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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Fred Stevens Funeral Directors 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
Fred Stevens Funeral Directors, established in the late 1930s, is the oldest surviving family-run funeral business in the Stroud district. Originally founded as a building company in the early 20th century, funerals were initially a small sideline, but by 1986 the company had transitioned to trading solely as funeral directors. The Nailsworth office is located at purpose-built premises on Newmarket Road, offering a comfortable lounge for making funeral arrangements, private Chapels of Rest, a private mortuary, coffin workshop, and on-site garaging for the vehicle fleet, all set in a peaceful location overlooking the picturesque Newmarket valley.
The business is led by James Baker MBIE, Dip. FD, MBIFD, a highly qualified funeral director with experience dating back to 1986. James holds qualifications from the British Institute of Embalmers, the NAFD Diploma in Funeral Directing, and membership of the British Institute of Funeral Directors. Fred Stevens Funeral Directors also operates a branch office in Bussage, near Stroud, ensuring a locally-based service for the wider community.
The team's approach ensures that every funeral is carefully tailored to reflect the individual who has died, whilst also meeting the unique needs of bereaved families. The firm also provides comprehensive guidance on what to do following a bereavement, including advice on Coroner referrals and administrative steps.
"Calm, efficient, friendly and picked up on exactly what needed to be said. A brilliant independent undertakers."
— Jane Workman
"We felt completely supported throughout the entire process. We can't speak highly enough of the service and the care they provided."
— Paul Campbell
"Excellent from the start to the end. Very professional, helpful, understanding, supportive and caring. We would just like to say a big thank you, not just for today either."
— Philip Chandler
"They have been looking after the deceased members of my family for as long as I can remember. Would not consider anyone else."
— Malu Ma
"Can't thank the team at Fred Stevens Funeral Directors enough for their guidance, patience and professionalism throughout what would have otherwise been a very daunting time. Special thanks goes to James for his care and advice."
— sharon westhead (about James)
"He also listened to me when I was just waffling on whilst crying. He took so much of the stress away for me and my mum, and the funeral was flawless. Thank you all, I will NEVER forget what you did for me and my family ♡"
— Anna J (about James)
James Baker
Company Director
"Special thanks goes to James for his care and advice, and for the provision of the lovely Celebrant Karen Imms. We woul…"
James Baker
Company Director
"He also listened to me when I was just waffling on whilst crying. He took so much of the stress away for me and my mum,…"
James Baker
Company Director
"He also listened to me when I was just waffling on whilst crying. He took so much of the stress away for me and my mum,…"
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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 01453832188We'll call you back
Fred Stevens 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 Fred Stevens 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 Stroud, Gloucestershire. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection it deserves.
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.
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