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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and John Short and Son Limited 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
John Short & Son Funeral Directors is an independent, sixth-generation family business established in 1866, based in Chasetown, Burntwood, Staffordshire. Owned and run by John and Mary Short, together with their daughter Catherine and a dedicated team of long-serving professionals, the firm has been serving the communities of Burntwood, Stafford, Walsall, Lichfield, and Cannock for over 150 years. Their deep roots in the local community allow them to offer a level of understanding and personal commitment that only an independent family firm can provide.
The team at John Short & Son offers a comprehensive range of funeral services available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services include bespoke funeral arrangements — whether simple or complex — hearses (motorised or horse-drawn), limousines, Orders of Service, floral tributes, crematorium arrangements, and a private ambulance service. They are also award-winning agents for Golden Charter funeral plans, giving families peace of mind through pre-paid funeral planning.
John Short & Son are proud members of both SAIF (The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors) and the NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors), reflecting their commitment to the highest professional standards. Families in Burntwood and the surrounding areas can rely on this trusted, compassionate team during one of life's most challenging times.
"Everything was very well organised in a professional, compassionate and calm manner to avoid us experiencing any needless stress on such an emotional day."
— Joan Tranter (about Mrs Short, Dave)
"The keen eye for detail is even displayed when preparing the Order of Service proofs — the charity we had chosen had changed their name and this was picked up in the design process. Cannot thank or recommend everyone at John Short & Son enough."
— Haley Ryan
"On the day Moira was a guiding hand and alongside her team dignified and professional throughout, for which we will always be grateful."
— Paul. M (about Moira)
"So compassionate and caring, yet consummate professionals. They handled everything beautifully. Wonderful people and a true credit to their profession."
— Betty Teresa Thacker
"You gave me time to grieve but also took my calls if I needed help. The funeral was arranged complete with flowers, doves, music, order of service — I thank you all from the bottom of my heart."
— Gale Gallagher (about Sue, Michelle, Mrs Short)
"They truly were a godsend at the worst time of my life. So glad I entrusted Keith's care to them. From the moment he was in their care I just knew he was in the best hands. Nothing was too much trouble and they did everything possible to ensure all the worries involved with arranging his funeral were alleviated."
— Betty Teresa Thacker
Catherine Short
Owner / Reception
Catherine Short is the daughter of John and Mary Short and co-owner of the family firm. She welcomes families and guide…
Catherine Short
Owner / Funeral Arranger
Catherine Short, daughter of John and Mary Short, is part of the family ownership team and assists families with arrang…
Catherine Short
Owner / Funeral Arranger
Catherine Short is the daughter of John and Mary Short and co-owner of the business. She welcomes families and guides t…
David Kelley
Funeral Director / Funeral Operative
David Kelley is one of the funeral directors and operatives who guides families through the day of the funeral with gui…
David Kelley
Funeral Director / Funeral Operative
David Kelley is one of the funeral directors and operatives who guides and supports families on the day of the funeral.
David Kelley
Funeral Director / Funeral Operative
David Kelley guides families through the day of the funeral, providing guidance and support to ensure loved ones receiv…
Graham Roberts
Funeral Director / Funeral Operative
Graham Roberts is one of the funeral directors and operatives who guides families through the day of the funeral with g…
Graham Roberts
Funeral Director / Funeral Operative
Graham Roberts is one of the funeral directors and operatives ensuring loved ones receive the service, dignity, and res…
Graham Roberts
Funeral Director / Funeral Operative
Graham Roberts guides families through the day of the funeral, providing guidance and support to ensure loved ones rece…
Mary Short
Owner / Reception
Mrs Mary Short is one of the owners of John Short & Son, a sixth-generation family business. She welcomes families and …
Mary Short
Owner / Funeral Arranger
Mrs Mary Short is one of the owners of John Short & Son and welcomes families to guide them through the funeral service…
Mary Short
Owner / Funeral Arranger
Mrs Mary Short is one of the owners of John Short & Son, a sixth-generation family business. She welcomes families and …
Nigel Proctor
Funeral Director / Funeral Operative
Nigel Proctor guides families through the day of the funeral, providing guidance and support to ensure loved ones recei…
Nigel Proctor
Funeral Director / Funeral Operative
Nigel Proctor is one of the funeral directors and operatives who guides families through the day of the funeral with gu…
Nigel Proctor
Funeral Director / Funeral Operative
Nigel Proctor is one of the funeral directors and operatives providing guidance and support throughout the day of the f…
Rebecca Whitburn
Funeral Arranger
Rebecca Whitburn welcomes families and guides them through the services provided by John Short & Son.
Rebecca Whitburn
Funeral Arranger
Rebecca Whitburn welcomes families and guides them through the range of services provided by John Short & Son.
Rebecca Whitburn
Reception / Arrangements
Rebecca Whitburn welcomes families and guides them through the funeral services provided by John Short & Son.
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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 01543686204We'll call you back
John Short and Son Limited will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and John Short and Son Limited 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 Burntwood, Staffordshire. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection it deserves.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Every listed director is independently vetted and held to a strict Code of Practice, so your family is always protected.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Biddulph, Staffordshire. All members uphold a strict Code of Practice, giving your family compassionate, professional care when it matters most.
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