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See the full checklistLeave your number and James and Thomas 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
James and Thomas Funeral Directors was founded in 1892.
Our dedicated teams at our Woking 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’
"It was so difficult losing my Mum just before Christmas but Julie and the team were so lovely. There was so much warmth and empathy. We were in such good hands. You made a difficult time much easier to cope with."
— Sarah Gorrell (about Julie Brown)
"She displayed a perfect balance of sensitivity and firmness to keep everything running smoothly. We were very grateful to have her as it meant we had peace of mind to focus on our loss and on the people present at the ceremony."
— Dinah McCarthy (about Julie Brown)
"The day we chose to spend time in the chapel besides our loved one's coffin was a bank holiday but Julie did not hesitate to make herself available and, again, gave us very sensitive support. Throughout she showed patience and sympathy and a determination to provide us with outstanding service."
— Alison Wilson (about Julie Brown)
"By then, it felt as if Julie was part of the family. I would also like to mention David who collected mum's body and ensured he was also there on the day of the funeral to provide continuity. Seeing familiar faces was very touching."
— Frances Barker (about Julie Brown)
"I cannot put into words how supportive Julie was during such a difficult time. I honestly think some people are born into the job they do and she was one of those people. I'm forever grateful that this is the number I called when I didn't know what to do — we were blessed that Julie picked up the phone."
— Nina Tymkow (about Julie Brown)
"Our world came crashing down recently when our beautiful daughter passed away age 22 unexpectedly. As soon as we first met her, we were comforted by her warmth and understanding. She guided us gently through the whole process with many of her comforting hugs. Julie noticed Amanda was struggling outside the chapel and came to Amanda's rescue. We both feel in what has been a heartbreaking time in our lives, a true friend in Julie has been made."
— Pete Aitken (about Julie Brown)
Julie Brown
Funeral Arranger
"Our world came crashing down recently when our beautiful daughter passed away age 22 unexpectedly. As soon as we first …"
Julie Brown
Funeral Arranger
"Our world came crashing down recently when our beautiful daughter passed away age 22 unexpectedly. As soon as we first …"
Sarah Gorrell
3 months ago
Wonderful. It was so difficult losing my Mum just before Christmas but Julie and the team were so lovely. There was so much warmth and empathy. The funeral was a lovely and everything went so smoothly. We were in such good hands. Thankyou. Very highly recommended. You made a difficult time much easier to cope with.
Frances Barker
7 months ago
We recently used Julie and her team for my mother’s funeral and they couldn’t have been kinder or more professional. At every step Julie walked us through the process with so much warmth and understanding. She was always available for any questions, from the initial meeting to the funeral day. By then, it felt as if Julie was part of the family. She was very helpful in recommending a wonderful florist and in reorganising some of the logistics on the morning of the funeral to accommodate a requiem mass before the burial at clandon wood. I would also like to mention David who collected mum’s body and ensured he was also there on the day of the funeral to provide continuity. Seeing familiar faces was very touching. I would whole- heartedly recommend Julie and her team.
L
7 months ago
James and Thomas Funeral Directors were beyond wonderful in every aspect of under-taking the role of managing both a death and the bereaved. Staff were kind, empathic and gave us time to make important decisions. They were knowledgeable and gentle in presenting options yet allowing us to make our own decisions. We felt so supported during the challenging time in which, whilst grieving, we had to make multiple decisions and organise a funeral.
James Watson
7 months ago
We had a really lovely experience with James and Thomas’ arrangements for our Mother’s funeral. Julie was sensitive, professional, thorough and thoughtful throughout. Everything on the day went like clockwork. And while it was a sad time we really felt that our Mother would have been proud of the whole day. Thank you!
Alison Wilson
10 months ago
We were entirely satisfied with the services provided by the Merrow branch of James and Thomas Funeral Directors. We found dealing with Julie Brown, the director, extremely reassuring and she provided us with excellent professional service that was both compassionate and well managed. She was always available for as long as was required, listening very carefully and advising sensitively as we thought through the most appropriate arrangement for the funeral. She was extremely conscientious in aiming to make arrangements that were in accordance with our wishes and, if this required details to be rethought, she was always very understanding. We did not feel pressured in any of our dealings and were aware of Julie's concern to make us feel at ease. The day we chose to spend time in the chapel besides our loved one's coffin was a bank holiday but Julie did not hesitate to make herself available and, again, gave us very sensitive support. The arrangements on the day of the funeral were all managed very efficiently. Throughout she showed patience and sympathy and a determination to provide us with support and outstanding service. The family would have no hesitation in recommending the service that we experienced. Thank you Julie for your care and kindness
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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 01483562153We'll call you back
James and Thomas 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 James and Thomas 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 Guildford, Surrey. All members uphold a strict Code of Practice, giving your family professional care and complete peace of mind.
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 Addlestone, Surrey. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care, dignity and support you deserve.
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