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See the full checklistLeave your number and Charles Stephens 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
Charles Stephens Funeral Directors is the Wirral's largest and longest established independent funeral directors, with a history dating back to 1896. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the business has been serving the local community across Wirral and Cheshire for over 125 years, offering compassionate and personalised funeral care at every step of the journey.
The Bromborough branch, located at 146 Allport Road, is part of an extensive network of branches and Chapels of Rest across the peninsula. Charles Stephens provides 24-hour support, seven days a week, and offers a wide range of services including religious and non-religious services, burials, cremations, and green funerals. Their immaculate fleet of Bentley and Jaguar funeral vehicles, combined with a team of highly qualified and experienced Funeral Directors and Arrangers, ensures the highest standard of service.
The team prides itself on listening closely to each family's needs, creating truly personalised funeral arrangements — from specially chosen flowers and bespoke service sheets to honouring unique requests on the day. Charles Stephens is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors and also offers prepaid funeral plans through Ecclesiastical Planning Services.
"We were looked after wonderfully by Anna and the team from start to finish. We were walked through how we wanted the day to run through to assistance with the managing of pall bearers undertaken by family members. This is the second time we have used Charles Stephens and would have no hesitation in recommending them to others."
— Ade Senior (about Anna)
"Both Richard and Anna were incredibly sensitive, supportive, and professional throughout. We used them for Dads funeral over 30 years ago and now for Mums and it could not have been better. Their thoughtful guidance made a difficult time more manageable."
— Sue Sumner (about Anna)
"Both my parents were looked after so well at Charles Stephens. Anna at the Bromborough branch was wonderful. From our first meeting, to making all the arrangements we required. I cannot thank the team enough for making a sad day into a fitting celebration of Dads life."
— ANN VIDAMOUR (about Anna)
"Dad died in a care home at 11.30pm on a Friday. The out of hours collection went seamlessly and I received a polite and respectful phone call on Saturday morning informing me that dad was now in your care. Anna went through everything we needed to know in a friendly and efficient way. As I said, perfect in every way."
— Colin Sharpe (about Anna Campbell-Lea)
"Anna at the Bromborough branch was extremely patient as we negotiated the unknown. Attention to detail and advice given was exceptional and transport was of the highest quality down to the mints and tissues in the cars. They made a very difficult experience bearable. I cannot sing praises any higher and I have instructed my family to use Charles Stephens when it is my turn to go."
— Jeanette Cooke (about Anna)
Diane O'Brien
Funeral Director
Diane O'Brien is a caring member of the Charles Stephens Funeral Directors team.
Diane O'Brien
Gemma Stephens
Director
Gemma is the fourth generation of the Stephens family to lead the business, continuing the family's long-standing tradi…
Gemma Stephens
Director
Gemma is the fourth generation of the Stephens family business.
Jeremy Stephens
Jeremy Stephens
Director
Jeremy Stephens is a director at Charles Stephens Funeral Directors, part of the family leadership team.
Joe Garfitt
Funeral Director
Joe Garfitt is part of the experienced team at Charles Stephens Funeral Directors.
Joe Garfitt
Kim Leavy
Funeral Director
Kim Leavy is part of the compassionate and professional team at Charles Stephens.
Kim Leavy
Mark Ashton
Mark Ashton
Funeral Director
Mark Ashton is a dedicated member of the Charles Stephens team, praised for his attention to detail.
Phil Brady
Phil Brady
Funeral Director
Phil Brady is part of the experienced team at Charles Stephens Funeral Directors.
Rachel Williams
Rachel Williams
Funeral Director
Rachel Williams is a valued member of the Charles Stephens team, providing compassionate support to families.
Richard Brady
Funeral Director
Richard Brady is part of the dedicated team at Charles Stephens Funeral Directors.
Richard Brady
Richard McDowell
Funeral Director
Richard McDowell is a member of the experienced team at Charles Stephens Funeral Directors.
Richard McDowell
Tom Harrahill
Tom Harrahill
Funeral Director
Tom Harrahill is a member of the professional team at Charles Stephens Funeral Directors.
Tom Stephens-Henderson
Tom Stephens-Henderson
Funeral Director
Tom Stephens-Henderson is part of the Charles Stephens team, known for his kind and compassionate approach with familie…
Victoria Fletcher
Victoria Fletcher
Funeral Director
Victoria Fletcher is a member of the dedicated team at Charles Stephens Funeral Directors.
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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 01513341727We'll call you back
Charles Stephens will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Charles Stephens 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 across Liverpool and Merseyside. Every listed director is independently vetted, follows a strict Code of Practice, and is rated by the families they serve.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Bebington, Merseyside. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection you deserve.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors serving Billinge, Merseyside. All members uphold a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection you deserve.
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