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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and James Hawes and Goodchild 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
James Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors recognises how important it is to be at the heart of our local Hackney & Highams Park, London community.
The teams at our Hackney and Highams Park funeral homes will provide advice at every stage of the funeral planning process, and will arrange an individual and unique funeral to help you celebrate the life of your loved one.
"They took care of everything with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, responded quickly when I contacted them and followed my wishes carefully. I wish I had not needed to use them but they were a tremendous support at a really difficult time."
— Eve Wilson
"It was an extremely difficult time and Alison and the team treated myself and my family with dignity and respect, they literally took care of everything."
— Karema Edwards (about Alison Orrow)
"She was kind and sympathetic, providing a coffee which was a nice touch that helped us to relax. I have never arranged a funeral before but with Alison's help and advice, the procedure was painless and efficient. She kept in touch and we were never left wondering what was happening."
— Sue Tuhill (about Alison Orrow)
"The staff at James Hawes & Goodchild have gone way above & beyond their call of duty to help me & my family. I am truly grateful to you all for helping us to give my Dad the send off he could only dream of."
— james stanley
"We cannot thank Alison enough for all of her compassion, care and support when we sadly lost our lovely uncle. Alison, Ray and all the team made us feel safe and we just knew that our uncle was being cared for."
— Donna Young (about Alison Orrow)
"My brother Adrian Cheung (25) passed away in a motorbike accident. Funeral arranger Alison Orrow was absolutely brilliant, she was very comforting and went beyond the call of duty to assist us, she always kept us informed, liaise with local authorities and was there to answer any questions we had and guide us throughout this tragedy."
— Steven Cheung (about Alison Orrow)
debbie taylor
a month ago
Alison is a very helpful lady. She made my dads funeral go so smooth. I would definately reccomend them. Thank you
Sandeep D Christian
2 months ago
The service offered here was superb. Alison Orrow who dealt with most of the arrangements was very sensitive and helped with all our requests. I highly recommend James Hawes in Highams Park.
Tracy Cushion
8 months ago
We were very happy with Alison who arranged everything and was our contact before the funeral day, and also the funeral director on the day and her whole team
Karema Edwards
8 months ago
It was an extremely difficult time and Alison and the team treated myself and my family with dignity and respect, they literally took care of everything Thank you.
Sue Tuhill
11 months ago
Thank you Alison at the Highams Park branch for guiding us through the process of arranging the funeral service for my father. She was kind and sympathetic, providing a coffee, which was a nice touch that helped us to relax. I have never arranged a funeral before but with Alison’s help and advice, the procedure was painless and efficient. She kept in touch and we were never left wondering what was happening. If Alison wasn’t in the office, there was always someone at the end of the phone if we had any questions. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend James Hawes and Goodchild.
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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 02085271508We'll call you back
James Hawes and Goodchild 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 James Hawes and Goodchild 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
What to wear to a funeral in the UK: traditional expectations, modern dress codes, religious variations, what not to wear, and guidance for children.
The average cost of a funeral in the UK is £4,141. This guide breaks down every fee, explains regional differences, and shows you how to manage costs without compromising dignity.
Direct cremation is the UK's fastest-growing funeral option, typically costing £895–£1,500. This guide explains what it involves, how to arrange one, and who it suits best.
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