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Francis Chappell 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 Francis Chappell and Sons 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
Francis Chappell and Sons is a respected funeral director located at 196-200 Verdant Lane, Catford, London, operating as part of the Dignity Funerals family — one of the UK's most trusted providers of funeral services and prepaid funeral plans. With a commitment to serving the local community with expertise and uncompromising compassion, the branch provides a caring 24-hour service, 365 days a year, ensuring families have support whenever they need it most.
As part of the Dignity network, Francis Chappell and Sons upholds the highest standards of care, with continual investment in staff, premises, and vehicles. Families can expect respectful, professional guidance through every step of the funeral arrangement process, from bringing a loved one into care to planning a personalised service that reflects the individual's life and personality.
The branch offers a wide range of funeral services, including assistance with hearses and funeral cars, coffins and caskets, funeral flowers, music, and order of service. Prepaid funeral plans are also available, allowing individuals to plan ahead and ensure their final wishes are met with dignity and care.
"Everything ran smoothly on the day and we were able to give Mum a dignified goodbye. Many thanks to Annette and her staff at the Welling office."
— John Pitchers (about Annette)
"Every person we came into contact with treated us with the utmost dignity and respect and the service we received was both highly efficient and of the best quality. The attention to detail was first class. They made a difficult time all the more bearable."
— Paul McGann
"I had no hesitation in selecting them as they are professional, understanding and compassionate. All needs exceeded expectations especially when dealing with matters at such an upsetting time. I honestly cannot fault their integrity and understanding — especially Caroline and Nigel, who went above and beyond in making the arrangements on my behalf. I can whole-heartedly recommend them especially when you are at your lowest and need guidance and support."
— Celine Roscoe (about Caroline, Nigel)
"Even at the last minute when we said it would be nice if everyone could wear scarlet coloured ties (our mum was called Scarlett) they made sure the ties were that shade of red. Francis Chappell were head and shoulders above anybody else. They were kind, compassionate and did everything they could to make sure we had the funeral our mum would have been proud of."
— Lucy R
"From the very first phone call with Caroline, through to the care and compassion she showed when supporting my family, they have been incredible. The way Caroline helped us to make the right choices for mum was amazing. She comforted us and guided us wonderfully. My family are forever grateful for what they have done for us."
— Phillip Thompson (about Caroline)
"I found losing my Mum obviously one of the hardest periods of my life and the thought of dealing with my first funeral just made that even scarier. Caroline is without a doubt, one of nicest, most caring and helpful people I've ever met in my life. I felt like I had someone to support me, answer my questions and give me honest advice. The empathy was truly touching and I felt lighter after any conversation. I never felt like a 'customer' but someone being cared for and aided in making difficult arrangements while still mourning."
— Joshua Gold (about Caroline)
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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 02086988929We'll call you back
Francis Chappell 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 Francis Chappell 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
What to wear to a funeral in the UK: traditional expectations, modern dress codes, religious variations, what not to wear, and guidance for children.
The average cost of a funeral in the UK is £4,141. This guide breaks down every fee, explains regional differences, and shows you how to manage costs without compromising dignity.
Direct cremation is the UK's fastest-growing funeral option, typically costing £895–£1,500. This guide explains what it involves, how to arrange one, and who it suits best.
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