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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Doves Funeral Directors 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
Doves Funeral Directors was founded in 1980.
Our dedicated teams at our Maidstone, Bexley and Tonbridge funeral homes are committed to creating tailored funerals that reflect the unique life of your loved one.
We can be contacted 24 hours a day, by telephone, and are here to discuss your needs. Or if you prefer, we can visit your home to discuss funeral arrangements.
"From initial contact through to the day of the funeral and beyond, everything was simply perfect and surpassed all our expectations. Chris went above and beyond, meeting with us out of hours. We could not have wished for a better service."
— Nathan Martin (about Chris Hatt)
"Chris the funeral director was very respectful and oversaw every detail on the day in a non-intrusive way, right down to wearing a tie in my mother's favourite colour. The personal service from start to finish was outstanding."
— Stephen (about Chris)
"We were especially grateful for Jackie Barlow, who was incredibly supportive and attentive, guiding us through the process with kindness and patience. Thank you for going above and beyond. Your warmth and professionalism made a meaningful difference to our family, and we are truly appreciative."
— Maria Skinner (about Jackie Barlow)
"On the day our funeral director Chris was the perfect lead, making sure we had his full support and taking care of every detail. He did this with warmth and empathy, and nothing he did ever felt intrusive. He wore a green tie and pocket square for mum too. There's no doubt Doves made a very difficult and distressing time much more bearable for our family."
— Jill Hogan (about Chris)
"We made our initial call to Doves Maidstone at 3am. The call was answered on the first ring. From that moment on we were looked after throughout the whole distressing process. Thank you to Debbie and Dave who arrived at 4am and treated my dad with the utmost respect and dignity."
— Shaz Dry (about Debbie, Dave, Kayleigh, Chris)
"Special thanks to Jackie who can only be described as an angel in human form. We felt listened to and safe. Jackie enabled us to arrange a very personalised, real 'celebration of life' that was so fitting to Simon. We have given 5 stars but really Doves Maidstone deserve so much more. My mum and I will forever be grateful for the support and warmth shown to us."
— Sally Mainland (about Jackie)
Cheryl Cox
Funeral Arranger
Cheryl was described by a reviewer as professional, caring and compassionate, explaining everything needed and answerin…
Mark Tassell
2 months ago
Doves in Maidstone couldn't have been more helpful throughout the entire process. From my first meeting with Jackie I knew I was in good hands, we had an unusual situation and her guidance and support ultimately led to a fitting service for our much loved friend.
Sally Mainland
3 months ago
Thank you so much to everyone at Doves Maidstone for the genuine care, compassion and dignity they showed to us following the death of my brother. From the moment the team collected him from home they showed such professionalism and genuine care towards Simon. We felt that the team showed such warmth which in turn made a horrendous situation so much better. Special thanks to Jackie who can only be described as an angel in human form. We felt listened to and safe. Jackie enabled us to arrange a very personalised, real ‘celebration of life’ that was so fitting to Simon. Jackie recommend a celebrant, Faye, who she believed would be gentle and caring. We are so thankful to Faye too for really understanding and capturing who my brother was. We have given 5 stars but really Doves Maidstone deserve so much more. My mum and I will forever be grateful for the support and warmth shown to us and our much loved and missed brother and son, Simon
Ann Gibb
8 months ago
Doves at Maidstone have been so very supportive throughout the funeral organisation, for our Mum, Dorothy Doreen. Mum was our world and Doves made the process so very special. Jackie in the office and Chris, the funeral director guided us through a very emotional time. Mum's funeral was everything we hoped for, to remember and celebrate her life. The consideration and sensitivity shown to us was so professional, but warmth and understanding were in abundance. Thank you Doves. Ann,Jill,Denise,Trevor and Diane
Gina Hopkins
9 months ago
Jackie in the Maidstone branch went above and beyond to accommodate our requests for a truly personalised funeral. From the beginning, Jackie welcomed us with kindness and compassion, explaining and advising on every step of the process so we could organise a memorable day for my Dad. Jackie also matched us with the perfect celebrant who performed the service with such warmth and truly captured the essence of Dad. I would also like to mention the Undertakers who were extremely caring, kind and respectful both when they collected the body and on the day of the funeral. We would thoroughly recommend the Maidstone branch of Doves to anyone
Maria Skinner
9 months ago
During such a difficult time for our family, your team provided not only professional service but also genuine compassion and care. Every detail was handled with sensitivity and respect, which brought us great comfort. We were especially grateful for Jackie Barlow, who was incredibly supportive and attentive, guiding us through the process with kindness and patience. The service was beautifully arranged and honoured Mark in exactly the way we had hoped. Thank you for going above and beyond. Your warmth and professionalism made a meaningful difference to our family, and we are truly appreciative. Many thanks Denise Skinner and family
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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 01622688662We'll call you back
Doves Funeral Directors will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Doves Funeral Directors 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 Maidstone, Kent. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, with independent complaints protection and an average rating of 5.0 out of 5.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Broadstairs, Kent. All members uphold a strict Code of Practice, giving families peace of mind during one of life's most difficult moments.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Chatham, Kent. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family professional, compassionate care when it matters most.
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