NORTHERN Ireland's Dickensian probate system has gone paperless after 163 years with the launch of a new online portal.
Until now anyone dealing with the estate of a deceased person anywhere in the north had to go to Belfast or Derry to initial any Will and death or coroner's certificate in front of probate staff.
This followed the submission of an application form, a `statement of truth' and notice of application - a cumbersome process which can take weeks to complete.
The portal, which went live on the nidirect website yesterday, simplifies the application process, streamlining and speeding the application.
It follows consultation with those using the system and had a trial with eight solicitors' firms before going live.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said the result "very much embodies what we are trying to achieve with the modernisation of our courts and tribunals services".
"The process for applying for a Grant of Probate or a Grant of Letters of Administration has always been paper based since it was launched 163 years ago but as technology evolves, there is an expectation that more and more public services will be available online, including those provided by our courts and tribunals".
She said the portal will make "the process of applying for probate simpler and less time consuming" and how it works "will be reviewed and evaluated to inform future services", with Court Service aiming to develop "modern, innovative and collaborative courts and tribunals services that are less complex, more efficient and more accessible".
Karen Ward, Court Service Chief Modernisation Officer said it is the first redesigned service under its Modernisation Programme launched in March.
The portal allows people to complete a probate application online, including paying fees and uploading supporting documents.
It also has built-in validation and step by step sections to help accurate completion of applications - aiming to reduce the number of applications returned due to errors.
Applicants and solicitors can also track the progress of their case online with regular status updates and 24/7 access to the service on any device (mobile phone, PC, laptop, tablet).
Off-putting legalese has been replaced with simplified language and the `statement of truth' is filled automatically with answers provided during the application process.
Law changes have seen the swearing of an oath replaced with the signing of a statement of truth.
The portal can be used for straightforward applications for Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration (to siblings' entitlement).
