YouCanDoProbate is the brainchild of Chartered Accountant and Software Developer Jonathan Friedman (Co-Founder), created after he was appointed an Executor in his father’s Will.
About
YouCanDoProbate was born when Jonathan Friedman, a Chartered Accountant and software developer, had to apply for probate after his father’s death. He realised how over-complicated and difficult the process was, even for someone with an accounting background, and so decided to come up with an affordable solution, that would help people complete probate forms quickly, easily and correctly, without needing to resort to expensive legal advice.
The result was YouCanDoProbate: the first and only, online probate application, that automatically completes all necessary Probate and Tax forms ready for submission, that can be used by anyone, without needing any knowledge of Probate.
The unique application is supported by a friendly team of experienced probate specialists and a talented developers, with a fully UK-based support centre to help users with any questions.
Our aim is to help you apply for probate, by yourself, at a time and pace that suits you, in the easiest way possible at an affordable price.
JAMES ZONKO | CO-FOUNDER
Our Story
When Jonathan’s father died, he had to complete a probate application. As he started the process he was shocked by how difficult, unnecessarily complicated and opaque the process was, even for someone with his professional background. What should in fact be an administrative task is a process that for many people is incredibly daunting, often seeming almost impossible. When faced with the difficulties of the task, many people resort to using a solicitor or a bank. When Jonathan looked into this option he was horrified, not only by the very high upfront fees being charged, but also by the fact that many of these providers then also take a portion of the estate.
He then started looking to see if there was any middle-ground – a less expensive application or program that could help people. However, he could find no evidence of such a product.
Online forums were full of people recounting their desperation – stressful months spent trying to fill in applications, or thousands of pounds paid to solicitors. It seemed very wrong to Jonathan that at a time which is already stressful and upsetting, the probate process should be adding to people’s problems.
As a seasoned software developer, Jonathan therefore decided to try and do something about this. Being a chartered accountant he understood that probate is in fact nothing more than an administrative process – a matter of gathering lots of information, and then writing letters, completing legal and tax forms. Jonathan knew that there had to be a way of streamlining this, making it easy for bereaved relatives or friends to complete a probate application with minimal stress and expense.
"Solicitors and Banks have charged too much, for too little, for too long."
JONATHAN FRIEDMAN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT | CO-FOUNDER
Jonathan teamed up with the highly sought-after creative, James Zonko (Co-Founder), an experienced designer and successful app developer. He was very excited when Jonathan approached him to work together on YouCanDoProbate, and so they set out to radically revolutionise the whole probate application process.
Just as Jonathan understood the financial side of the process, James was very focused on the user experience. He understood the need to create a step by step application to actually assist people, to make it easier than using a Solicitor, and to take the user by their hand and help them through the whole process.
“Applying for probate can seem daunting and a bit overwhelming, but what we have done is simplify everything. We have untied the red tape and created an easy to use, straightforward, walk through system. Following the steps in app ensures the user does everything right and doesn't miss anything” said James.
As a seasoned software developer, Jonathan therefore decided to try and do something about this. Being a chartered accountant he understood that probate is in fact nothing more than an administrative process – a matter of gathering lots of information, and then writing letters, completing legal and tax forms. Jonathan knew that there had to be a way of streamlining this, making it easy for bereaved relatives or friends to complete a probate application with minimal stress and expense.
"YouCanDoProbate has changed the probate industry, and created a new offering to the market."
JAMES ZONKO | CO-FOUNDER
“Applying for probate can seem daunting and a bit overwhelming, but what we have done is simplify everything. We have untied the red tape and created an easy to use, straightforward, walk through system. Following the steps in app ensures the user does everything right and doesn't miss anything” said James.
There is now a realistic solution to apply for probate, without needing a professional, or without the hardship of doing it alone.
Extremely helpful, friendly and super fast. I went to several solicitors and companies that offer probate - they were all so expensive. YOU DON'T NEED ANYONE. This is an amazing, user friendly system with as much support as you need. Highly reecommended.
Adrian Jones
Very helpful app
Very helpful app that is easy and intuitive to use. The one question I needed to ask was answered promptly and helpfully.
Neil R
I am so glad that I chose to invest in…
I am so glad that I chose to invest in this software. It is a simple tool which guides you through the process in a very clear way. Firstly you can input the required information about the estate (which you would have to collate and provide to a solicitor anyway) and it then determines which forms need to be populated to apply for probate (and inheritance tax), and populates them correctly. It has saved us a lot of time and money . The customer support team are very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly, and easy to get hold of. Thank you for making this a smooth process at a difficult time. Our grant of probate was received today which was only 5-6 weeks after receipt of the application by the probate office at a time where the probate office are quoting 8 week lead times to acknowledge probate application receipt.
Hilary Spain
Excellent! I wish I had found sooner
So, so easy. I wish I had found sooner as I put off doing probate thinking it would be bad but it was fine. I got a bit stuck and had a quick call and then all went through smoothly. Thank you, I would definitely recommend to all.
Carol Fennell
I found it very helpful but of special…
I found it very helpful but of special note is the fact you can call their helpline for assistance which I did on a few occasions. They were always very patient and solved my issues.
Martin Greaney
Easy to use
Easy to use. Questions by email replied in the same day.
Carol
Was dubious at first but after…
Was dubious at first but after messaging a couple of queries and receiving replies almost immediately I purchased the software process and it was amazingly easy would definitely recommend
Gill readman
YouCanDoProbate is a brilliant piece of software
This is a brilliant piece of software. Very easy to use and intuative and, makes the daunting task of applying for a Grant of Probate easy for anyone who can use a computer. It makes using a solicitor for this task completely redundant. Also, the on line help is excellent as you can actually speak to a human.
STEPHEN JOHN CLARK
Excellent service
I can’t thank my Advisor, Tom, more for all his patience and help. He has guided me every step of the way and I’m thrilled with the results of this excellent service.
Rona Lamont
As it says
As it says; "You can do Probate" all be it with a little help from the team who are really great. I had my doubts initially but I have managed to complete all of the forms and get my application in for my Mothers estate, and I am in my 70S. It was interesting that funeral expenses are an expense rather than a liability but I suppose if we think about it, it is. Many thanks to the team. I can just wait and see how long it takes to get it from here.
Graham Trim
An excellent service
An excellent service. The team are happy to talk you through the options before you commit and make sure that the software will work for your circumstances. Once you get started it is easy to use and save your work. Very good and recommended.
simon hawkins
Very good!
Better then spending 1000s on solicitors fees!
Robert Wright
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