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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and S Stibbards and Sons Ltd 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
S. Stibbards & Sons Ltd is a family-owned and operated funeral directors based in Essex, serving the communities of Southend, Benfleet, and Rochford since 1867. Now in its sixth generation of family ownership, the company has built a reputation for providing professional, compassionate, and personalised funeral services over more than 150 years. Their longstanding presence in the local community reflects a deep commitment to supporting families through some of life's most difficult moments.
The team at S. Stibbards & Sons prides itself on offering a truly personal approach, placing the wishes of the deceased and their family at the heart of every arrangement. From bespoke funeral arrangements and direct cremations to children's funerals and pre-paid funeral plans through Golden Charter, they provide a comprehensive range of services to suit varying needs and circumstances. Their 24/7 availability ensures families have access to support whenever it is needed most.
With a strong emphasis on traditional values, professionalism, and compassionate care, S. Stibbards & Sons is a trusted name in the Essex community. They are members of professional associations including SAIF and the National Association of Funeral Directors, and they also offer guidance on aftercare, memorials, and bereavement support to help families navigate life after loss.
"As a member of the clergy who has dealt with many funeral directors, I can honestly say that Stibbards are the best and most caring of all. The quality, professionalism and dedication to each element of my mother's funeral was outstanding."
— Paul David Ridley
"The care and thoughtfulness of all the team made all the difference, and we are deeply grateful. We couldn't have wished for a more fitting and beautiful farewell for mum/nan."
— David Bowes (about David, Scott, Nikki)
"Becca and the team were always on hand to guide us and deal with any enquiries; they helped make a very sad time more bearable."
— Tracey Thomson (about Becca)
"From our very first meeting with David at Hadleigh, we felt reassured and at ease. Nothing was too much trouble and someone was always available to answer any questions or alleviate any concerns. On the day of the funeral itself, Lee and the team looked after us with such care and were a great comfort to us all."
— Susan Grant (about David, Lee)
"So Impressed with the service we received from the minute we arrived... we new we had chosen right for our daughter. Leo was outstanding from the initial arrangements to the chapel visits and the day itself, nothing was ever too much. Stuart on the day was equally as good making contact before to make sure all our wishes were seen to. Thank you Leo, Stuart and John for your professionalism and caring nature in making our Daughter's final journey memorable."
— Dave Gaffney (about Leo, Stuart, John)
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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 01702558717We'll call you back
S Stibbards and Sons Ltd will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and S Stibbards and Sons Ltd 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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