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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Gibson's Funeral Services 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
Gibson's Funeral Services has been proudly serving the local community since 1860, with deep roots stretching back even further through the Gibson family history. The Shildon branch, located at Gibsons House on Association Street, is part of a wider network of funeral homes serving Bishop Auckland, Shildon, and Crook and the surrounding areas. The business traces its origins to Joseph Gibson, a carpenter and undertaker who established himself in Howden-le-Wear in the 1850s, with the family continuing and growing the business through successive generations.
The dedicated team at Gibson's Funeral Services is committed to creating tailored funerals that reflect the unique life of each loved one. They offer a comprehensive range of services including traditional funerals, cremations, burials, green and woodland funerals, unattended cremations, and repatriation. Additional products and services include memorial masonry, coffin ranges, floral tributes, orders of service, and prepaid funeral plans.
Gibson's Funeral Services is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, either by telephone or through a home visit to discuss funeral arrangements. The Shildon branch can be reached on 01388 772 244. As part of Funeral Partners Limited, Gibson's combines its long-standing local heritage and reputation with the support of one of the UK's leading funeral services groups.
Claire McMahon
Receptionist
Claire is highlighted by customers for being very helpful and sincere, making a difficult time more bearable.
Ian Pearth
Funeral Arranger
Ian is commended by families for his help and support through difficult times of bereavement.
Lorraine Hamilton
Funeral Arranger
Lorraine Hamilton is a member of the Gibson's Funeral Services team providing support to bereaved families.
Mark Golding
Funeral Director
Mark Golding is praised by customers for his professionalism and the high standard of service he provides.
Matthew Gibson
Funeral Director
Matthew Gibson is a member of the Gibson's Funeral Services team, carrying on the long family tradition of funeral care…
Michael Bell
Funeral Director
Michael Bell is a member of the Gibson's Funeral Services team, providing care and support to families.
Michael Sneeth
Funeral Director
Michael is praised for being first class, thoughtful and caring, supporting families from first meeting through to buri…
Michelle Gutteridge
Funeral Arranger
Michelle Gutteridge is part of the dedicated team at Gibson's Funeral Services supporting families through bereavement.
Ryan Dodds
Funeral Director
Ryan Dodds is recognised in customer reviews for delivering excellent service to bereaved families.
Victoria Gibson
Funeral Arranger
Victoria Gibson is highlighted in customer reviews for visiting families and guiding them efficiently through funeral a…
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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 01388772244We'll call you back
Gibson's Funeral Services will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Gibson's Funeral Services 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 Shildon, County Durham. All listed members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving families peace of mind when it matters most.
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