We'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.
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.
"Nothing was ever too much trouble, and everything on the day ran smoothly. Iain and the team were extremely professional, genuine, and caring."
— Harrington Stocks (about Iain)
"They handled my Dad's funeral with kindness, professionalism, dignity and respect. We are very grateful to them."
— J G
"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)
"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 and appreciate all they did to calmly undertake my 101 year old Dad's funeral."
— david bushell
"We cannot thank Iain and the team enough for their support. Communication was excellent throughout, and they showed such compassion when we visited. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and everything on the day ran smoothly. We had a wonderful service for my lovely late grandma, and Iain and the team were extremely professional, genuine, and caring."
— Anna Stocks (about Iain)
"My Family and I cannot praise highly enough the entire team at Dean Brothers for the funeral arrangements for my Dad. 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. Everything this was classically understated seamless perfection."
— 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…
Graeme Byrne
Formby Funeral Director
Graeme has been with Dean Brothers for over 10 years and is well versed in all manner of funeral directing. Graeme was …
Iain Dean
Managing/Formby Funeral Director
"We cannot thank Iain and the team enough for their support. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and they showed such com…"
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 …"
Iain Dean
Managing Director
"We cannot thank Iain and the team enough for their support. Communication was excellent throughout, and they showed suc…"
Joyce Dean
Director
Joyce served the community alongside her husband Peter for many years at the Formby funeral home.
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."
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."
Peter Dean
Chairman
Peter, along with his wife Joyce, served the community for many years and oversaw significant expansions and improvemen…
Samantha Dean
Director
Samantha is a daughter of Peter and Joyce Dean and plays a vital role in maintaining Dean Brothers' professionalism.
Samantha Howard (nee Dean)
Company/Funeral Director
Samantha has over 30 years experience in the funeral industry, experienced in running several high profile funerals. Sa…
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 and handles all accounting administrations and is part of the team wit…
Sharon Bradley (nee Dean)
Company Director/Secretary
Sharon has been with Dean Brothers for 30+ years, handling all accounting administrations and funeral administrations. …
Sharon Dean
Director
Sharon is a daughter of Peter and Joyce Dean and plays a vital role in maintaining Dean Brothers' professionalism.
Take a moment to reflect on the care you received
Not displayed publicly — used for verification only
This helps other families understand your experience
Share what your experience was like — other families will read this when choosing a funeral director
characters — please write a little more
Your review will appear on this page once verified. This usually takes 1–2 days.
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.
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.
Serving families in FORMBY and the surrounding area
So we can help families like yours better.
Tick all that apply.
Understanding your experience helps us help families like yours.
Your answers help us support families going through this.
You might find our step-by-step guide helpful →
