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See the full checklistLeave your number and Victoria House Funeral Service 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
Victoria House Funeral Service is an independent funeral home based in Hartlepool, founded in 2013 and serving the local community and surrounding areas including Blackhall, Peterlee, and Billingham. The business was established on the principles of delivering the highest standards of service while maintaining the care and compassion that an independent funeral service can offer. The team's senior directors, Carl, Apolena, and Andrew, have served the local community as funeral directors and embalmers since the early 1990s, bringing decades of experience and dedication to every family they assist.
The modern funeral home at 26 Victoria Road features an inviting reception area, private arrangement offices, and a pristine chapel of rest, all accessible by appointment day and night. On-site parking is available, and a member of the team is on hand to speak with families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Every space has been thoughtfully designed with comfort and privacy in mind.
Victoria House Funeral Service offers a comprehensive range of services including traditional burial and cremation, direct cremation, and pre-paid funeral plans in partnership with Golden Charter. Their fully qualified funeral directors are available to guide families through every step of the process, whether arranging an immediate funeral or pre-planning for the future.
"My sisters and I found their suggestions and knowledge made the whole process, not easier, but a lot more simple. The dress and bearing of the staff added to the atmosphere of respect shown to my mother."
— PAUL FLOUNDERS (about Andrew Gardner)
"Nothing was a problem for him — with numerous telephone conversations and emails he was always on hand to assist. Victoria House took care of my dad Barney in the chapel of rest; I was told he looked very dapper in his suit and at rest."
— Denise Woods (about Ryan)
"Every time Andrew and the team spoke regarding Mum, they always used her first name and always talked about taking Mum 'into their care', which was exactly how we felt — that they were indeed taking care of Mum."
— Tiggy Tinks (about Andrew Gardner)
"Absolute brilliant and treat us all with 10/10 professionalism but at the same time down to earth, helped us to feel comfortable when it was hard. You helped us all give my mam the send off she deserved despite the terrible and heartbreaking situation."
— Michael Dignen (about Ryan)
"The care, professionalism and genuine empathy shown by Apolena and all of her colleagues during what was a very emotional difficult time for us all was truly exceptional. To say that she went above and beyond was an understatement."
— LGL CCC (about Apolena)
"Andrew called me to ask if we would like the towels and throws returned, Mum had also been wearing some earrings when she collapsed at home, none of us were even aware, Andrew asked if we would like the earrings returned as well. It was so thoughtful to be asked, rather than assumptions being made as to what we may or may not want."
— Tiggy Tinks (about Andrew Gardner)
Andrew Evans
Company Director & Qualified Embalmer
Andrew is a company director and qualified embalmer who has served the local community since the early 1990s.
Andrew Evans
Company Director & Qualified Embalmer
Andrew is a company director & qualified embalmer. He has served the local community as an embalmer since the early 199…
Andrew Gardner
Funeral Director
"Andrew called me to ask if we would like the towels and throws returned, Mum had also been wearing some earrings when s…"
Andrew Gardner
Funeral Director
"Every time Andrew and the team spoke regarding Mum, they always used her first name and always talked about taking Mum …"
Apolena Wilson
Company Director & Qualified Funeral Director
"The care, professionalism and genuine empathy shown by Apolena and all of her colleagues during what was a very emotion…"
Apolena Wilson
Company Director & Qualified Funeral Director
"The care, professionalism and genuine empathy shown by Apolena and all of her colleagues during what was a very emotion…"
Carl Mean
Company Director, Qualified Funeral Director & Embalmer
"Our mum could not have had a better or more fitting send off and a lot of that credit must go to Carl and the team. Not…"
Carl Mean
Company Director, Qualified Funeral Director & Embalmer
Carl is a company director, qualified funeral director & embalmer. He has served the local community as a funeral direc…
Daniel Laughton
Funeral Director
Daniel joined the business in 2023, employed as a funeral director.
Daniel Laughton
Funeral Director
Daniel joined the business in 2023, employed as a funeral director.
Leanne Evans
Embalmer
Leanne joined the business in 2018, employed as an embalmer.
Leanne Evans
Embalmer
Leanne joined the business in 2018, employed as an embalmer.
Ryan Evans
Funeral Director
"Ryan and the whole team at Victoria House were absolute brilliant and treated us all with 10/10 professionalism but at …"
Ryan Evans
Funeral Director
"Absolute brilliant and treat us all with 10/10 professionalism but at the same time down to earth, helped us to feel co…"
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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 01429234777We'll call you back
Victoria House Funeral Service will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Victoria House Funeral Service 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
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Hartlepool, County Durham. All listed members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection it deserves.
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.
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