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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.
"Matthew calling me to let me know of their progress, arriving bang on time with the horse and cart immaculately clean. Thank you for making my mum's send off so special."
— Steven Cowan (about Matthew)
"Your professionalism and understanding is outstanding and we couldn't have done it without your guidance. Jason would have been proud and happy with the farewell he was given."
— Karen Adamson (about Karen)
"The funeral cars passed where my father was at rest — a great idea Karen. Your attention to detail was very apparent, even after the service."
— Martin Long (about Karen)
"Watching Kelly walk in front of my dad's car from our house... honestly the whole of your staff couldn't have done any more for us. I really felt like we did him proud on the day and you helped us do that."
— Sonia Clapperton (about Kelly)
"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)
Louise Forrester
4 weeks ago
Karen was amazing from start to finish. She put us completely at ease during such a difficult time and supported us every step of the way. The funeral for my mum was absolutely amazing and everything was handled with such care, compassion and professionalism. We can’t thank Karen and everyone at Doves enough for making the day so special for our family.
Melanie Robinson
a month ago
Obviously booking a funeral for a loved one is not something any of would want to do. So finding Doves was such a relief for my sister and I. We attended an appointment with Karen who explained everything very clearly to us before we chose the package we wanted. Karen is the most respectful helpful kind lady. We found her easy to chat with concerning all we wanted and needed from Doves. Shes an intelligent professional, and she has empathy and care for her customers. Thank you so much Karen for making our appointment peaceful at no time were we hurried, every question was answered and we left knowing our loved one would be in safe hands.
julie salter
2 months ago
Karen has been an absolute blessing. Helping in every way she possibly could. She was really efficient & compassionately supporting my family through the worst few days of our lives. So pleased with all the effort from everyone at Doves from start to finish, they were brilliant.
Jo Harman
2 months ago
I can’t thank Doves Funeral Directors enough for the care, compassion, and support they showed while arranging my dad’s funeral. Karen was truly incredible — so kind, patient, and reassuring throughout. Her support meant more than I can put into words, and I will always be grateful for the way she looked after dad Jenny guided us gently through the planning process with such warmth and understanding, making a very difficult time feel that little bit more manageable. On the day itself, Toni, along with Paul and Jess, ensured everything ran smoothly and with such dignity and respect. Every detail was handled with genuine care, and it brought us real comfort knowing my dad was in such good hands. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart — I couldn’t have asked for a more compassionate team.
Vicki Woodhouse
3 months 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.
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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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