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See the full checklistLeave your number and David Knowles Funeral Service 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
With over 25 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we provide a range of Funeral options to honour your loved one with Dignity and Kindness.
We are based at Mandale Park which is off Urlay Nook Road, Eaglescliffe, just near the Great North Air Ambulance Headquarters. Although we are based in Eaglescliffe, we will care for the Funeral of your loved one no matter where you live.
"He was so patient, kind and understanding with my elderly and very deaf mum. My Dad was treated with absolute dignity throughout and David helped us ensure he got the send off that the family wanted and that he deserved."
— Trevor Pendry (about David)
"He went above and beyond to ensure my wife's final journey was dignified. I am profoundly grateful for David's support to my family."
— fholmes99 (about David)
"David treats those in his care as if they were his own family. We are so grateful to him for providing the exact service we wanted for our Dad, even on our very tight budget."
— tasha clarke (about David)
"If there was a rock star of funeral directors then David is the man. He cared for dad but then he cared for us all throughout the entire process. You have made the most difficult time not only bearable but have facilitated to the point where we have all been able to be at peace."
— Sarah Ansell (about David)
"David even made a detour to walk in front of the hearse past the house we grew up in which was a lovely touch. We will forever be grateful for his support."
— Rachel Brazier (about David)
"He has the ability to make you feel that you are the only people receiving a service from him and his team, though the reality is he is extremely busy dealing with many families. This is a special quality and sets him apart."
— Eric Robinson (about David)
David Knowles
Funeral Director
"He has the ability to make you feel that you are the only people receiving a service from him and his team, though the …"
Debs Cousin-Dawson
2 months ago
From my first conversation with David , the care , support , guidance and service have been nothing but outstanding . David Knowles is professional ,efficient, approachable , helpful, kind , sensitive , available whenever you need him and goes above and beyond in every way . He was helpful with every aspect of organising my husband’s funeral , from making decisions to the finer details, he took care of everything , especially when I found things upsetting . He put together the most beautiful Order of Service and the aftercare has been so comforting. David provides an excellent service but is also just a very lovely and genuine man. Thank you so much for helping us create such a beautiful celebration of life , it helped us so much during a very sad and emotional time.
Eric Robinson
3 months ago
From my first call to David to my last dealings with him following the passing of my brother, David has provided a service that is literally second to none. David’s manner is respectful, empathetic, professional and nothing is too much trouble. He listens and understands and works with you in such a caring and respectful manner to ensure all of your needs are met and indeed exceeded. He has the ability to make you feel that you are the only people receiving a service from him and his team, though the reality is he is extremely busy dealing with many families. This is a special quality and sets him apart. I would have no hesitation in recommending David Knowles Funeral Service to anyone as he provides an exceptional service from start to finish. Thank you.
tasha clarke
4 months ago
David is a truly caring and compassionate professional who treats those in his care as if they were his own family. He is much more than just a business owner; he is a person who genuinely tailors every detail around the specific needs and wishes of the family. David went above and beyond to support us during such a difficult time. We are so grateful to him for providing the exact service we wanted for our Dad, even on our very tight budget. Thank you, David, for everything." — Tasha, Luke, and family.
Sarah Ansell
4 months ago
If there was a rock star of funeral directors then David is the man. Personalised, professional, caring, respectful. We’re a simple family but we had very specific needs and he made everything happen PERFECTLY! . He cared for dad but then he cared for us all throughout the entire process. Thank you. You have made the most difficult time not only bearable but have facilitated to the point where we have all been able to be at peace. No matter the request he respected and made it happen. We can now go to the next chapter knowing that we did it how dad wanted . Thank you from our entire family
Kevin Smith
5 months ago
A superb service during a difficult time. David was fantastic from start to finish. Very professional and considerate to all of our needs. David contacted us and kept us informed at every stage. I would highly recommend David to all my friends and family. He will deal with all your needs with dignity and look after your loved one with the care and compassion they deserve. Thank you.
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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 01642929090We'll call you back
David Knowles Funeral Service will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and David Knowles Funeral Service 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
What to wear to a funeral in the UK: traditional expectations, modern dress codes, religious variations, what not to wear, and guidance for children.
The average cost of a funeral in the UK is £4,141. This guide breaks down every fee, explains regional differences, and shows you how to manage costs without compromising dignity.
Direct cremation is the UK's fastest-growing funeral option, typically costing £895–£1,500. This guide explains what it involves, how to arrange one, and who it suits best.
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