Solicitors acting for banks and building societies have been invited to submit a written submission by email in respect of every case they have in the list each day specifying the relevant points and the relief sought.

However, most lawyers are expected to ask for an adjournment, and the Master has said requests will be met with a general adjournment until the “current exceptional circumstances have abated”.

The Master has said he will only make final orders in cases where he is satisfied that it is right to do so. If he has any concerns whatsoever about prejudice and the fairness of the process he will simply adjourn the case.

The Chancery and Probate Master has also directed that no new business should be issued until further notice unless it is urgent, in which case the reasons must be clearly specified in writing.

The new arrangements came into effect from yesterday, Wednesday 18 March 2020, and also apply to all non-contentious probate business. The Master will continue to issue Grants of Representation for as long as is practicable.

More information is available from the Chancery Office on chanceryoffice@courtsni.gov.uk.