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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 Bexley and Maidstone 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.
"Hayley is so lovely, patient and kind and will always go that extra mile to make things as stress free as she can, taking over all our negotiations and managing our contracts with external companies. They make everything happen as seamlessly as possible fulfilling your requests."
— Carleen Bennett (about Hayley)
"Nothing was too much trouble, she was always at the end of the phone if ever i needed something or even if it was for a chat. Which i thought was a nice thing to do."
— Bboy breaks (about Hayley)
"Haley is the most kindest, thoughtful and patient lady — she knew instantly what our Mum would have wanted, it's like she knew her. The love and care she gives to your loved ones and to families makes the passing of a loved one a little bit more bearable."
— Emma Jane Bowden (about Hayley)
"You guided me through the process with such care and empathy, you made the most horrific time bearable. You listened. My dad was well looked after in your care and we really appreciate all you did to make this a special celebration of his life."
— josh crane (about Hayley)
"Hayley has been amazing from start to finish. Nothing is too much trouble and her kind and caring manner along with her very calming and soothing voice makes you feel that you are never bothering her and that she is looking after a member of her own family."
— terry martin (about Hayley)
"I recently lost my teenage son and had no idea about funeral planning. stepping into doves funeral directors i was greeted warmly by Hayley Boyle, everything was explained fully, i never felt alone. I have given 5 stars but in truth there aren't enough stars in the sky to give Doves. Thank you so much especially to Hayley Boyle — from helping through the planning, to handing me tissues and listening to me, even personalizing the order of service booklets with my sons artwork. You've been a godsend, i couldn't have got through this without your help."
— Aisha-Marie Stoica (about Hayley Boyle)
Aisha-Marie Stoica
2 months ago
I can't recommend doves enough thank you to the Ashford team for everything from planning to funeral. I recently lost my teenage son and had no idea about funeral planning or what to do next. And never organised a funeral before. stepping into doves funeral directors i was greeted warmly by Hayley Boyle everything was explained fully i never felt alone and had help every step of the way. The team treated my son with a high level of dignity, care and respect. I will be forever grateful to them for making for making a catastrophic and terrible time easier to manage and for helping me to pull my way through. I would like to say thank you so much especially to Hayley Boyle as she has been incredible throughout the whole process. From helping through the planning, to handing me tissues and listening to me, even personalizing the order of service booklets with my sons artwork, thank you so much you've been a godsend i couldn't have got through this without your help. I have given 5 stars in truth there aren't enough starts in the sky to give Doves to show the immense appreciation and gratitude i feel. I will continue to recommend Doves to everyone. I couldn't have asked for a better funeral directors. Thank you so much.
Paul Martin
3 months ago
It was the second time we have used Doves Maidstone and again they were fantastic. From the first contact in the middle of the night informing them of my mums passing, Chris the Funeral Director making sure the day went smoothly and Jackie coordinating everything in the office the service we received was first class. Jackie was great at getting the additional request we had arranged and really took care of us.
Emma Jane Bowden
2 years ago
This our first time in using Doves services for our loved one and I have to say I will no longer go anywhere else if we sadly have to use them again!! Haley is the most kindest, thoughtful and patient lady she knew instantly what our Mum would have wanted it’s like she knew her!! The love and care she gives to your loved ones and to families makes the passing of a loved one a little bit more bearable. We will be using their services again to arrange our Mum’s memorial at a later date we wouldn’t go anywhere else for this. Thank you again for going above and beyond Haley you are an asset to the company!!
Carleen Bennett
2 years ago
This is the second time we have used Doves to bury a loved one and we will always use them. Hayley is so lovely and patient and kind and will always go that extra mile to make things as stress free as she can, taking over all our negotiations and managing our contracts with external companies. This Funeral Directors are just the most amazing team of people to work with, in the event of the passing of a loved one. They make everything happen as seamlessly as possible fulfilling your requests.
Bboy breaks
3 years ago
This was my first time dealing with a funeral and it was very stressful. Hayley is a lovely, kind lady and Very professional. Hayley visited my home and explained everything clearly and made me feel very at ease. Nothing was too much trouble, was always at the end of the phone if ever i needed something or even if it was for a chat. Which i thought was a nice thing to do. The funeral went as planned and i would highly recommend Doves. Thank you for everything.
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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 01233643000We'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 Ashford, Surrey. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection it deserves.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Ashford, Kent. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection it deserves.
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.
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