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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 β 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 β 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 β a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry β 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
Thompson Brothers & Sons Family Funeral Directors is a family-run funeral business based in Sunderland, serving the communities of Sunderland, Washington, Houghton-le-Spring, and the surrounding areas. The business is led by Craig and Simon Thompson, who together bring nearly half a century of combined expertise to supporting families during some of life's most difficult moments. Their approach is built on a foundation of compassion, respect, and dignity.
The funeral home offers a comprehensive range of services, including traditional funerals, simple funerals, and direct cremations and burials, ensuring that families can find an option that suits both their wishes and their budget. They also provide a chapel of rest where loved ones can be visited in a peaceful and respectful setting, and they are experienced in liaising with hospitals and the coroner's office on behalf of families.
In addition to funeral arrangements, Thompson Brothers & Sons offers a selection of coffins, ashes caskets, urns, keepsakes, and floral tributes to help create a personalised and meaningful farewell. The business also provides pre-payment funeral plans, allowing individuals to plan and secure their wishes in advance. With transparent, standardised pricing and a commitment to great value, Thompson Brothers & Sons is dedicated to guiding families through every step of the process with care and professionalism.
"Craig guided us through every step of the way, took a lot of the pressure and stress off our shoulders, and made such a difficult time more bearable β always just a phone call away. The care, dignity, compassion and support was second to none. We certainly did choose the best."
— pat ravenscroft (about Craig)
"No question or request was ever too much and we always felt they were there for us day or night β this made the most unbearable time of our lives that little bit easier. To say we would recommend would be an understatement. The brothers genuinely care and are the most approachable and down to earth people."
— Georgia Owens (about Craig & Simon)
"Simon was amazing β supporting us every step of the way and always making us feel that nothing was too much to ask. His professionalism, kindness, and genuine empathy meant so much to our family during the most devastating time of our lives. We will be forever grateful for the compassion and support we received."
— Gaynor Allon (about Simon)
"Through our grief you guided us when we struggled not knowing which way to turn. You held us up and gave us the strength through this so difficult time. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being there in every step, ensuring our loved one's final journey was most honourable and memorable."
— Adele (about Craig & Simon)
"I first used their services for the passing of my mother and again recently for the passing of my father. As a former funeral director myself, I was expecting an exceptional service β and they completely excelled on every level. They allowed me to walk both parents into the crematorium on their final journey. We will be forever grateful for their time, support and friendship during our family's difficult times."
— Chantelle Smith (about Craig & Simon)
"My sister was diagnosed with terminal cancer and decided to reach out to Simon and arrange her own funeral. The care given to Vicky was second to none β I honestly feel they treated every member of our family as if they were one of their family. While Thompson Brothers & Sons is a business, we never felt this to be a transactional relationship. You made the final act with Vicky such a special, personal and memorable one."
— Chris Wright (about Craig & Simon)
Craig Thompson
Co-Director / Funeral Director
"Craig guided us through every step of the way, took a lot of the pressure and stress off our shoulders, and made such aβ¦"
Craig Thompson
Funeral Director
"The care, dignity, compassion and support was second to none. Craig guided us through every step of the way during thisβ¦"
Craig Thompson
Co-Director / Funeral Director
Craig Thompson is one of the founding brothers of Thompson Brothers & Sons, bringing nearly 50 years of combined experiβ¦
Craig Thompson
Funeral Director
Craig Thompson is one of the founding directors of Thompson Brothers & Sons, bringing nearly half a century of combinedβ¦
Simon Thompson
Co-Director / Funeral Director
"Simon was amazing β supporting us every step of the way and always making us feel that nothing was too much to ask. Hisβ¦"
Simon Thompson
Funeral Director
Simon Thompson co-leads Thompson Brothers & Sons Family Funeral Directors, working alongside Craig Thompson to provide β¦
Simon Thompson
Co-Director / Funeral Director
"From the very beginning, Simon was amazing β supporting us every step of the way and always making us feel that nothingβ¦"
Simon Thompson
Funeral Director
Simon Thompson co-founded Thompson Brothers & Sons alongside Craig, bringing together close to fifty years of combined β¦
Lynzi Slater
2 months ago
We just want to say a huge thank you to Simon and Craig for the incredible care, compassion, and dignity you showed our mam throughout her final journey. At one of the hardest times in our lives, you made everything so much easier with your kindness, professionalism, and genuine support . You looked after our mam with such respect, and for that we will be forever grateful. Thank you for guiding us through every step and giving our mam the beautiful farewell she truly deserved. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for everything yous have done for us. We will never forget your kindness and support Lynzi & Jeff xxππxx
Chantelle Smith
2 months ago
I first used the funeral services of Craig & Simon around 18 month ago for the passing of my mother and again recently for the passing of my father. I can honestly say they both went above and beyond to ensure my loved ones were cared for with Care, Dignity and Respect, every tiniest detail was fulfilled from bespoke coffins for both my parents to beautiful floral arrangements down to allowing me to walk both parents into the crematorium on their final journey. As a former funeral director myself i was expecting an exceptional service from The Thompson Brothers and they completely excelled on every level from the first call to the chapel visits through to the after care. I highly recommend Craig & Simon to any family who sadly are requiring a funeral director. We will forever be grateful for their time, support and friendship during our familyβs difficult times.
Adele
3 months ago
A heartfelt thank you comes your way, Craig & Simon, on the sudden parting of our dear dad and a loving husband. Through our grief you guided us when we struggled not knowing which way to turn. You held us up and gave us the strength through this so difficult time. Your professionalism combined with genuine empathy, your attention to every detail and respect for our loved one truly was outstanding. The way you handled everything with such dignity is commendable. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being there in every step, ensuring our loved oneβs final journey was most honourable and memorable. We will be forever grateful.
Gaynor Allon
4 months ago
Although I never imagined I would be writing a review like this, I wanted to express a very late but heartfelt thank you to the brothers, especially Simon. From the very beginning, Simon was amazing β supporting us every step of the way and always making us feel that nothing was too much to ask. His professionalism, kindness, and genuine empathy meant so much to our family during the most devastating time of our lives. They handled everything with such care and dignity, making an incredibly difficult time just that little bit easier to bear. We will be forever grateful for the compassion and support we received.
Scott
2 months ago
Simon and Craig have now carried out 2 family funerals for us my Dads and Yesturday my grandads. Both occasions they have been absoutley amazing from the very first phone call to them dropping us off at the wake. Every single detail they have it covered and both are such lovely genuine lads its a privilege to call them a friend. I honestly couldn't recommend them enough to everyone.
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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 β 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 β 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 β a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry β 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 01913854000We'll call you back
Thompson Brothers & Sons Family Funeral Directors will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step β contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Thompson Brothers & Sons Family 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 β 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 β 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 Β£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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