Ireland’s Courts Service has reported significant progress in the move to digital legal services, with 45% of probate applications submitted by solicitors now being received online. The update comes 100 days after the Courts Portal launched a nationwide digital process for grants of probate.
The development is part of a wider effort to modernise court administration and make legal services more accessible to practitioners and court users. The Courts Service, operating within Ireland’s justice system, said the online probate service began on 2 June 2026.
Courts Service online probate reaches 45% after 100 days
Grants of probate applications are used where a person has left a valid will and an executor needs legal authority to administer the estate. Previously, much of this process relied on paper-based administration. The Courts Portal now allows solicitors nationwide to submit applications electronically.
According to the Courts Service update dated 24 September 2026, almost half of grants of probate applications from solicitors were being received online within the first 100 days. The milestone signals growing adoption of digital court services among legal professionals.
What the digital probate service means
- Solicitors can submit eligible probate applications through the Courts Portal.
- Electronic submission may reduce reliance on physical paperwork.
- The service supports more streamlined administration of estate applications.
- Practitioners can use the portal as part of their engagement with the Courts Service.
The update does not state that all probate applications are now digital, so applicants should continue to follow the latest instructions issued by the Courts Service and seek professional advice where required.
High Court search issue resolved
The Courts Service also confirmed that an ICT issue had affected the visibility of some information on the High Court search from Wednesday evening. The issue was subsequently fixed, and records were beginning to populate again when the notice was published on 25 September 2026.
The incident highlights the importance of checking official court information directly, particularly for practitioners and court users relying on online records. For legal proceedings, the Courts Service remains the relevant source for operational notices, listings and system updates.
Other recent Courts Service updates
Recent notices also covered changes to court administration, building works and public education initiatives. The Office of Public Works is carrying out accessibility improvement works at the entrance gates of Dublin’s Four Courts during the long vacation. Court users and practitioners were advised to consult relevant updates before attending.
In Tipperary, the District Court administration office is scheduled to transfer from Clonmel Courthouse to Nenagh Courthouse from 1 October 2026. The Courts Service has also launched an updated edition of its “Let’s look at the law” schools programme, featuring refreshed lesson plans, videos and mock-trial resources.
What court users should do
Anyone dealing with probate, court listings or courthouse access should check the Courts Service website for the most current information. Solicitors handling probate applications should use the official Courts Portal guidance and ensure submissions meet the required procedural standards.
Conclusion
The Courts Service online probate rollout marks a clear step towards more efficient justice administration in Ireland, with 45% of solicitor-submitted applications digital after 100 days. While the transition is ongoing, the Courts Service online probate system is already changing how estate applications are lodged and processed.
Article/Image Courtesy: Courts Service
