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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, Tonbridge, Ashford and Bexley 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’
"At a very sad and traumatic time they were on call, nothing too much trouble — thank you so much for a wonderful service and funeral, helping to make Sylvia's funeral all that she wanted herself."
— Dorothy McCarthy (about Alice)
"Amanda was so kind and compassionate, kept me informed at every stage of the arrangements, she provided much needed support at a very difficult time."
— Maureen Bacon (about Amanda)
"I would like to pay tribute to the staff who, despite being in the middle of storm Eunice, made the funeral happen. Diane was kind and caring at a time when we needed support the most, helping us through the process in a compassionate and professional way."
— Neil Peachey (about Diane)
"The help and support of the team at Doves left me in no doubt that my Dad would be well looked after and that every effort would be made to give him the funeral he deserved."
— Ian Peachey (about Diane)
"She has been so kind and helpful, and has been with us every step of the way along what could have been an incredibly traumatic journey, smoothing the path for us at every stage... going above and beyond what we're sure would have been expected of her. She has become a friend along the way and we will be forever grateful to her."
— D B (about Diane)
"Anisa and Ted were a rock for us during a difficult time and words cannot do our gratitude justice to them. They helped us to provide a very personal send off for our brother that most of the attendees said was a beautiful celebration of our brothers' life, a day that would not have been possible without the professionalism, dedication and loving care provided by Anisa, Ted and all staff from Doves."
— Mike Tobin (about Anisa)
Laura Wade
2 months ago
Amanda at Doves in Staplehurst was so kind, supportive and helpful to us. She explained everything very clearly and answered all of our questions. She was available to us, despite it being over the Christmas and New Year period, at any time when we needed to speak to her. Also I want to thank Chris, the Funeral Director, who was also extremely helpful in explaining what would happen on the day and answered all our questions beforehand. I would not hesitate to recommend Doves and the Staplehurst branch in particular.
Maureen Bacon
a year ago
I would highly recommend Doves Funeral Directors (Staplehurst) Amanda was so kind and compassionate, kept me informed at every stage of the arrangements, she provided much needed support at a very difficult time. Alice who sorted out all our technology problems with videos and live streaming to Australia. Finally Chris and his team on the day of the funeral, Thank you I have nothing but praise for you all
Maria Brett
a year ago
A seamless service from Doves. Amanda at the Staplehurst office couldn't have been more helpful in the planning Ryan who directed the funeral on the day and the other staff members helped enormously to ensure the plans ran smoothly and the family were treated with the utmost courtesy and respect at a difficult time. Excellent service.
Dorothy McCarthy
4 months ago
How kind and caring Alice and the team were at Doves in Staplehurst . At a very sad and traumatic time they were on call ,nothing too much trouble thank you so much for a wonderful service and funeral , my brother and myself appreciate all your help to make Sylvia’s funeral all that she wanted herself .
Robert Kenworthy
11 months ago
From the moment I called Doves Staplehurst the team were incredibly helpful in a very sad situation. They communicated well throughout, gave great advice, were gracious and considerate and helped coordinate a seamless funeral service. Thank you Kayleigh, Diane and the team, we appreciated your support.
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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 01580892125We'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 Tonbridge, Kent. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection you deserve at a difficult time.
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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