Implementing increases…
We’ve responded to a government consultation on…
The Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) consulted on proposals to change the non-contentious probate rules to make it mandatory for professional users (solicitors and other probate practitioners) to use the online process.
We agree in principle with mandating online professional applications.
However, the system must be fit for purpose before this is fully rolled out and should not be made compulsory until all issues have been resolved.
Practitioners will want to have assurance that:
HMCTS must state what alternative options will be available should the system experience difficulties, such as technology issues or if a practitioner can show that the online system cannot cope with a particular aspect of the application.
If there are any system failures or problems with specific parts of the application process, users will not be able to complete or submit applications.
This will not only impact clients but also users' ability to complete their work efficiently.
We believe that there needs to be clarification on
The consultation closed on 10 September 2020.
Read the consultation and the government's response on the GOV.UK website
We'll be continuing to host the Probate User Group meetings with HMCTS and other legal professional bodies to keep the probate service under review.