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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and A R Adams (Funeral Directors) Ltd will call you back.
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Ready to speak to someone? A free, no-obligation call can help you understand the next steps.
If anything has changed, a quick call with a specialist can confirm.
A quick call with a specialist can help you figure out what applies.
Question of 3
Did the person who died own a property?
Including any property in their name, even if jointly owned.
Were there savings, investments, or other assets?
Bank accounts, shares, pensions, or valuables above a few thousand pounds.
Was there a will?
Even if you're not sure where it is, knowing one exists can change the process.
This can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A probate specialist can walk you through the next steps — no obligation, no pressure.
That's one less thing to worry about. If anything changes or you'd like a quick confirmation, a specialist can put your mind at rest.
Many families don't have all the information straight away — that's completely normal. A quick chat with a specialist can help you understand what applies to your situation.
What the probate process looks like
Apply for Grant of Probate
Collect assets & close accounts
Pay debts & tax
Distribute the estate
A specialist handles all of this for you.
Trusted by thousands of families across the UK
You probably don't need to pay for the funeral yourself
The estate will likely go through probate, which means the funeral costs can be paid from the estate. You need a probate specialist to make this happen.
Sail Probate · Fixed fees, nothing upfront
Probate might not be needed
That means the funeral costs probably can't be covered this way. But every situation is different — a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry — lots of people aren't sure at this stage. A quick chat can work out whether the funeral costs can be covered.
Want to talk it through?
Free, no obligation.
Want to check with a specialist?
Free, no obligation.
Want to find out for sure?
Free, no obligation.
Sail Probate · Trusted by thousands of families
A specialist will call you soon
Free, no-obligation advice from Sail Probate
What happens next
Request received
Just now
A specialist reviews your details
Within 1 hour
You'll receive a call
Within 24 hours
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Result saved
If you need help later, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
We'll give you a call
A Sail Probate specialist will talk you through everything and answer any questions.
Interested in: We handle everything (£6,000)
Interested in: Just the probate application (£1,000)
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
No problem
If you'd like to talk about probate or funeral costs, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
A R Adams (Funeral Directors) Ltd is an award-winning, independent family funeral directors serving Southend-on-Sea from their Thorpe Bay Broadway offices and private chapels of rest. With a history dating back to 1900, the company has built a reputation for compassionate, professional, and highly personalised funeral care across Essex. Their Thorpe Bay branch can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, reflecting their commitment to being there for families whenever they are needed most.
The Thorpe Bay team, including staff such as Donna and Luke, are consistently praised by families for their kindness, attention to detail, and ability to guide clients through one of life's most difficult times with empathy and professionalism. Services offered from this branch include traditional funerals, horse-drawn funerals, direct cremation, green funerals, veteran's funerals, repatriation, pre-need funeral plans, and live streaming of services, among many others.
A R Adams has been recognised with numerous accolades, including being voted UK Funeral Director of the Year in 2015 and winning Family Business of the Year for East & East Anglia in 2019. They are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors and are listed with The Good Funeral Guide, underscoring their commitment to the highest standards of funeral care.
"I have to particularly mention Luke who was especially helpful, knowledgeable & very kind. I wasn't disappointed — they guided me through everything and showed the greatest of respect for my Mum."
— carolyn mayne (about Luke)
"Michelle helped us through every step of the process with calm and compassion. A.R. Adams made a very difficult time less traumatic and helped organise a very meaningful funeral."
— Ellen Buckley (about Michelle)
"Adams carried out the funeral of my mother then later my father. I have left a note with my Will that they should arrange my funeral when the time comes. I can give no firmer recommendation than that."
— Steve Tomlin
"The gentlemen on the day knowing the right level of attention needed without crowding us. Even understanding when laughter was the right approach."
— Lisa Mead
"Donna's calm and caring approach helped ease a difficult and emotional time. They honoured our wishes and struck the perfect balance between supporting our grief and helping us celebrate a life well lived."
— Dee J (about Donna)
"They may not be the cheapest in town but they are worth far beyond every extra penny, we realised that truth within the first few hours. It was the family approach with the personal touches that made me realise that I really must write a review for them, something I very rarely do."
— Keystone House (Maxine) (about Donna, Luke)
Donna
Funeral Arranger
"From the very beginning, Donna's calm and caring approach helped ease a difficult and emotional time. They honoured our…"
Donna
Funeral Arranger
"Donna's calm and caring approach helped ease a difficult and emotional time. They honoured our wishes and struck the pe…"
Luke
Funeral Director
Luke works at the Thorpe Bay branch and is noted by families for his calm, respectful, and knowledgeable presence both …
Luke
Funeral Operative
"I have to particularly mention Luke who was especially helpful, knowledgeable & very kind. I wasn't disappointed — they…"
Zia
Cortege Leader
Zia led the cortege at a funeral and was described as respectful, involved and compassionate.
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Ready to speak to someone? A free, no-obligation call can help you understand the next steps.
If anything has changed, a quick call with a specialist can confirm.
A quick call with a specialist can help you figure out what applies.
Question of 3
Did the person who died own a property?
Including any property in their name, even if jointly owned.
Were there savings, investments, or other assets?
Bank accounts, shares, pensions, or valuables above a few thousand pounds.
Was there a will?
Even if you're not sure where it is, knowing one exists can change the process.
This can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A probate specialist can walk you through the next steps — no obligation, no pressure.
That's one less thing to worry about. If anything changes or you'd like a quick confirmation, a specialist can put your mind at rest.
Many families don't have all the information straight away — that's completely normal. A quick chat with a specialist can help you understand what applies to your situation.
What the probate process looks like
Apply for Grant of Probate
Collect assets & close accounts
Pay debts & tax
Distribute the estate
A specialist handles all of this for you.
Trusted by thousands of families across the UK
You probably don't need to pay for the funeral yourself
The estate will likely go through probate, which means the funeral costs can be paid from the estate. You need a probate specialist to make this happen.
Sail Probate · Fixed fees, nothing upfront
Probate might not be needed
That means the funeral costs probably can't be covered this way. But every situation is different — a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry — lots of people aren't sure at this stage. A quick chat can work out whether the funeral costs can be covered.
Want to talk it through?
Free, no obligation.
Want to check with a specialist?
Free, no obligation.
Want to find out for sure?
Free, no obligation.
Sail Probate · Trusted by thousands of families
A specialist will call you soon
Free, no-obligation advice from Sail Probate
What happens next
Request received
Just now
A specialist reviews your details
Within 1 hour
You'll receive a call
Within 24 hours
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Result saved
If you need help later, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
We'll give you a call
A Sail Probate specialist will talk you through everything and answer any questions.
Interested in: We handle everything (£6,000)
Interested in: Just the probate application (£1,000)
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
No problem
If you'd like to talk about probate or funeral costs, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Get in touch
Call 01702586383We'll call you back
A R Adams (Funeral Directors) Ltd will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and A R Adams (Funeral Directors) Ltd will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
You've completed of 18 steps on the bereavement checklist.
Continue your checklist18 things to sort when someone dies — keep track so nothing gets missed.
See the full checklist
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Chelmsford, Essex. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, with independent complaints protection and transparent pricing to support your family.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Colchester, Essex. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection you deserve.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. All listed firms are independently vetted, rated 4.7/5 on average, and backed by a formal Code of Practice.
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