By the end of the 2021 Wills and Probate practitioners will no longer have to require their clients to sign the Statement of Truth when applying for a grant under new probate rules.
HM Courts and Tribunal Services (HMCTS) have been working with numerous stakeholders in the sector, such as the Law Society, Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Solicitors for the Elderly and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) to provide a simpler, digital way for members of the public and probate professionals to apply for probate.
The online service reduces the cost and time of processing applications for probate advisers and is available through MyHMCTS. Looking ahead in 2021, in addition to removing the need for solicitors to have their clients sign the Statement of Truth, HMCTS have confirmed what the service will provide by the end of year as follows:
- accept digital applications by Trust Corporations
- improve GOV.UK information about applying for probate
- streamline processes between HMCTS and HMRC when accounting for Inheritance Tax form IHT421
- maintain assistance for people who aren’t comfortable using a computer, through our Digital Support service
