As the legal industry evolves, so do the skills and tools required for those who practice law, to meet the demands of the sector. Firms are now expected to utilise and maximise technology to meet changing client expectations, improve efficiency, accuracy, and profitability. The same is true for probate lawyers, and the next generation of probate lawyers will need to embrace technology more and more for a multitude of reasons.
Seamless wills management
One of the most critical aspects of a will-writing lawyer’s role is managing their clients’ wills. A mistake in this area can lead to costly legal battles and potential reputational damage. However, with the use of a Practice Case Management System (PCMS) and The National Will Register, lawyers can ensure that they have a seamless and accurate record of their client’s wills.
The National Will Register is a cloud-based service that enables lawyers to register their clients’ wills location and date securely. This ensures that the will can be found when its needed most, thus enhancing best practice for mitigating risk and bringing the commercial gain.
For probate, it’s important to have the valid will to administer an estate compliantly. The National Will Register searches over 10 million wills to provide certainty to searchers as to the potential existence of a will, the location of a will, and whether a held will is the valid will. One in five searches find a will that is unknown to the executor at the time of searching.
Enhanced data management
In a similar vein, the importance of data management cannot be overstated, particularly when it comes to probate law. In the past, probate lawyers would have to manage a vast amount of documents, such as wills, trusts, and executor paperwork. The process could be time-consuming and cumbersome, leading to potential errors or delays.
Lawyers can now manage their clients’ data much more efficiently. With secure, even cloud-based storage solutions, lawyers can access and manage their files from anywhere, at any time. This level of accessibility and convenience is essential for meeting client expectations.
Accurate recordkeeping
Part of the probate lawyer’s role is to monitor the estate’s assets and debts, which can involve substantial amounts of paperwork. This is where cloud-based record-keeping solutions come in handy. With legal accounts integrations within practice and case management systems, lawyers can track their clients’ finances in real-time, ensuring that they are up-to-date on any changes.
This allows lawyers to identify and address potential issues early on, such as unauthorised withdrawals or disputes over ownership. In addition, having an accurate record of financial transactions is critical for settling the estate in accordance with the client’s wishes.
Streamlined estate administration
Administering an estate can be a complex and time-consuming process, particularly when multiple parties are involved. However, with the help of case management systems with effective workflows tailored to wills and probate work, lawyers can streamline the process by automating many of the administrative tasks. For example, a PCMS can automate the distribution of assets and debts according to the conditions laid out in the will. By eliminating manual input, lawyers can reduce the risk of errors or oversights, leading to a more efficient administration overall.
Improved client experience
Ultimately, the use of technology in probate law is all about improving the client’s experience. With cloud-based PCMS and The National Will Register, lawyers can provide a more transparent, efficient, and error-free service to their clients. This level of service is essential in a competitive legal market, and the firms that embrace technology are likely to attract and retain more clients.
The future of probate law is undoubtedly digital, relying on the latest technology to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and client satisfaction. Cloud-based PCMS and The National Will Register are just two examples of the tools that the next generation of probate lawyers will need to master to succeed.
By embracing these technologies, lawyers can provide a higher level of service to their clients, which is beneficial for both the clients and the legal firms themselves. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, it is essential for probate lawyers to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in the legal industry.