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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Charles Stephens 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
Charles Stephens Funeral Directors is the Wirral's longest established independent funeral directors, with a history dating back to 1896. A fourth-generation family owned business, they are wholly committed to providing the very best funeral care, whether families are looking for a religious or non-religious service, a burial, cremation or green funeral. The Birkenhead branch is located at Clifton House Funeral Home, 215 Bebington Road, serving the local community with the same dedication and professionalism that has defined the company for over 125 years.
Charles Stephens offers an extensive network of branches and Chapels of Rest across the Wirral peninsula, with 24-hour support available seven days a week. Their immaculate fleet of Bentley and Jaguar funeral vehicles, combined with a team of highly qualified and experienced Funeral Directors and Arrangers, ensures the highest quality service. Staff listen carefully to individual needs and create personalised funerals, from arranging special flowers and personalising service sheets to accommodating special requests along the route.
As members of the National Association of Funeral Directors, Charles Stephens adhere to a strict Code of Practice ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct. They also offer prepaid funeral plans through Ecclesiastical Planning Services, and a £100 prompt payment discount for accounts settled three days before the funeral date.
"They provided excellent support at this difficult time just when you need reassurance. Everyone I dealt with managed to keep the balance between friendliness and a high degree of professionalism. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them."
— Jill M (about Richard)
"Richard was always available to help or advise with the arrangements whilst remaining very supportive at this difficult time. All the staff we met were courteous, respectful and polite and gave us a very personal service."
— Jean Rawsthorne (about Richard)
"We put our complete trust in them. They were there at the end of the phone or an email at all times. Richard explained everything, he was there for all our questions and advice needed. They gave us peace of mind at this very sad time, knowing it was all taken care of."
— kimberley nye (about Richard B.)
"Richard was so kind and caring at a really difficult time for our family. The gentle care that was given to my husband was really appreciated. The attention to detail and suggestions put forward to make the service go well, were gratefully received. Thank you for looking after us all, at such a sorrowful time."
— Gill Lightfoot (about Richard)
"Phil Brady is a credit to your company. A gentleman, professional, courteous. Phil and his team were absolutely brilliant at all times. You took great care of our Mum and the family."
— Robert Cotgrave (about Phil Brady)
Diane O'Brien
Funeral Arranger
Diane O'Brien is a caring member of the Charles Stephens team, providing empathetic support to families during difficul…
Diane O'Brien
Gemma Stephens
Director
Gemma is the fourth generation of the Stephens family business.
Gemma Stephens
Director
Gemma is the fourth generation of the Stephens family to lead the business, continuing the family's long tradition of p…
Jeremy Stephens
Director
Jeremy Stephens is a senior member of the Stephens family involved in the leadership and operation of Charles Stephens …
Jeremy Stephens
Joe Garfitt
Joe Garfitt
Funeral Director
Joe Garfitt is an experienced funeral professional at Charles Stephens, committed to providing dignified and respectful…
Kim Leavy
Funeral Arranger
Kim Leavy is a compassionate professional at Charles Stephens, dedicated to helping families through the funeral arrang…
Kim Leavy
Mark Ashton
Funeral Arranger
Mark Ashton is praised for his attention to detail and ability to meet families' requests, ensuring every funeral is ha…
Mark Ashton
Phil Brady
Funeral Director
"Phil Brady is a credit to your company. A gentleman, Professional, courteous. Phil and his team were absolutely brillia…"
Phil Brady
"Phil Brady is a credit to your company. A gentleman, professional, courteous. Phil and his team were absolutely brillia…"
Rachel Williams
Rachel Williams
Funeral Arranger
Rachel Williams is a compassionate member of the Charles Stephens team, helping families arrange personalised and meani…
Richard Brady
"Richard was so kind and caring at a really difficult time for our family. The gentle care that was given to my husband …"
Richard Brady
Funeral Director
"The gentle care that was given to my husband was really appreciated. The attention to detail and suggestions put forwar…"
Richard McDowell
"Richard was so kind and caring at a really difficult time for our family. The gentle care that was given to my husband …"
Richard McDowell
Funeral Director
"The gentle care that was given to my husband was really appreciated. The attention to detail and suggestions put forwar…"
Tom Harrahill
Funeral Director
Tom Harrahill is a dedicated member of the Charles Stephens funeral team, providing support and guidance to bereaved fa…
Tom Harrahill
Tom Stephens-Henderson
Tom Stephens-Henderson
Funeral Director
Tom Stephens-Henderson is a highly regarded member of the Charles Stephens team, praised by families for his kindness a…
Victoria Fletcher
Victoria Fletcher
Funeral Arranger
Victoria Fletcher is a valued member of the Charles Stephens team, supporting families with care and professionalism.
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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 01516454396We'll call you back
Charles Stephens will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Charles Stephens 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 Birkenhead, Merseyside. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection it deserves.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors across Liverpool and Merseyside. Every listed director is independently vetted, follows a strict Code of Practice, and is rated by the families they serve.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Bebington, Merseyside. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection you deserve.
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