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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Drakes of Torbay Funeral Service 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
Drakes of Torbay Funeral Service was founded in 1983.
Our dedicated teams at our Torquay funeral home are committed to creating tailored funerals that reflect the unique life of your loved one.
We can be contacted 24 hours a day, by telephone, and are here to discuss your needs. Or if you prefer, we can visit your home to discuss funeral arrangements.
"His attention to detail was outstanding, and made what could have been a terrible day due to the weather into a memorable day in a good way!"
— Ali Walker (about Stuart)
"They have the right balance of professionalism, compassion and good humour. I have dealt with them as a health professional in the past and as someone requiring their services."
— Tessa Barton
"They eased the way forward for us to give our beloved Sarah a fitting final tribute. Their calm professionalism and quiet dignity in attending to all aspects of the funeral made everything much less difficult during the ongoing global health crisis."
— Leslie Retallick
"I practically had to phone nearly every day as I hadn't a clue of the process, felt very sorry for Stuart as was dealing with my Dad's funeral. Anyway we got there in the end and the whole service was carried out with great respect and dignity."
— Sue Annon (about Stuart)
"Stuart very quickly took all our worries away and provided an excellent service throughout the whole process, from start to finish. We felt comforted in the way he talked us through a very new and unknown process."
— Hannah Brewer (about Stuart)
"I was feeling very overwhelmed in the days immediately after my dad died and having his step-by-step guidance on the paperwork and various things that needed to be done was really helpful."
— Kate Whitehead (about Stuart Drake)
Kate Whitehead
4 months ago
I am especially grateful to the funeral director Stuart Drake, who talked me through everything I need to do. I was feeling very overwhelmed in the days immediately after my dad died and having his step-by-step guidance on the paperwork and various things that needed to be done was really helpful.
susan parrock
7 months ago
Stuart helped me so much with arrangements from start to finish.Kept in touch throughout and advised were needed. On the Day of funeral Mark contacted me and everything was conducted with such dignity and grace. Everyone was very professional and kind. Would highly recommend. Thank you all so very much.
Paul Bradshaw
8 months ago
Our family have used Drakes twice in the last13 years. I am pleased to say our recent experience was as good as the first time. Stuart and his team helped use through the process with calm and sureness. Stuart listened to what we wanted, gave advice and recommended an ideal celebrant in Chas. The funeral pamphlet was above what we expected and well presented. Their support during the service was thoughtful and unobtrusive.
Ali Walker
9 months ago
A big thank you to Stuart and his team for making the wettest day so far this year into a positive experience for us! His attention to detail was outstanding, and made what could have been a terrible day due to the weather into a memorable day in a good way!Thank you for your efforts. I would recommend Drakes 100%
Glen Williams
a year ago
We chose Drakes as we had used their services previously and couldn't be more satisfied. Stuart was helpful, supportive and professional from start to finish, likewise the celebrant Chas. The service was conducted flawlessly and the attentive preparation was very welcome, as was the follow-up. I would have no hesitation in engaging them in the future.
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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 01803329866We'll call you back
Drakes of Torbay Funeral Service will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Drakes of Torbay Funeral Service 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
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