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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Howards Funeral Directors 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
Howards Funeral Directors was founded in 1988.
Our dedicated teams at our Southport and Ainsdale funeral homes 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’
"It was an easy, stress-free process and Derek's manner was kind and helpful, which really helped. I'm so glad I took out the funeral plan with Howard's — they were a pleasure to deal with."
— Sarah Cutts (about Derek)
"Derek was kind, helpful and supportive throughout — we cannot recommend his services enough, nothing was too much trouble."
— Tracey Giller (about Derek)
"They made a very tough process much more manageable. I was grateful to have a continuous contact rather than deal with different people throughout the process of planning my Dad's funeral. Fantastic, friendly service from the outset."
— Joanne Coates (about Derek)
"Having used Howards for my Mum last year, I used Howards for my beautiful wife Sally-ann 6 weeks ago. Derek and the staff are wonderful — they show so much compassion and thought into everything they do."
— David Stanbrook (about Derek)
"Derek… What a kind professional man. You gave so much support and reassurance to us as a family and my late Mum. A Thank you will never be enough."
— Lisa McBretney (about Derek)
"I would like to give a mention to Chris, our limo driver, he came and opened up the chapel of rest out of hours for me as I was running late and gave me words that will live with me forever. They made a dark day, that little bit lighter."
— David Stanbrook (about Chris)
Gary Merrill
a month ago
Lyndsay and the Howard’s team were highly professional, respectful and supportive throughout all aspects of the planning for our mum’s funeral service. The day of the funeral went very smoothly and was dealt with in a very calm and caring manner. Special thanks also go to the celebrant Pete Goulding, who did an amazing, thoughtful job at the crematorium.
Karen Forsdike
a month ago
Howards were professional and showed empathy. Very welcoming and everything was explained clearly . Would highly recommend
Ken Lowe
4 months ago
Howards arranged the best Scottish funeral service for me. The funeral organiser, director and celebrant were all top class. It went as well as could ever be expacted for a very sad occasion. All good. Five star service. Would definitely recommend.
Tracey Giller
5 months ago
Derek conducted mum’s funeral, he was kind, helpful and supportive throughout, we cannot recommend his services enough nothing was too much trouble.
David Stanbrook
11 months ago
Having used Howards for my Mum last year, I used Howards for my beautiful wife Sally-ann 6 weeks ago, I can only say that Derek and the staff are wonderful and I cannot recommend them enough. The whole process was flawless and they show so much compassion and thought into everything they do. I would like to give a mention to chris, our limo driver, he came and opened up the chapel of rest out of hours for me as I was running late and gave me words that will live with me forever. They made a dark day, that little bit lighter.... Thank you ever so much xxx
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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 01704500086We'll call you back
Howards 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 Howards 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 Southport, Merseyside. Every listed director upholds a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection it deserves.
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.
Serving families in SOUTHPORT and the surrounding area
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