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.
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
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
This was money well spent made life so…
This was money well spent made life so much easier and prevented any time being wasted by not sending all relevant documents and having to re submit.
Mr Walker
We followed all the instructions on how to complete the form and would recommend this site to anyone.
We followed all the instructions on how to fill in the appropriate spaces. As it was done at the weekend there was no one to speak to but on Monday when I got in a bit of a muddle Tom talked me through what I had to do. It all worked out fine in the end & I would recommend them to anyone who wanted to tackle Probate themselves.
PATRICIA KENNARD
Excellent service..
Excellent service... many thanks to James he was very professional and extremely patient with me ... this is a very difficult time and I really appreciate the help this service provided. James talked me through stage by stage and let me deal with it at my own pace I would recommend youcandoprobate to everyone .. worth every penny .. solicitors had quoted me £8000 that's a real big jump in price and at such a vulnerable time .. I am now awaiting for the government to process many thanks James for all your help. Corinne Minords
Corinne Minords
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
I was quite daunted by the procedure of…
I was quite daunted by the procedure of probate as I'd never been in this position before, but you made the whole process almost easy. Adam was brilliant, if I had a query or was unsure about anything he helped me to understand and navigate the forms successfully. All your staff were efficient, helpful and friendly and I would recommend you to anyone without a moment's hesitation. Thank you so much
Maureen
Awesome and helpful
You Can Do Probate made the process of applying for probate at what is, for most, a difficult time a great deal easier and cheaper, saving money, time and stress. Both the site and the You Can Probate team have been awesome and helpful. It has made this process much easier to understand and without the need to pay over the top for a solicitor.
Zoë Greenslade
Extremely helpful
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
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
The dedication and professionalism of…
The dedication and professionalism of Tom and the team was TRULY outstanding. If I as a 70 something and barely computer literate can do it with their help, then anyone can. Outstanding, brilliant service and amazing value.
Trevor
Easy to do
Easy to do. Help always available. And it costs a lot less than solicitors. Excellent service.
Nick
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