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 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
Easy step by step process
I was so happy I found YouCanDoProbate. I did not even know where to start with this process but as soon as you register with them on line (and pay the fee) it guides you through step by step. You then just print off the the forms and send them off. It made a complicated system really simple for us.
Lucia
Luckily we came across the…
Luckily we came across the "YouCanDoProbate" website which instantly transformed the task of applying for Grant Of Probate into a much less time consuming much more straightforward and easy to follow process. Considerably cheaper than using a solicitor plus comprehensive & friendly support throughout the process from Tom. Would thoroughly recommend this service to anybody. Thank you.
Marlene
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
The process was simple and the support…
The process was simple and the support provided spot on.
Sue Byrne
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
A difficult task made more simple for executors
Finding out about the process of registering a death and the probate process is not something that many people deal with on a regular basis, unless of course they are professionals in the field. Unfortunately I recently had to undertake this task and was shocked by the fees that can be charged by a professional to in effect collate information that I would have to find and supply to them. I looked for alternatives and found “youcandoprobate” I purchased the package and was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to use and followed the guide which helped steer me in the right direction to find the information I required to input. However one of the biggest surprises was when nearing the end of the process the tool established that the estate was over the threshold to qualify for IHT205 and that I would have to now go through the IHT400 documents. This, one may thing would be an annoyance having paid for the software licence and followed the process that far and to find that I could not complete. However this has been considered by the makers and as long as you have not generated the documents you are able to obtain a refund in line with their T’s & C’s. I still have to follow the IHT400 process but having used the “youcandoprobate” software I feel that this will be a far less daunting task than I would have thought as it has helped me to better understand the process and has helped me collate a lot of information. I would highly recommend this package to anyone in the unfortunate position of having to wind up an estate.
Al
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
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
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
Very professional set up
Very professional set up. My contact Tom was knowledgeable friendly and efficient. I would recommend this service to anyone dealing with probate.
Ken
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
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