Advice & Support

All funerals are different and can involve a service in a church, a cremation or a burial. A funeral gives everyone the opportunity to say goodbye to a loved one or close friend.

What do I do first?

We remain completely at your disposal from the moment you contact us.

We will need to ask you for some preliminary details concerning your loss, that is to say the name of your loved one and their location. With your agreement we will advise the conveyance of the deceased to our Chapel of Rest.

At a time convenient to you and your family our Funeral Director will arrange to meet you either in your own home or in one of our offices, to discuss with you your needs and requirements concerning the service for your loved one.

It is advisable to check through personal papers and with Solicitors in case a Pre Paid Funeral Policy has been purchased. It is also import to ascertain the contents of any Will as it may contain instructions regarding the funeral arrangements.

In the absence of any particular instructions we can guide you through the type of service you wish to choose. We will discuss every aspect with you and at such time the Funeral Director is obliged to verbally inform you of all related costs and these together with a written confirmation of arrangements will be sent by post to you for your approval.

If you are eligible for assistance from the Department of Work & Pensions through the Social Fund for Funeral Payments we would ask that you inform your Funeral Director at this point. He will be able to provide you with the necessary form SF200, and can also offer guidance and assistance regarding its completion. All claims for assistance from the Social Fund must be submitted within 3 months of the date of the funeral.

Checklist of things to do upon death (the following is a guide only and is not exhaustive)

• Car Insurance - You are not legally insured to drive if the Policy is in the deceased's name
• Social Services - Return all equipment, and cancel any Hospital and /or family Doctor appointments
• Contact the deceased's Employer or Professional Association together with the Inland Revenue
• Social Security - Cancel any direct payments into Bank accounts etc
• Local Government - Cancel all benefits such as Housing Benefit etc
• Notify the Gas and Electricity Boards together with the Telephone Company
• Contact the Post Office to redirect mail (a small charge is made for this service)
• Contact Credit Card Companies - Also any Banks and Building Societies, even is they are held in joint accounts, for change of name
• Investments and Insurance Policies - Premium Bonds are not transferable, the Post Office will provide you with a form for completion

Items To Be Returned:

• Passport
• Driving Licence
• Vehicle Registration documents
• Car Insurance Policies
• TV Licence
• Season Tickets
• Club Membership cards
• Any National Insurance papers

If Property Is Unoccupied:
If the property is unoccupied then check that windows are locked, and if applicable the cat flap is secured. If it is winter time, then ensure that some form of heating is left on. It might also be advisable to let a neighbour have a key to remove any build up of unwanted post.

Further Help:
In certain circumstances the next of kin can receive help with the cost of the funeral, and in this connection please ask your Funeral Director for further advice.

As your financial circumstances may now have changed, various State Grants might be available to you.
Links to websites that might provide you with further information can be found further on in our website.