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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Arthur Bell Ltd 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
Arthur Bell Funeral Directors has been serving the Wakefield area since the beginning of the 20th century, with a rich family history spanning over 100 years. Founded by the Bell family, the business has deep roots in the Stanley and Thornes communities of Wakefield. Harry Vincent Bell, brother to Arthur Bell, opened the original funeral business on Lake Lock Road in Stanley prior to 1920, and the family has operated from this location ever since, with the current Chapel of Rest completed in 1969.
Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the business is currently run by John Bell, with his sons Richard and Michael also working in the company. Arthur Bell Funeral Directors is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalised care to families during their most difficult times, combining traditional values with a modern approach. The team handles all aspects of funeral arrangements, including liaising with doctors, clergy, and local council bereavement services.
The Private Chapel of Rest is open seven days a week by appointment, and the team offers a full range of services including direct cremations, pre-paid funeral plans, and a selection of funeral vehicles. Families throughout Wakefield and the surrounding areas can rely on Arthur Bell Funeral Directors for dignified, professional, and supportive guidance through every step of the funeral planning process.
"Your professionalism provided great comfort during this difficult time, and your guidance was invaluable. To arrange the internment of the ashes where they both lay together gave us peace of mind knowing they were in such caring hands."
— Karen Roberts (about John & Richard)
"They were very professional as they usually are. They made the whole process as easy as it could be under the circumstances. I would like to thank them for their support and guidance through a difficult time for us."
— Tony Forrester (about John & Richard)
"Nothing was too much trouble and they were always available for advice about the processes. At such a sad time for us we received a sympathetic professional service."
— Jonathan Durham (about John)
"Heartfelt thanks to Richard and the Team for taking such great care of my late brother Ian Brook, and for making the day so special with a last drive past Wakefield Trinity Ground, my Brother's second home."
— Barbara Milner (about Richard)
"A special thanks to Richard for all his kind words and effort during this difficult time. After previously using another company in the past this company is of a higher class service."
— Tracey Howson (about Richard)
"You took a huge burden off our shoulders and made a challenging process feel effortless from the beginning, at the Chapel of rest, where everything was handled with compassion, sympathy, and with such dignity... It gave us peace of mind knowing they were in such caring hands."
— Karen Roberts (about John & Richard)
John Bell
Owner/Funeral Director
"Nothing was too much trouble and was always available for advice about the processes. At such a sad time for us we rece…"
John Bell
Owner / Funeral Director
"Nothing was too much trouble and they were always available for advice about the processes. At such a sad time for us w…"
Michael Bell
Funeral Director
Son of John Bell, Michael works in the business helping to carry it into its 4th generation in the same family.
Michael Bell
Funeral Director
Michael is one of John's sons and works alongside his brother Richard in the family business, continuing the Bell famil…
Richard Bell
Funeral Director
"Grateful thanks to Richard and the Team, for taking such great care of my late brother Ian Brook. Also for making the d…"
Richard Bell
Funeral Director
"Grateful thanks to Richard and the Team, for taking such great care of my late brother Ian Brook. Also for making the d…"
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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 01924822281We'll call you back
Arthur Bell Ltd will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Arthur Bell Ltd 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 Wakefield, West Yorkshire. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family care, dignity, and peace of mind.
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Serving families in WAKEFIELD and the surrounding area
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