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Dean Brothers (Formby) Ltd will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Dean Brothers (Formby) Ltd will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
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
Dean Brothers (Formby) Ltd is an independent, family-run funeral director based in Formby, Merseyside, established in 1827 and now in its seventh generation of family ownership. As the longest-established and only fully purpose-built funeral home in Formby, they have served the communities of Formby, Southport, Crosby, and surrounding areas for nearly 200 years, always remaining under the care of the Dean family. Their premises on Gores Lane have been extended and refurbished multiple times, most recently with a brand new hospital-standard mortuary completed in 2024, ensuring the highest level of care for every family they serve.
Dean Brothers are proud members of both SAIF (Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors) and NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors), with all funeral directors holding formal IFD qualifications. Their modern, air-conditioned facilities include welcoming chapels of rest and a carefully maintained fleet of vehicles. A key commitment of Dean Brothers is that loved ones remain at their Formby premises at all times, offering families complete transparency and peace of mind.
The team is led by Managing Director Iain Dean, alongside siblings Sharon Bradley and Samantha Howard, all of whom have over 30 years of experience in the funeral industry. Dean Brothers are dedicated to providing compassionate, professional, and competitively priced funeral services, with full transparency on pricing as required by the Competition and Markets Authority.
"My Family and I cannot praise highly enough the entire team at Dean Brothers for the funeral arrangements for my Dad."
— Nick Garner
"Nothing was ever too much trouble, and everything on the day ran smoothly. Iain and the team were extremely professional, genuine, and caring."
— Anna Stocks (about Iain)
"On the day of the funeral, from when Kevin rang the door bell and Steve drove the car to the church, we felt cared for."
— Steve Williams (about Kevin)
"From the moment I called and spoke to Iain, he was extremely helpful and communicative. He helped with recommendations for the flowers and orders of service and it really made the whole process a lot easier and less stressful."
— gill gresty (about Iain)
"At times of sorrow a helping hand is always needed but Deans do not provide one but many. A company providing true team work, empathy, sensible help and guidance. I will always be in their debt."
— david bushell
"Everything this was classically understated seamless perfection. I would especially like to personally thank Steve for his care and support in coordinating absolutely everything and in particular for the compassion and sensitivity shown to all the family, in particular my Mum."
— Nick Garner (about Steve)
Graeme Byrne
Formby Funeral Director
Graeme has been with Dean Brothers for over 10 years and was previously a firearms officer with Lancashire Constabulary…
Iain Dean
Managing/Formby Funeral Director
"From the moment I called and spoke to Iain, he was extremely helpful and communicative. He helped with recommendations …"
Kevin Hanrahan
Formby Funeral Director
"On the day of the funeral, from when Kevin rang the door bell and Steve drove the car to the church, we felt cared for."
Samantha Howard (nee Dean)
Company/Funeral Director
Samantha has over 30 years experience in the funeral industry and looks after most memorial works. She has passed SAIF'…
Sharon Bradley (nee Dean)
Company Director/Secretary
Sharon has been with Dean Brothers for 30+ years, handling all accounting administrations and funeral administrations. …
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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 01704872023We'll call you back
Dean Brothers (Formby) Ltd will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Dean Brothers (Formby) 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 Formby, Merseyside. All listed members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection you deserve.
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