Probate

Helping you with probate

Burgess & Harper Funeral Directors is working with the National Bereavement Service (NBS), a not-for-profit organisation, to assist and support customers and their families. NBS provides practical advice post funeral to help when dealing with legal issues, many of which may be unfamiliar.

Probate is a legal term which means the official proving of a will. You ‘apply for probate’ to have the legal right to deal with someone’s land, property, money and possessions, in other words their ‘estate’.

If the person that has passed away has made a will, they will have appointed an Executor, and may have even identified a legal firm to deal with the probate. Fortunately in most cases the process is simple and straightforward. We can help if you need guidance on DIY probate. If there is no will it can be a little more complicated and the will is resolved according to the Rules of Intestacy.

How to apply

To apply for probate you make the application to the Probate Registry and this gives the Executors named in the application the authority to act in the administration of the estate of the deceased. There are a number of stages to go through when dealing with the administration process and it can vary depending on where you are in the UK.

NBS can help guide you through all of this, call them free on 0800 0246 121 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm or visit them at www.theNBS.org where you’ll find more useful information. 

Useful links:

Applying for probate

Intestacy – Who inherits when there is no will?

Dealing the estate of someone who has died

Valuing the estate of someone who has died

Stopping a probate application

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We can assist you in every step of the funeral and cremation arrangements so please ask us about any queries you may have.

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Funeral prices vary depending on the type of ceremony you would like for your loved one. There are many options to choose from to make it unique and special.

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Need advice?

Burgess & Harper Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

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Latest Reviews

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The whole team were exemplary throughout from purchase of a funeral plan to the planning and conduct of my father’s funeral. Pip and Jill were extremely sensitive and caring. A particular mention to our funeral director on the day, Tony Kellar and his team, who…

Roman Dunkley

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Letting a loved one go into that unknown country from which none returns is one of the hardest farewells we’ve faced, especially with this loved person. From the moment I called Burgess and Harper, to say our beloved had passed at home, their compassionate professionality…

Anjel O

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I would 100% recommend your services to anyone needing the personal approach, without the hard sell! Pip and Tony have been incredible. Supporting me through the process and making a really difficult time so much easier. They are a true credit to your organisation and…

Emma Donnelly

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Excellent service burgess and harper handled my husband's funeral 10 yrs ago and recently my mom's 3 weeks ago on both occasions they've been Excellent carring and so professional throughout from first contact to the day of the funeral. I cannot thank them enough for…

Corintina Hughes

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As a family, we sadly needed to use this service quite recently. From start to finish - from the initial consultation to the burial - the caring support, guidance and service was excellent. The team are very sensitive and their approach ensures that you are…

VIVIENNE PALMER

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I would highly recommend Burgess and Harper. From the first phone call, we felt at ease and they helped and guided all through the process. They virtually sorted everything out even, recommended an amazing celebrant, Jane! Everything is handled with sensitivity ,care and respect….. nothing…

Julia/Steve Farnsworth

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My mom chose Burgess and harper sadly we lost my mom 29 4 .22 I delt with Julie all way through Julie helped me get through it all they looked after my mom through out.lovely staff .on the day of my mom's funeral the driver…

Sharon wright

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What an amazing an professional service we were provided with, to see off our loved one. Vicky supported us all the way. She was so kind always checking in on us. The care that was given to our loved whilst he was with them was…

Elaine Campbell

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Very professional and understanding. Team are very approachable and will endeavour to meet your requirements.

Mandy foster.

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Excellent and supportive service from initial contact right through until after the funeral service had concluded. The team kept up well informed about what needed to be done and responded quickly to any questions we raised. The organisation of the order of service for the…

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