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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.
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.
"The service from James & Thomas was not only extremely professional but also warm and caring. Julie Brown took care of everything — organising an excellent celebrant, recommending a wonderful florist and arranging the order of service. Thank you for making a difficult time so much easier."
— Sandy Whetton (about Julie Brown)
"Chris was always ready to have a conversation and to listen when my mum needed it. He walked my mum through a very emotional difficult time and helped with all the immediate decision making."
— Charlotte Cooper (about Chris)
"Julie at James and Thomas made the process of burying my father so easy, her approach was warm and appropriate. The bearers were sensitive to our emotions and stepped back when appropriate. We are very grateful to have been able to use such a professional company right here in our village."
— Estelle Los (about Julie)
"Nothing was too much; Julie was compassionate and understanding and made the process of laying my Father to rest a seamless experience. Our time frame was tight, but Julie was on hand to address all our questions, and often went above and beyond to help us in what was a very difficult time."
— Ben A (about Julie Brown)
"Julie and the staff at James and Thomas have been brilliant. Professional, sympathetic, patient and kind. A difficult and emotional situation, beautifully handled."
— Kate French (about Julie)
"Julie Brown was truly unbelievable. So caring, thoughtful, patient, providing us with all the support and love needed throughout the very difficult time whilst making arrangements for our sons service. She even offered to come in on her time off to allow us to spend time with our son before the service. Without Julie's help we know it would not have turned out the way it did, which was perfect for us and our beautiful boy."
— Paul Smith (about Julie Brown)
Tim Pullen
7 months ago
Chris Bertram was extremely helpful and communicated clearly and sensitively. The staff who were present at the funeral/committal were very professional. We would have no hesitation recommending James & Thomas to others.
Charlotte Cooper
12 months ago
Chris was so helpful, calm and professional with his advice and guidance throughout the planning of the whole funeral for my grandmothers death last year, suggestions for celebrant, flowers and printing of order of service. Always ready to have a conversation and to listen when my mum needed it. My mum chose the funeral directors because they were local to her but it turned out they were also brilliant - walked my mum through a very emotional difficult time and helped with all the immediate decision making. We would thoroughly recommend.
Ben A
4 years ago
Julie Brown dealt with all the arrangement for my late Father's Funeral. With so many things to consider and finalise, Julie took my family and I through every step of the arrangements. Nothing was too much; Julie was compassionate and understanding and made the process of laying my Father to rest a seamless experience. Our time frame was tight, but Julie was on hand to address all our questions, and often went above and beyond to help us in what was a very difficult time. I would thoroughly recommend Julie Brown at James & Thomas - Thank you Julie.
Liz Alexander
in the last week
Excellent service. I really appreciated all their help
Kate French
a week ago
Julie and the staff at James and Thomas have been brilliant. Professional, sympathetic, patient and kind. A difficult and emotional situation, beautifully handled. Thank you.
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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 01483284948We'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 Leatherhead, 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, 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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