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See the full checklistLeave your number and Ernest Heal and Sons will call you back.
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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
Ernest Heal and Sons Funeral Directors is a family-run business that has been serving the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas since 1929, operating from their premises at 5 South Road, Broadwell, Coleford, Gloucestershire. Founded by Ernest Heal, who began the business from his home in Broadwell, the company has grown through three generations of family involvement, maintaining its founding commitment to dignity, professionalism, and excellence in care.
The business is currently led by third-generation family members Paul Heal and Neil Williams, who joined in 1998 and continue to uphold the high standards established by the founder. The team are vocationally qualified, holding the Diploma in Funeral Directing or Diploma in Funeral Administration, and are committed to ongoing professional development.
Ernest Heal and Sons is a member of both the National Association of Funeral Directors and the Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors, adhering to a strict Code of Practice. Their services include a well-appointed funeral home with a private arrangement room, chapel of rest, and a fleet of immaculately presented Jaguar hearses and limousines. They also offer funeral plans, floral tributes, memorial options, and online tribute pages for families to share memories and collect donations.
"My dad passed away very suddenly. Nothing was too much trouble and they were very quick at replying to emails. A huge thank you to Luke who is the best and helped us through everything."
— Adrian Worthington (about Luke)
"It was during the middle of lockdown and I'd been living abroad so it was an extra stressful time. Andrew and everyone I dealt with was kind, compassionate and made a very hard time a little easier. They were wonderful."
— Harriet Riley (about Andrew)
"I was overwhelmed by the service received by Luke in the planning stages and the empathy shown by this firm. On the day nothing was too much trouble, Luke had everything organised to clockwork."
— sam watkins (about Luke)
"I also decided to be a pallbearer; Luke and his team talked me through the process and made the experience beautiful rather than uncomfortable. I cannot recommend this team of kind and expert professionals highly enough."
— Dean Turner (about Luke)
"Losing our brother has been devastating, but from the very first moment we reached out, they treated us with such kindness and understanding that it brought us a great deal of comfort. It never felt like just a service, but rather a team of people who truly cared."
— kathy Davies
"Losing my dad so suddenly was devastating, but Luke made a very painful situation just that little bit easier to navigate. His warmth and empathy never went unnoticed, and it felt like he genuinely cared about getting everything just right for us."
— Emily Jackson (about Luke)
David Heal
Director
During the 1970s the goodwill of the business continued through the management of Ernest's sons, John and David. With t…
David Heal
Director (2nd Generation)
David managed the business alongside his brother John from the 1970s, with the assistance of other family members, help…
David Heal
Director
During the 1970s, David helped continue the goodwill of the business through management of Ernest's sons. With the assi…
David Heal
Director
During the 1970s, David helped continue the goodwill of the business through its second generation of management, helpi…
Ernest Heal
Founder
In 1929, Ernest Heal founded the family business, operating from his home in Broadwell, Coleford. He provided a very di…
Ernest Heal
Founder
In 1929, Ernest Heal founded the family business, operating from his home in Broadwell, Coleford. He provided a very di…
Ernest Heal
Founder
In 1929, Ernest Heal founded the family business, operating from his home in Broadwell, Coleford. He provided a very di…
Ernest Heal
Founder
Ernest Heal founded the family business in 1929, operating from his home in Broadwell, Coleford. He provided a dignifie…
John Heal
Director
During the 1970s the goodwill of the business continued through the management of Ernest's sons, John and David. With t…
John Heal
Director (2nd Generation)
During the 1970s, John helped manage the business alongside his brother David, growing the company into an established …
John Heal
Director
During the 1970s, John helped continue the goodwill of the business through its second generation of management, helpin…
John Heal
Director
During the 1970s, John helped continue the goodwill of the business through management of Ernest's sons. With the assis…
Neil Williams
Director
In 1998, a third generation joined the company. Neil Williams (who is married to the founder's granddaughter) continues…
Neil Williams
Director
Neil Williams, who is married to the founder's granddaughter, joined the company in 1998 as a third generation family m…
Neil Williams
Director (3rd Generation)
Neil Williams, who is married to the founder's granddaughter, joined the company in 1998 and continues the family tradi…
Neil Williams
Director
Married to the founder's granddaughter, Neil joined the company in 1998 as part of the third generation, continuing the…
Paul Heal
Director (3rd Generation)
Paul Heal, the founder's grandson, joined the company in 1998 and continues the family tradition of upholding the highe…
Paul Heal
Director
The founder's grandson, Paul joined the company in 1998 as part of the third generation, continuing the family traditio…
Paul Heal
Director
In 1998, a third generation joined the company. Paul Heal (the founder's grandson) continues the family tradition of up…
Paul Heal
Director
Paul Heal, the founder's grandson, joined the company in 1998 as a third generation family member, continuing the famil…
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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 01594832159We'll call you back
Ernest Heal and Sons will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Ernest Heal and Sons 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 Coleford, Gloucestershire. All listed members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family complete peace of mind.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. All members uphold a strict Code of Practice, giving your family genuine peace of mind at the hardest of times.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Gloucester, Gloucestershire. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection you deserve.
Serving families in COLEFORD and the surrounding area
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