Probate

Helping you with probate

Alfred Smith 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

Cremations

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

Cremations

Our pricing

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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It is now really easy to plan ahead, making a huge difference by easing the burden on your family when the time comes, so they can focus on the arrangements.

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Need advice?

Alfred Smith 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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Wonderful experience from start to finish. You feel as if you are talking to life long friends. Incredibly understanding and kind. Would recommend them to anyone needing their services. Jackie and Gill in southwark were both fantastic can’t fault either of these ladies. Thanking for…

Lisa Frampton

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Gill & Katie were stars, they were a great help from start to finish. I would happily recommend Alfred Smith to family & friends.

Beardy McMetalFace

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I and my partner recently arranged my mother's funeral with Alfred Smith Funeral Directors and really could not be more pleased and grateful for the service I received. Gill was so lovely and kind and explained everything clearly to us and didn't pressure us into…

Rebecca Finch

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All I can say is a Great Big thank you to Jackie Bobby and the team. Jackie was fantastic she did everything for me made it really easy as I had never done anything like this Before but she was really great, I would tell…

Danny Daniels

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I recently had a funeral with Smiths for my brother Ron and the service I received was fantastic. Jackie in particular I can't thank enough. She was extremely helpful, every question I asked she was able to answer. On the day of the funeral Bobby…

Danny Daniels

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Jackie, the lady we dealt with at the Great Suffolk Street branch explained everything to us at the start. She could answer all our questions and was so natural she made us feel very much at ease under the circumstances. On the day of the…

Daniel Hewetson

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When I entered Alfred Smith funeral director, after the untimely death of my son, I felt a little rushed. I think there was a need by the person to be at another branch. However, apart from this, the service was exemplary. Courteous, kind and respectful…

Diane White

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Very kind, understanding and attentive throughout. They made a difficult occasion easier to bear. The whole team from Jackie in the office to hearse and following car drivers were sensitive and professional. Steve, the humanist celebrant, did an excellent job at leading the service.…

Helen Green

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Alfred Smith were given to us by our loved one who had organised a funeral plan during his life. We didn't know them previously but must say that we are very happy with the service we received. Their approach was very human and down to…

Lisa Willoughby

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We would like to thank Smiths and in particular "Jackie" for her kindness and help with the organising of the funeral for our dear friend (father, brother & cousin). Her friendly approach made this difficult time that bit easier. Smiths have dealt with the family…

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