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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Steven Mears 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
The teams at our Sydenham, Lewisham and Beckenham 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. Our Sydenham funeral home has its own service venue.
"The service given by Bobby was far and beyond expectations — the man is a true professional. The manner and professional approach of the staff was exceptional."
— STEVEN JONES (about Bobby)
"The directors all handled the day compassionately, dignifyingly and caringly. They went over and above to ensure family members were not rushed and everyone was comfortable. Thank you for making the day perfect."
— Verna "Lioness1960"
"From the moment I visited through to the end of the funeral I felt very well looked after. In particular, Gill, who guided me through the funeral arrangements, was incredibly helpful, well-informed, caring and kind."
— Jim Henderson (about Gill)
"From the first contact on the phone with Angela I knew she would be a great support. It's such a difficult time but she made the process so much more manageable. I could phone her at any time and was able to ask any question."
— Diana Roberts (about Angela)
"Michelle prepared everything to perfection and just made a sad situation so much easier. We left smiling, knowing that Dad is in good hands. Thank you Michelle, from the bottom of our hearts."
— Bebe Oladipo (about Michelle)
"With open arms they embraced me and my family with our grief. On the day of the funeral Bobby and his team were so professional and made what was such an unbearable day go smoothly. Janice, Bobby and Olivia are a credit to Steven Mears — I cannot thank them enough for all their support, kindness and patience."
— Miriam (about Bobby, Janice, Olivia)
Verna “Lioness1960”
9 months ago
Attended a funeral conducted by this company the Sydenham branch and the directors all handled the day compassionately, dignifying and caring. They went over and above to ensure family members were not rushed, everyone was comfortable. Thank you for making the day perfect.
Bebe Oladipo
9 months ago
I would like to acknowledge the wonderful service we received from Michelle at the Sydenham Branch today. We had a viewing to see my Dad. Michelle prepared everything to perfection and just made a sad situation so much easier. We left smiling, knowing that Dad is in good hands. Thank you Michelle, from the bottom of our hearts
Jim Henderson
a year ago
From the moment I visited to discuss the pre-plan arrangements one year earlier through to the end of the funeral I felt very well looked after and well advised by Steven Mears. In particular, Gill, who guided me through the funeral arrangements was incredibly helpful, well-informed, caring and kind.
Mar
a year ago
Gillian was very helpful throughout. Derek & his team were outstanding on the day. Polite friendly & professional throughout The horses and carriage were stunning. My mother in law would be very happy We all had a beautiful day and it was a wonderful celebration of life
Miriam
3 years ago
I’ve given 5 stars due to the exemplary and compassionate service I received from the amazing team at Sydenham. Throughout the funeral process the care and respect provided was outstanding. Janice, Bobby and Olivia are a credit to Steven Mears with whom I cannot thank enough for all their support, kindness and patience. With open arms they embraced me and my family with our grief. On the day of the funeral Bobby and his team where so professional and made what was such an unbearable day go smoothly. Sally the Celebrant was a star on the day too. They are truly an incredible team and I would highly recommend using Sydenham, you won’t be let down.
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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 02087767446We'll call you back
Steven Mears 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 Steven Mears 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.
From cremation to burial, discover what UK funerals really cost in 2026 — including a full breakdown of funeral director fees, disbursements, and regional price differences to help you plan with confidence.
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.
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