Non-Contentious Probate Rules working group
What is happening?
The President of the Family Division has appointed a working group to look at the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987. A review which led to draft rules in 2013 never reached the statute books. So this is a long overdue overhaul made particularly pertinent in light of the Law Commission’s imminent final report following its extensive research on reforming the law of wills.
The Working Group chaired by Sir Alastair Norris and supported by Chief Master Shuman will have an open remit to make proposals to modernise the Rules and make them fit for a 21st century world.
The 1987 Rules pre-date both the seismic change in the substance and approach to civil procedure as a result of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 and the implementation of the 2010 Family Procedure Rules. Since the formulation of 1987 Rules there have also been many changes in practice brought about by technological advances and by the COVID pandemic.
The aim of the working group is to enable the 300,000 applications for representation of deceased persons’ estates made each year to be dealt with efficiently and at proportionate cost.
Members
Find out more about the members of the Non-Contentious Probate Rules working group.
Terms of reference
The Working Group has an open remit to modernise the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987.
Call for evidence
Any dates will be added here.
Draft reports or responses
Further information will be added here.
Findings/recommendations
To be published at the end of 2025.