We'll call you back
Mears Family Funerals will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Mears Family Funerals 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
Mears Family Funerals is a family-run funeral business with deep roots in the local community, serving families across South East London and beyond. Part of the Steven Mears Group, the organisation has been caring for the bereaved for 100 years through four generations, combining a rich heritage with a modern, compassionate approach to funeral care. The branch at 468 Bromley Road serves the Downham and surrounding areas, offering a full range of funeral services delivered with kindness and dignity.
The company is committed to providing personalised, professional support to every family at every stage of the funeral process. Services include bespoke funerals, basic funerals, direct cremations, repatriation, memorials, and floral arrangements. Their modern ceremonial fleet, including hybrid-powered vehicles and optional horse-drawn Victorian carriage hearses, reflects their dedication to both tradition and innovation.
Mears Family Funerals is a strong advocate for transparent pricing, displaying standardised price lists in branch windows and online in full compliance with the CMA Funeral Market Investigation Order 2021. The team are members of professional bodies including the NAFD and SAIF, ensuring the highest standards of care and ethics throughout.
"The service provided by Dianne at Mears from start to finish was first class and she made a sad time for the family much easier. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mears to family and friends."
— Patricia Starbuck (about Dianne)
"She was always there if we needed help or advice on anything and was always happy to make the time to talk to us. Thank you for everything you've done and for giving mum such a lovely send off."
— Stacey (about Dianne)
"My family was treated with great dignity, warmth and thoughtfulness at this challenging time. It was great to feel supported leading up to the day, and on the day, Steph the director and her team were brilliant."
— Celine Corbin (about Steph)
"Being able to view her twice before the send off was something I'll never forget. Mum looked amazing, her coffin was beautiful. People from all over the world that attended the funeral cannot stop talking about how pleased they were."
— Daily Reminders (about Dianne)
"The pall bearers were absolutely amazing. Ranged from mature men to young men. The mature men screamed experience and the younger generation showed the now and present. Carried my mothers coffin in to the crematorium with such respect and dignity. Was very impressed."
— Stacey (about Dianne)
"Her kindness, patience, and attention to detail made a huge difference — we felt completely supported throughout. A special mention to Dianne, who guided us gently through every step and made sure everything ran smoothly for Daddy's service."
— Rocque Rocque (about Dianne)
Gary Hart
Group Commercial Director
Gary has over 15 years of experience across all aspects of the funeral profession and is responsible for the commercial…
Gary Hart
Group Commercial Director
Gary has over 15 years of experience across all aspects of the funeral profession and is responsible for the commercial…
Lisa McDermott
Managing Director
As Managing Director, Lisa is the most senior member of the team and is responsible for the entire funeral business and…
Lisa McDermott
Managing Director
As Managing Director, Lisa is the most senior member of the team and is responsible for the entire funeral business and…
Reece Pearson
Principal Funeral Conductor
Reece is our Operations Supervisor and principal funeral conductor, leading our team of funeral operatives who are resp…
Reece Pearson
Principal Funeral Conductor
Reece is the Operations Supervisor and principal funeral conductor, leading the team of funeral operatives responsible …
Steph Geard
Funeral Director
"My family was treated with great dignity, warmth and thoughtfulness at this challenging time. It was great to feel supp…"
Steph Geard
Funeral Director
"My family was treated with great dignity, warmth and thoughtfulness at this challenging time. It was great to feel supp…"
Steven Mears
Group CEO
Steven is a third generation Funeral Director and founder of the Steven Mears Group. He oversees all aspects of the bus…
Steven Mears
Group CEO
Steven is a third generation Funeral Director and founder of the Steven Mears Group. He oversees all aspects of the bus…
Baby G
4 months ago
Mears Family Funerals in Downham, are compassionate, warm and everything regarding my father's cremation was handle with care and love and the aftercare services are excellent 👌
Rocque Rocque
5 months ago
I cannot thank Mears Funeral Home (Catford) enough for the care and compassion they showed our family during a very difficult time. A special mention to Dianne, who guided us gently through every step and made sure everything ran smoothly for Daddy’s service. Her kindness, patience, and attention to detail made a huge difference. — we felt completely supported throughout. Truly a five-star experience.
Patricia Starbuck
4 months ago
The service provided by Dianne at Mears from start to finish was first class and she made a sad time for the family much easier. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mears to family and friends if their services are needed again in the future.
steve weston
5 months ago
Recently used mears family funerals for our mothers funeral couldn't falt them Diane and the team did a resouding job whilst dealing with our mum always found them to be very compassionate and caring in all aspects.
Celine Corbin
a year ago
Mears directed my mother's funeral recently. My family was treated with great dignity, warmth and thoughtfulness at this challenging time. It was great to feel supported leading up to the day, and on the day, Steph the director and her team were brilliant.
Take a moment to reflect on the care you received
Not displayed publicly — used for verification only
This helps other families understand your experience
Share what your experience was like — other families will read this when choosing a funeral director
characters — please write a little more
Your review will appear on this page once verified. This usually takes 1–2 days.
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 02086980200We'll call you back
Mears Family Funerals will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Mears Family Funerals 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 Broadstairs, Kent. All members uphold a strict Code of Practice, giving families peace of mind during one of life's most difficult moments.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Chatham, Kent. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family professional, compassionate care when it matters most.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Canterbury, Kent. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family genuine peace of mind at the hardest of times.
Serving families in Bromley and the surrounding area
So we can help families like yours better.
Tick all that apply.
Understanding your experience helps us help families like yours.
Your answers help us support families going through this.
You might find our step-by-step guide helpful →
