Digital ID implications for the probate process

Many of us are already familiar with shopping and banking apps for day to day transactions. The government says it wants to update public services to suit people’s needs in a similar way. A single logon process could prove who we are and allow us to access public services quickly, easily and securely. 

 

The consultation will include images and videos of a system prototype showing how using a single app could prove who you are. This would reduce the need to use multiple logins and paper documents to deal with the probate process. However, there is also a commitment to continue to support alternative paper-based processes. 

 

The government plans to set up a panel of people from different backgrounds across the country to discuss ways to move forward. 

 

Digital transformation could change the way your executors deal with your estate when you die. His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has already introduced online services. His Majesty’s Revenues and Customs (HMRC) is also developing new ways to deal with Inheritance Tax (IHT). 

 

HMCTS launched an online probate service for practitioners in 2019 and now requires online submission for Grant of Probate applications. Executors can already apply for probate online via the GOV.UK website. The longer-term goals are to streamline processes, reduce paperwork and improve response times. Digital signatures accepted within the online portal will eventually eliminate the need for printing, signing, and posting documents. A digital ID login could streamline the process further. 

 

HMRC wants to modernise the IHT process and has simplified reporting requirements for estates below the IHT threshold. Unique electronic codes can now go directly to HMCTS, speeding up estate administration. 

 

For a complete digital probate process, HMRC must broaden its modernisation. Continuing requirements for signatures on paper don’t support the drive towards digitisation. Accepting printed signatures under some conditions is a step forwards. However, better efficiency requires more coordination. Manual processing of paper forms will always slow down response times and add inaccuracies. 

 

The government says it is committed to continuously improve by: 

 

In the meantime, I continue to offer support for the time-consuming and often complex probate process. Probate Assist provides help with the paperwork, dealing with the authorities, selling property and belongings. I can also help to disperse an estate, which is often a challenging and sometimes frustrating process.