be developed to cover a broader range of applications in the future.
“We look forward to working with HMCTS for the continued development and welcome the fact that more solicitors can join the scheme and see the benefits it brings to the firm and its clients.”
Will a new online probate service help to streamline processes and create a more efficient system? Will this digital system create an problems?
