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
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
I'm never one for leaving reviews
I'm never one for leaving reviews, but this service genuinely deserves the 5* review I'm giving it. I completed the probate application with my Mum shortly after my Dad's passing. My Mum had been quoted thousands of £s to do this on her behalf, which I felt was unreasonable. After a quick Google I found this website and suggested it to my Mum. She was sceptical at first so I offered to help, and having completed the intuitive online process with her, she quickly told me she could have done it herself! It's not a nice thing to deal with, particularly at such a difficult time, but I couldn't recommend this highly enough. It genuinely works and we have just received our letters of administration.
Joe Wilkinson
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
Easy to do
Easy to do. Help always available. And it costs a lot less than solicitors. Excellent service.
Nick
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
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
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
What can I say.
What can I say. Site was self explanatory and easy to use. Fortunately I had all the necessary documentation which gave me a smooth ride through the forms. Probably saved us £10k of solicitors fees. I had one query about one of the sections so raised that and somebody called me within 30mins and everything was explained simply. If you are dealing with a simple estate, as was mine (just one property and Bank Accounts) it's a fantastic option to use. Highly recommended. Grant
Grant Champion
System was priced sensibly and easy to…
System was priced sensibly and easy to use
PJM
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
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