Long welcomes launch of online probate portal

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the launch of a new online probate portal.

The portal aims to simplify the application process for people dealing with a person’s estate after their death.

The minister said the portal will streamline the application process and makes it more accessible.

Mrs Long said: “The new online probate portal 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.

“The portal has been developed in consultation with citizens and with legal practitioners with the aim of making the process of applying for probate simpler and less time consuming.”

She added: “This courts and tribunals modernisation pilot project will be reviewed and evaluated to inform future services as NICTS develops modern, innovative and collaborative courts and tribunals services that are less complex, more efficient and more accessible.”