Ireland’s Courts Service has reported strong early progress in its digital probate programme, with 45% of grant of probate applications submitted by solicitors now being received online. The update comes 100 days after the Courts Portal launched a nationwide digital application service on 2 June 2026.
Courts Service digital probate reaches 45% milestone
The Courts Service digital probate system is designed to modernise how solicitors submit applications for grants of probate. Instead of relying solely on paper-based processes, legal practitioners can now use the online Courts Portal to send applications electronically.
The milestone indicates that almost half of solicitor applications nationwide are already being submitted through the new platform. It also represents an important step in the broader digital transformation of Ireland’s justice system, making administrative processes more streamlined for legal professionals and court users.
What the online probate service means
A grant of probate is an important legal document that allows an executor to administer the estate of a deceased person where a valid will exists. By accepting applications online, the Courts Service can support a more consistent method of receiving and processing information from solicitors.
- Solicitors can submit eligible applications through the Courts Portal.
- The service applies nationwide to applications received from solicitors.
- The update follows the platform’s launch on 2 June 2026.
- The Courts Service says 45% of such applications were online after 100 days.
Read more
For more updates on Irish public services and official announcements, read Ireland government news and public service updates and Irish legal, business and national news.
Digital justice and wider court-service changes
The probate announcement forms part of a wider programme of operational and digital developments across the Courts Service. Recent notices have included the resolution of an ICT issue affecting the visibility of some records on the High Court search. The Courts Service confirmed that the issue had been fixed and that records were populating again.
Other updates have concerned court administration, accessibility works and public information. The Office of Public Works has been carrying out accessibility improvements at the Four Courts entrance gates during the long vacation. In Tipperary, the District Court administration office is due to transfer from Clonmel Courthouse to Nenagh Courthouse from 1 October 2026.
The Courts Service has also announced a pilot mediation service at the Dublin Civil Office in partnership with Community Law and Mediation. Separately, its refreshed “Let’s look at the law” schools programme includes new lesson plans, videos and mock-trial resources.
Explore more
Explore Ireland public affairs and national developments alongside Irish courts and government service news.
What happens next for online probate applications?
The 100-day figure provides an early indication of adoption, but continued engagement by solicitors will be important as the Courts Portal develops. Greater use of digital submissions could help establish online probate as the standard route for professional applications, while supporting administrative efficiency and clearer communication.
Users should consult the official Courts Service for current guidance, eligibility requirements and any procedural updates before submitting an application. Questions about an individual estate or legal entitlement should be directed to a qualified solicitor or legal adviser.
Key takeaway
The Courts Service digital probate programme has reached a significant early milestone: 45% of grant of probate applications from solicitors were submitted online within its first 100 days. The development signals continuing modernisation across Ireland’s courts and legal administration.
Article/Image Courtesy: Courts Service
