Probate

Helping you with probate

James & Thomas Funeral Directors is working with the National Bereavement Service (NBS), a not-for-profit organisation, to assist and support customers and their families. NBS provides practical advice post funeral to help when dealing with legal issues, many of which may be unfamiliar.

Probate is a legal term which means the official proving of a will. You ‘apply for probate’ to have the legal right to deal with someone’s land, property, money and possessions, in other words their ‘estate’.

If the person that has passed away has made a will, they will have appointed an Executor, and may have even identified a legal firm to deal with the probate. Fortunately in most cases the process is simple and straightforward. We can help if you need guidance on DIY probate. If there is no will it can be a little more complicated and the will is resolved according to the Rules of Intestacy.

How to apply

To apply for probate you make the application to the Probate Registry and this gives the Executors named in the application the authority to act in the administration of the estate of the deceased. There are a number of stages to go through when dealing with the administration process and it can vary depending on where you are in the UK.

NBS can help guide you through all of this, call them free on 0800 0246 121 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm or visit them at www.theNBS.org where you’ll find more useful information. 

Useful links:

Applying for probate

Intestacy – Who inherits when there is no will?

Dealing the estate of someone who has died

Valuing the estate of someone who has died

Stopping a probate application

Cremations

We can assist you in every step of the funeral and cremation arrangements so please ask us about any queries you may have.

Cremations

Our pricing

Funeral prices vary depending on the type of ceremony you would like for your loved one. There are many options to choose from to make it unique and special.

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Planning ahead?

It is now really easy to plan ahead, making a huge difference by easing the burden on your family when the time comes, so they can focus on the arrangements.

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Need advice?

James & Thomas Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

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Latest Reviews

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Wonderful. It was so difficult losing my Mum just before Christmas but Julie and the team were so lovely. There was so much warmth and empathy. The funeral was a lovely and everything went so smoothly. We were in such good hands. Thankyou. Very highly…

Sarah Gorrell

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Although a very sad and difficult time, much of the worry and uncertainty was lifted from my shoulders by the extremely caring and efficient Liz at Cobham office. Nothing was too much trouble for her, and she helped craft the perfect funeral for my late…

Elizabeth Thurston

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Chris in the Horsley office was very understanding, helpful and professional

Nick Roberts

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We recently used Julie and her team for my mother’s funeral and they couldn’t have been kinder or more professional. At every step Julie walked us through the process with so much warmth and understanding. She was always available for any questions, from the initial…

Frances Barker

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James and Thomas Funeral Directors were beyond wonderful in every aspect of under-taking the role of managing both a death and the bereaved. Staff were kind, empathic and gave us time to make important decisions. They were knowledgeable and gentle in presenting options yet allowing…

L

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We had a really lovely experience with James and Thomas’ arrangements for our Mother’s funeral. Julie was sensitive, professional, thorough and thoughtful throughout. Everything on the day went like clockwork. And while it was a sad time we really felt that our Mother would have…

James Watson

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Chris Bertram was extremely helpful and communicated clearly and sensitively. The staff who were present at the funeral/committal were very professional. We would have no hesitation recommending James & Thomas to others.

Tim Pullen

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Julie at the Merrow branch was superb. She was organised, patient, knowledgeable and compassionate. She spent a lot of time answering my various questions and was very supportive. When Julie was on annual leave, Anne from another branch stepped in to help with the order…

Esme Spinks

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Feeling very vulnerable after the passing of our dear mother, we felt extremely fortunate to meet Julie at James & Thomas Merrow. In the hands of these funeral directors, our family found peace and dignity. Their service was marked by grace, professionalism, and empathy. I…

Kim Shackleton

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We were entirely satisfied with the services provided by the Merrow branch of James and Thomas Funeral Directors. We found dealing with Julie Brown, the director, extremely reassuring and she provided us with excellent professional service that was both compassionate and well managed. She was…

Alison Wilson

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