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
10/10 GREAT SERVICE
SO EASY TO USE, AS LONG AS YOU HAVE THE PAPERWORK TO BACK IT UP. THE HELP IS GREAT. ONE PHONE CALL AND ALL MY QUESTIONS WERE ANSWERED AND GOOD ADVICE WAS GIVEN.
Steven Tubb
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
I wanted to do the probate but......
I wanted to do the probate after my wife passed away but amassing the information and filling out the form I found difficult. I purchased YCDP and found that after I had answered various groups of questions and given relevant figures the form was produced correctly made out. Yes there was a cost but nowhere near the cost of hiring a solicitor.
Keith Martin
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
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
Application for Probate online.
YCDP is excellent. As an 80 year old with very basic and fairly rubbish IT skills I was a bit apprehensive but found the process straight forward and easy to understand. It was very helpful to be given a list of the information I would need before starting. Having been quoted a price of over £1000 from a solicitor to complete the probate application the cost of using YouCanDoProbate was such a saving. I would recommend them to anyone
Mrs Sally Baxter
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
Due to the present extenuating…
Due to the present extenuating circumstances i.e. Coronavirus Lockdown, I decided to do Probate on my own behalf. Having now completed the paper work. Sincerely I should like to thank the support team for their help and guidance.It was reassuring to know that there was always someone at the end of the phone to call upon if I was uncertain.
Ken Winter
I have rated this 5 star because I…
I have rated this 5 star because I thought the process of data input was logical and made it very easy for a first time probate. I’m not an expert and I’m not fully aware of all the features, I would have liked the ability to have a data input set to have in case the probate office raised questions.
Diane McGowan
Easy to do
Easy to do. Help always available. And it costs a lot less than solicitors. Excellent service.
Nick
An Excellant service
An Excellant service. I made good use of the advice given in the app which made the process simple and unbelievably it was granted by the HMCTS just four working days after it was delivered to them. Admittedly it was a relatively simple estate but definitely worth considering using this app rather than very expensive solicitors.
Garry Brisdion
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