Online intestacy children

Trusts Discussion
1

HI all,

I am posting this again in the hope that it might throw up some new answers. I have also asked a contact at the Probate Registry.

As a probate practitioner I cannot apply online where there is no Will, and more than one child:

Intestacy professional portal
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However, if I am a lay applicant, I can (as long as only one child applies):

Intestacy lay portal 1
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In other words, if I am approached by one of two children for assistance with an intestacy, I must say:

‘Yes, I can help but it will be a paper application and take 12 weeks. However, if you do it yourself, you can apply online and get it in 2 weeks.’

Surely this can’t be right?

Many thanks

Richard

2

I have had some paper ones come back quickly, but I agree that it is strange that the online applications for instetacy is so limited. I have also had some online ones not even started after the 12 week period - balance that with the last two granted within a day of submitting!

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3

What is the basis for your understanding that a layperson can apply in that way? When completing the gov.uk process as an individual, the information seems to state clearly that the application cannot be made by more than one applicant online (see screenshots attached).

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IMG_36401179×2556 213 KB

IMG_3639
IMG_36391179×2556 286 KB

4

Hi HCFarnham,

Yes you are correct - multiple siblings cannot make a joint application.

However, one sibling of several can apply alone (unlike MyHMCTS).

The process does not tell you that you HAVE to make a joint application.

It says that if you WANT to make a joint application you can’t.

(Read my second screenshot)

Many thanks

5

As a general update on this, the Probate Registry pathfinder team are aware of this issue and say they will resolve it next year…!

6

Ah I see - apologies. I misread your original question.

1 Like