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.
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
Helpful staff and good online service
It was really useful to start the forms and go back to them over a period of days without having to start again. Once completed and printed off, we sent off and our Grant of Probate was received 4 weeks later. I had to contact staff at the Help Centre on a couple of occasions and they were more than helpful. Definitely would recommend using this service if the application is not complicated.
Customer - Bristol
Excellent service received from You…
Excellent service received from You Can Do Probate. The staff were very helpful and friendly.
Lesley Sylvester
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 package
Excellent package easy to follow and good help service if needed - probate obtained in six weeks - thank you
Mark
From the beginning I have had helpful…
From the beginning I have had helpful advice. Tom has shown oodles of patience. My hearing is not of the best, neither is my eyesight, but I plodded on with his gentle pushing. I have not finished yet, a paper has gone missing which will hold up the finish for a few days. Which this service had been available four years ago!!!
Hazel Stone
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
I found the whole process quite simple
I found the whole process quite simple, the forms were easy to complete and straight forward to fill in.
Steve Jones
System was priced sensibly and easy to…
System was priced sensibly and easy to use
PJM
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
Was really concerned i would struggle…
Was really concerned i would struggle with this but it was an absolute breeze. Great platform and so user friendly.
Shaun Cherry
You will not regret using YouCanDoProbate
I cannot say enough by way of thanks to this company. I was helped numerous times either by email or by booking a 'call back' and nothing seemed too much trouble. I could not have completed this application for probate without their assistance that's for sure. What they say is so true - you have to supply a Solicitor with the information they need to complete the application so why not use YouCanDoProbate for a fraction of the Solicitor's cost and do it yourself! All the information you supply is automatically put onto the application form so no writing involved. A massive thank you to Tom for all your help and patience!
Mrs L Whitfield
User Login
When did you purchase access to your YouCanDoProbate account?
