Probate

Helping you with probate

Howard's 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.

Prepaid plans

Need advice?

Howard's 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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Howards arranged the best Scottish funeral service for me. The funeral organiser, director and celebrant were all top class. It went as well as could ever be expacted for a very sad occasion. All good. Five star service. Would definitely recommend.

Ken Lowe

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Derek conducted mum’s funeral, he was kind, helpful and supportive throughout, we cannot recommend his services enough nothing was too much trouble.

Tracey Giller

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The team were very helpful, from the start when I needed help to know what was available, to the end, and the service was conducted according to my wishes.

P D

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The Howard funeral team are exceptional from start to finish Compassionate, caring and patient Thankyou especially to Karl and Lyndsey…

Bernadine Darwin

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I was very impressed with Debbie form the first phone called to arranging the first meeting to talked about my late husband funeral arrangements. She was so caring and understanding, her way of communicating helped me and my family, gave us the assurance that Tim…

Tim Straker

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Having used Howards for my Mum last year, I used Howards for my beautiful wife Sally-ann 6 weeks ago, I can only say that Derek and the staff are wonderful and I cannot recommend them enough. The whole process was flawless and they show so…

David Stanbrook

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Can't recommend these funeral directors enough. So professional, thoughtful and helpful. The office on Roe Lane Southport is so calm and we were always made to feel cared for and that our loved ones were also given the same care and respect. They took care…

Sharon Roberts

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In the last 3 months I have used Howards services for both my parents. The service has been excellent from start to finish - with initial plans and suggestions, following up on arrangements, organising services etc to seamless events on the day. They pay particular…

Gill beecham

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My beloved Aunts funeral was faultless due to top class service from Howards. This at a time when support was really appreciated.. A hugely professional team indeed. Lyndsey was exceptional in every way! Thank you.

Stephen Tolley (Tolleyboypoet)

Much Loved

It is hard to express how grateful we are to Derek and all at Howards for the unwavering care and support given to our family during the worst time of our lives. His compassion and sincerity was felt from the start. Derek looked after Stuart…

Lucille, Hannah and Emily Rainbow

Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

Choice

Choice Funeral plans enable you to arrange and pay for your Funeral Director Services in advance, which could provide peace of mind to you and your family.

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