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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Stanley J Nicholas 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
Stanley J Nicholas Ltd is an independent, family-run funeral directors based at The Paddocks, New Road, Pengam, Blackwood, serving the communities of Pengam, Blackwood, and the surrounding areas of South Wales. Established in 1946 by Mr. Nicholas, the company is proud to be the longest-established funeral directors in the Rhymney Valley, with over 70 years of experience providing dignified and caring funeral services.
The business was founded on traditional values and a commitment to serving the community, passed down through generations of the Nicholas family. Anthony, who married into the family in 1967, is a highly respected Fellow of The British Institute of Embalmers and remains an active patriarch of the company. His son Edward has grown up in the business and continues to uphold its founding values today.
Stanley J Nicholas offers a wide range of funeral services tailored to all faiths and backgrounds, including Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Mormon, Non-Conformist, and secular ceremonies. Their private chapel in Blackwood accommodates up to 52 mourners, and their fleet of immaculate Mercedes-Benz vehicles ensures dignified transport. Services include direct cremation, pre-paid funeral plans, and repatriation, all delivered with compassion, respect, and a truly personal touch.
"If you want a family caring, sympathetic and go above and beyond then call The Paddocks. Edward and his team couldn't do enough when arranging my dad's funeral — all the help and support they gave us was 1st class."
— Andrew Baker (about Edward)
"The hardest thing as a family to do but all the help and support they gave us was 1st class. What an amazing person — you captured my dad so well."
— Samantha Baker (about Edward)
"Thanks to everyone for making the best of a bad situation with such respect, professionalism, understanding and empathy. A real heartfelt family business going above and beyond every time."
— James Prosser (about Adrian)
"They took care of everything and made a very emotional and stressful time much more bearable. We cannot thank them enough for their kindness and empathy throughout."
— Carol Strange (about Edward)
"The empathy and compassion shown through the passing of my mother was amazing. Nothing was too much trouble. Due to such tragic circumstances they made everything so smooth and ensured all our requests were met. I'm sure mam was looking down and thinking the same."
— Nicola Evans (about Adrian)
"I think of Edward and his team and Mr Phil Johnson as family for everything. Not only for officiating the funeral but captured my dad more than i could of ever of wished including what i would call my dad getting the last word."
— Andrew Baker (about Edward)
Anthony
Embalmer and Funeral Director (Patriarch)
Anthony married Uncle Stan's niece Rosaline in 1967 and eventually took over the family business. He has travelled all …
Anthony
Embalmer and Funeral Director / Patriarch
Anthony married Uncle Stan's niece Rosaline in 1967 and eventually took over the family business. He has travelled all …
Anthony
Patriarch / Embalmer and Funeral Director
Anthony married into the Nicholas family in 1967 and eventually took over the family business. He is a widely travelled…
Edward
Funeral Director
"I think of Edward and his team and Mr Phil Johnson as family for everything. Phil captured my dad more than i could of …"
Edward
Funeral Director
"I think of Edward and his team and Mr Phil Johnson as family for everything. Edward and his team couldn't do enough whe…"
Edward
Funeral Director
"I think of Edward and his team and Mr Phil Johnson as family for everything. Edward and his team couldn't do enough whe…"
Hayley
Funeral Team Member
Hayley is recognised for her supportive role in helping families through the funeral arrangement process.
Hayley
Funeral Team Member
Hayley is mentioned by customers for providing support during the funeral arrangement process.
Julie
Funeral Arranger
Julie is described by customers as professional and approachable, affording families all the time needed to ensure thei…
Julie
Funeral Arranger
Julie is described by families as professional and approachable, taking all the time needed to ensure a loved one's wis…
Phyl
Funeral Team Member
Phyl is noted for reading out tributes on behalf of families who could not attend in person, showing kindness and compa…
Phyl
Funeral Team Member
Phyl is noted for her compassionate involvement in services, including reading tributes on behalf of families who were …
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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 01443830328We'll call you back
Stanley J Nicholas Ltd will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Stanley J Nicholas 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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