A new online service set to transform the probate market has entered its first stage of testing.Launched by the HM Courts & Tribunals Service, the move to simplify the probate service will introduce a new online application form for both solicitors and personal applicants.
Explaining this on the insidehmcts blog was the Service Manager at HMCTS, Paul Downer. He highlighted the in-depth research that had been undertaken on the project, which had been ongoing since April last year. The results indicated a lack of understanding around probate, with respondents unsure whether they needed to apply. In the same vein, not all users knew what documentation was required to be submitted alongside their application.
Emotions were also seen to play a key part in hindering the probate process, with the research showing that the grief felt by respondents made it more difficult to understand legal jargon and complete probate forms.
In light of the problems highlighted by the research, Paul Downer described the aim of the new service, explaining that the application process for probate needed to be improved. Scheduled to run for a period of six months, the new service entered its private beta testing phase on 15 June 2017.
As well as simplifying the language in line with the research results, Downer also stated that changes have also been made to the current PA1 form, aligning it with the new service.
As the testing phase progresses, Downer stated that the number of personal applicants will grow. This is to establish whether the new service can adequately deal with their needs.
Although initially the service will be for more basic cases, it will later be developed to handle more complicated estates through the development of further functionality. Additional improvements and updates will largely be based on the feedback from the testing phase.
As well as simplifying the process, the new service will also enable users to save and return to their application at a later point. Downer explained that this feature acknowledges the emotional struggles felt by many going through the process, meaning they don’t have to complete the form in one go. Similarly, the new service removes the need to swear an oath – an aspect which proved stressful for many respondents. Instead, it includes a digital Statement of Truth, which users are required to complete at the point of submission. Therefore, as Downer explained, there is no longer a need for users to attend the Probate Registry.
The HMCTS Service Manager also highlighted plans for the future development of the service, stating that an online payment function would be added, as well as ongoing research into solicitor needs. Planned considerations include the differing experience of professionals and the incorporation of probate hearings.
