At the heart of Online Wills and Probate is our co-founder Jane Morris Rowlinson. A qualified solicitor with more than 20 years of experience guiding families through Wills, Probate, and estate matters. Since qualifying in 2002, Jane has built her career in leading law firms, co-founded her own successful practice, and earned national recognition for her achievements. Along the way, she has developed a reputation for combining expert legal knowledge with empathy and clarity, helping clients make sense of difficult processes and important decisions.
Today we hear from Jane as she explains why choose Online Wills & Probate? and the difference she makes to the families who turn to us for support. In this blog, you’ll discover how her background shaped her passion for private client work, what sets us apart from a traditional solicitor, and why so many people value her practical, client-focused approach. From making a will to navigating probate, Jane explains how she works to ease the burden, build trust, and give clients confidence that everything is being handled with care.
Background and Expertise
I qualified as a solicitor in 2002 and began my legal career in the Personal Injury and Motor Fraud team at a leading law firm in Manchester city centre. My work primarily involved acting on behalf of insurance companies. It provided valuable experience but lacked the personal client interaction I was seeking. I realised I missed building relationships with clients and supporting them directly through significant moments in their lives.
This led me to co-found my own law firm. It’s where I expanded my practice to include Personal Injury, Wills, Probate, and Conveyancing. Having received training in these areas during my early legal career, I quickly found myself drawn to private client work. I discovered a genuine passion for guiding individuals and families through the often complex and emotional processes of estate planning and administration.
During this time, I was proud to be featured No 1, in The Times as part of the Fortuna 50, being classed as the UK’s fastest-growing women-led small business. It was a significant milestone that reflected both the growth of the firm and the impact we were having in the legal space.
As changes in legislation began to significantly impact the Personal Injury sector, I made the decision to sell my share in the firm and focus exclusively on what I truly enjoy: Wills, Probate, and Court of Protection matters. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career and it’s been an incredibly fulfilling path. I’ve found this area of law to be deeply rewarding. I feel privileged to support clients through some of their most personal and important decisions with empathy, and care. Every client brings a unique story. I take pride in helping them navigate life’s important decisions with clarity and compassion.
Helping With Probate Matters
One of the most common challenges clients face when dealing with probate or estate matters is simply knowing where to start. The process often comes at a time of grief and emotional stress. This can make navigating legal and administrative tasks feel overwhelming. Many clients worry about making mistakes or missing important steps, especially if they are unfamiliar with the responsibilities of being an executor or administrator.
Another key challenge is understanding the legal terminology and obligations involved. Probate can seem daunting. There are strict timelines, tax considerations, and paperwork to manage, and clients often feel a lot of pressure to get everything right. Dealing with financial institutions, asset valuations, property issues, and potential family disputes can add further complexity.
In some cases, difficulties arise when there is no will, or when the will is unclear or contested. This can lead to uncertainty or even conflict within families, which adds another layer of emotional strain.
My role has been to help ease that burden. I have guided clients through the process step by step, offering practical advice, emotional reassurance, and clear explanations. Whether it’s helping them apply for a Grant of Probate, dealing with HMRC, or managing the full estate administration, I have always endeavored to provide peace of mind during what is often a very difficult time.
The Transition Away from a Traditional Law Firm
I co-founded Online Wills and Probate to offer a more accessible, transparent, and affordable alternative for families dealing with straightforward estates. The idea was to strip away unnecessary complications while still providing expert, compassionate guidance. Online Wills and Probate is flexible in how we support clients. However, we still bring the same level of care, diligence, and experience that I’ve developed over decades in the legal profession.
The motivation behind the move was simple. I wanted to combine my legal background with technology to help people get the support they need, quickly, clearly, and at a fair price, without compromising on quality. For many families, this kind of service is exactly what they need: practical help, delivered with empathy and efficiency. And we exist to plug the gap!
Approach and Philosophy
When dealing with sensitive matters, my approach is centred on empathy, clarity, and trust. Wills and Probate are deeply personal areas of law. They’re often tied to loss, legacy, and important life decisions, so I always begin by listening carefully. Every client’s situation is unique, and it’s important they feel heard, supported, and never rushed.
I aim to explain things in plain English, cutting through legal jargon. This helps clients feel confident and informed at every step. Whether someone is making a will for the first time or navigating probate after the loss of a loved one, they’re often dealing with emotional stress, uncertainty, or family dynamics. My role is to be a calm, steady guide, offering reassurance, expert advice, and practical solutions.
Compassion and professionalism go hand in hand in this work. I want my clients to know they’re not just another file. Instead, they’re individuals and families making important decisions or going through difficult transitions. I take pride in building long-term relationships based on trust, discretion, and genuine care.
Ultimately, I see my role as not just a legal adviser. Instead, I’m a supportive partner during some of life’s most sensitive and significant moments.
Proudest Moments
There have been many moments throughout my career I feel proud of. But if I had to choose one, it would be the decision to co-found my own law firm, and later, to successfully transition into launching Online Wills and Probate. Both ventures came with risk. However, they were driven by a strong belief in doing things differently, and in putting clients at the heart of the process.
Being featured in The Times as the top Fortuna 50, the UK’s fastest-growing women-led small business, was a particularly proud moment. It was recognition not just of business growth, but of the commitment and resilience it took to build something from the ground up while delivering real value to clients.
I’m also incredibly proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years. Many of my clients have stayed with me long-term. They’ve continually referred friends and family, which is the highest compliment I could ask for. Whether it’s helping someone through the pain of losing a loved one, or guiding them to make decisions that protect their family’s future. It’s a privilege to do this work, and I never take that for granted.
Working with Clients
I believe clients value the combination of empathy, clarity, and experience I bring to what are often deeply personal matters. Whether they’re making a will, setting up an LPA, navigating probate, or dealing with later life planning, they know they can count on me to explain things simply, listen without judgment, and guide them through each step with care.
Clients often tell me they appreciate how approachable and responsive I am. Legal processes can feel overwhelming especially during times of grief or stress. So, I make it a priority to be available, keep communication clear and timely, and provide reassurance when it’s needed most.
They also value that I genuinely care. This isn’t just a transaction for me, it’s about building trust and making sure people feel supported and understood. With over two decades of experience behind me, they know they’re in safe hands. But it’s the personal connection and calm, compassionate approach that really makes the difference.
Why Choose Online Wills and Probate
The key differences with Online Wills and Probate is accessibility, flexibility, and cost. Online Wills and Probate was created to offer a simpler, more affordable alternative to the traditional high street solicitor. However, we do it without compromising on the quality of support clients receive.
As well as seeing clients in person, clients can also access expert help from the comfort of their home, at a time that suits them. There’s no need to book appointments weeks in advance or take time off work to visit an office. Our process is streamlined, transparent, and designed to take the stress out of what is often a very emotional time.
We also focus on fixed fees. For example you can see how much it costs to make or will, or how much we charge for Probate Support. Clients know exactly what to expect from the start, no hidden costs or hourly billing. Our team brings decades of legal experience. We handle every case with the same professionalism, care, and attention to detail you’d expect from a traditional solicitor.
Ultimately, Online Wills and Probate combines the reassurance of expert guidance with the ease and affordability of a modern, client-focused service.
Who We’re Helping
Online Wills and Probate is designed to support anyone looking for expert, compassionate help whether they’re young, old, planning ahead, or dealing with the loss of a loved one.
We’re especially well suited to people who want a professional, caring service without the complexity or high cost. Our clients value clear advice, fixed fees, and the ability to manage things from the comfort of their own home, without sacrificing quality or personal attention.
We help:
- Individuals of all ages who want to make or update a Will
- Families needing guidance with Probate or Letters of Administration
- Those planning ahead with Lasting Powers of Attorney, to protect their wishes and ease the burden on loved ones
- People who prefer straightforward, jargon-free support delivered with empathy and care
- Busy professionals, carers, or those with limited mobility who need a convenient and flexible service
- And even people who just need to know what to do when someone dies.
At Online Wills and Probate, we believe that legal support around life’s most personal matters should be accessible, respectful, and built around the client. Not the other way around. Whether it’s a simple will or support through the probate process, we’re here to make things easier, every step of the way.
Our Mission to Truly Support
Supporting people through emotionally challenging times is at the heart of what we do. Whether someone is dealing with the loss of a loved one, making a will, or setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney. We know these moments can feel overwhelming! That’s why we focus on making the experience as calm, clear, and supportive as possible.
First and foremost, we listen. Every client’s situation is different, and taking the time to understand their concerns and priorities allows us to offer the right support from the start. We explain everything in plain, simple language, no legal jargon, and guide clients step by step so they always know what to expect.
We’re also highly responsive. Whether it’s a quick question or ongoing guidance, we make ourselves available, offering reassurance when it’s needed and never leaving clients feeling like they’re on their own. We treat every client with the care and empathy they’d expect from a trusted advisor.
Most importantly, we provide honest, practical advice. We don’t overcomplicate things, and we’re upfront about costs, timeframes, and what’s involved. That transparency builds confidence, and helps people feel in control at a time when so much can feel uncertain.
Our goal is always to lighten the load! And to give clients peace of mind that they’re in safe, experienced hands.
Personal Insights
What I enjoy most is knowing that I’m making a real difference in people’s lives. Especailly, during some of their most difficult or emotionally charged moments. Whether I’m helping someone navigate probate after losing a loved one, or guiding them through the process of making a will or setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney, it’s incredibly rewarding to provide clarity, reassurance, and peace of mind.
I also love the personal connections I get to build with clients, the relationships are very real. People open up, share their concerns, and trust me to guide them through important life decisions. And I never take that trust for granted.
There’s also great satisfaction in being able to offer a service that’s genuinely accessible, caring, and client-focused. Having come from a traditional legal background, it’s refreshing to work in a way that strips away unnecessary complexity and puts people first.
Ultimately, it’s the human side of this work that I value most, being there when someone needs support, helping them feel less overwhelmed, and giving them confidence that everything is being handled properly and with care.
Making a Real Difference
A case that really stands out for me involved a bereaved daughter who came to me completely overwhelmed. Her father had passed away unexpectedly, and she was suddenly responsible for handling his estate while also caring for her own young family. She felt lost, anxious, and unsure where to begin.
I took the time to really listen to her, break down the process step by step, and take as much of the burden off her shoulders as possible. I guided her through the probate application, helped manage paperwork, and gave her the reassurance she needed at every stage. What could have been a very stressful and drawn-out process became manageable and she was so relieved to have someone she trusted by her side.
She later told me that what made the biggest difference wasn’t just the legal support, but the compassion and patience I showed her when she felt at her most vulnerable. That meant a lot to hear and reminded me exactly why I do this work.
Those are the moments that matter most. Behind every probate case or will is a family, a story, and often a lot of emotion. Being able to ease that burden and bring a sense of calm and clarity is incredibly rewarding. It’s why I’m so passionate about the service I have always provided.
Advice For Future Clients
First of all, it’s great that you’re thinking about making a Will and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your wishes and support your loved ones, no matter what stage of life you’re in.
If you’re unsure where to begin, start by thinking about what matters most to you. For a Will, you can use our tool to understand what type of will you need. You may also want to think about who you’d like to leave your assets to, who should look after your children if you have any, and who you trust to carry out your wishes (your executors). We have a brilliant, clear and helpful guide on how to choose executors of a will. For LPAs, consider who you’d feel comfortable making decisions on your behalf if you were ever unable to, both for your property and finances and for your health and welfare. You can find more information on our guide on why set up a Lasting Power of Attorney.
The process may feel daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. My advice is: don’t let the paperwork or terminology put you off. It’s completely normal not to have all the answers straight away, and a good advisor will guide you through everything at your pace.
At Online Wills and Probate, we specialise in making this process clear, simple, and personal. We’ll talk you through your options, help you understand what each document means, and support you in making decisions that truly reflect your values and wishes. It’s something I feel passionate about and the primary reason to why choose Online Wills and Probate.
Taking the first step is often the hardest, but once you do, most people find a huge sense of relief in getting everything in place. It’s a gift of clarity, not just for you, but for the people you care about most.
