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See the full checklistLeave your number and James Hawes and Goodchild 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 Hawes & Goodchild Funeral Directors recognises how important it is to be at the heart of our local Hackney & Highams Park, London community.
The teams at our Hackney and Highams Park funeral homes will provide advice at every stage of the funeral planning process, and will arrange an individual and unique funeral to help you celebrate the life of your loved one.
"Denise and the team were incredibly supportive throughout, and even followed up afterwards to make sure we were doing okay, which meant a lot."
— Asha Jackson (about Denise)
"Your kindness and dedication meant a great deal to me and my family and we will always appreciate the way you helped us honour my aunt's memory. Everything was handled beautifully and your communication was clear, thoughtful and reassuring throughout a very difficult time."
— Kathy Kalarus (about Denise)
"They made special arrangements for us as a family which we truly appreciate. I had been to 2 previous funeral homes before visiting here and they stood out by far. The compassion and care they put into everything is outstanding and at such a high quality."
— Angel Kelly (about Kirsty)
"Even little touches like wearing green ties to represent Ireland was a nice thing to have done. My mum would be proud of how she was sent off and three years prior to that my dad as well. I cannot recommend a better Funeral Home than James Hawes and Goodchild."
— Alan McManus (about Ceanne)
"My grandad's favourite colour was red and the coffin bearers even offered to wear red ties/details to reflect that, just small details that really meant a lot to us. We were repeatedly reassured not to worry, and to allow them to take some of our stress away around the planning of the day."
— Vy Do (about Ray)
"Tony was amazing, he came round my house on several occasions as I was really struggling with the loss of my dad. He just got what it was to be lost and not knowing what to do. He was amazing with my mum, sat with her on a weekend despite having his own family to look after."
— Harriet Kite (about Tony)
Kathy Kalarus
a month ago
I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Denise for the care, professionalism and compassion you showed while arranging my aunts funeral. Throughout the entire process, your communication was clear, thoughtful and reassuring. You were always available to answer questions and guide me through each step, which made a very difficult time much easier for our family. We are truly grateful for the respect and attention to detail you gave. Everything was handled beautifully and we are very happy with the support you provided. Your kindness and dedication meant a great deal to me and my family and we will always appreciate the way you helped us honour my aunts memory. So much appreciated.
Asha Jackson
3 months ago
Exceptional service from beginning to end for my Nan’s funeral. Denise and the team were incredibly supportive throughout, and even followed up afterwards to make sure we were doing okay, which meant a lot. I would highly recommend them.
Harriet Kite
7 months ago
The level of service received here was incredible. I had no idea on what to do but Tony was amazing, he came round my house on several occasions as I was really struggling with the loss of my dad. He just got what it was to be lost and not knowing what to do. He was amazing with my mum, sat with her on a weekend despite having his own family to look after. His team on the day were incredibly professional. I'm so thankful to everyone there.
Tracy Jenkins
10 months ago
The staff, especially Ceanne at James Hawes & Goodchild funeral directors, Well Street, Hackney were professional yet very caring. From our first visit & up to the funeral day they handled all the arrangements efficiently & kept us updated throughout the process. This was a heartbreaking time for my family but Ceanne & her colleagues definately made the process easier to handle, allowing us the time to grieve without worrying about organising funeral arrangements. We were also introduced to Ruby Warnock (Celebrant), who was amazing & delivered a truly emotional & heartfelt service. I would highly recommend this company to look after your departed loved one & funeral arrangements.
Alan McManus
10 months ago
From the start to the finish of the funeral process was perfect, Ceanne maid feel relaxed and welcome and put us at ease the attention to detail was phenomenal she kept in contact all the way through even up until the day before the funeral, and even little touches like wearing green ties to represent Ireland was a nice thing to have done all the staff were very helpful polite and very caring my mum would be proud of how she was sent off and three years prior to that my dad as well I cannot recommend a better Funeral Home then James Hawes and Goodchild, to us, thank you once again to everyone that help this happen once again thank you very much indeed. Kind regards Alan and Steven McManus
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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 02089854231We'll call you back
James Hawes and Goodchild 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 Hawes and Goodchild 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
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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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