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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Doves Funeral Directors will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
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
Doves Funeral Directors was founded by second-generation Funeral Director Sean Costello in the 1980’s, with the first premises in Bromley.
Doves Funeral Directors quickly established a local reputation for empathy and experience in supporting the community in planning funerals for loved ones and soon expanded the business across Kent.
"Karen the funeral director couldn't have been nicer or more professional. Thank you for making my mum's send off so special."
— Steven Cowan (about Karen)
"Attention to detail was very apparent, even to the point that the funeral cars passed where my father was at rest — a great idea, Karen. Many thanks for all you did on the day."
— Martin Long (about Karen)
"Your professionalism and understanding is outstanding and we couldn't have done it without your guidance. You are all the most caring and respectful people ever. Jason would have been proud and happy with the farewell he was given."
— Karen Adamson (about Karen)
"Even the special touches like a cutting from my dad's wreath which was so thoughtful and I was touched when we were presented with it. I really felt like we did him proud on the day and you helped us do that."
— Sonia Clapperton (about Karen)
"When the day arrived it was so beautiful, even down to all the staff wearing pink in memory. I will never be more grateful."
— Ian Boorman (about Karen)
"She spoke about my father with real respect and cared for him in death with the same dignity shown to the living, which brought us enormous comfort. She was always at the end of the phone, and nothing was ever too much trouble."
— John Leonard (about Karen)
Vicki Woodhouse
a month ago
Doves arranged my husband’s funeral, we felt so looked after and the whole process was fantastic especially during such a difficult time. I couldn’t fault Karen, Toni or Jill it was wonderful celebration of his life.
John Leonard
a month ago
We used Doves Funeral Directors in Orpington for my father’s funeral and cannot recommend them highly enough. From our very first meeting, Karen was sympathetic, friendly and deeply respectful. She guided my mother, my two sisters and me through every step with professionalism and genuine care, helping us understand and navigate the options available. She spoke about my father with real respect and cared for him in death with the same dignity shown to the living, which brought us enormous comfort. She was always at the end of the phone, and nothing was ever too much trouble. She introduced us to the wonderful celebrant, Jill Hardy, who created a service that felt just right for our family. Bill and the rest of the team were equally caring and efficient on the day, ensuring everything ran smoothly. At a time when we needed understanding and steady guidance, Karen and the team at Doves provided exactly that. We are truly grateful.
Greg Simner
a month ago
An excellent service from the time we called to the funeral, I can not say how caring and compassionate the whole team were. Karren in the office was so helpful and nothing was to much trouble. Toni and her team were very professionally in a very caring manner, again nothing was to much trouble. I highly recommend the Orpington office and Doves. Thank you again everything you did
Ian Boorman
5 months ago
A massive thank you to Karen at Doves in Orpington. At a time that no one expects to happen, Karen was there from day one. The whole process was made easier knowing she was there when needed. From beginning to the very end Karen made it so special and listened to everything that the family wanted. I will never be more grateful, when the day arrived its was so beautiful, even down to all the staff wearing pink in memory. Thank you from the whole family.
Steven Cowan
a year ago
For my first time organising a funeral I was lucky enough to use doves in Orpington. Karen the funeral director couldn’t have been nicer or more professional. Every phone call,query,or email was replied to promptly and with all the information I needed. On the day of the funeral itself Matthew and his team were on time, professional and extremely well turned out with the horse & cart immaculately clean. Professional contact was on point with Matthew calling me to let me know of their progress and arrived bang on time. I highly recommend the service Doves Orpington provides if my experience is anything to go by. Thank you for making my mums send off so special.
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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 01689870030We'll call you back
Doves Funeral Directors will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Doves Funeral Directors 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 Broadstairs, Kent. All members uphold a strict Code of Practice, giving families peace of mind during one of life's most difficult moments.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Chatham, Kent. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family professional, compassionate care when it matters most.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Canterbury, Kent. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family genuine peace of mind at the hardest of times.
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