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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 in Ladywell & Lewisham is part of the established Steven Mears Group, a family-run funeral business with over 100 years of caring for the bereaved across four generations. The Lewisham branch, located at 54 Ladywell Road, serves the local South London community with kindness, dignity, and a deep commitment to honouring each life in a unique and personal way.
The branch offers a comprehensive range of funeral services, including bespoke funerals, basic funerals, direct cremations, and additional services such as memorials, flowers, and international repatriation. All funerals utilise a modern, hybrid-powered ceremonial fleet, with alternative options such as a horse-drawn Victorian carriage hearse also available. Mears Family Funerals is committed to transparent, openly published pricing in full compliance with the CMA Funeral Market Investigation Order 2021.
As a member of both the NAFD and SAIF, the branch upholds the highest professional standards. Families are supported by a dedicated local branch manager who oversees every detail of the arrangement, ensuring a personal and compassionate experience from start to finish. Whether in person, by telephone, or via videocall, the team is always available to guide families through one of life's most difficult moments.
"From my very first contact I received the utmost respect, compassion and endless understanding. Even when I altered the arrangements, nothing was too much trouble. They accommodated my every request and I cannot thank them enough."
— Gwen Holmes (about Nichola)
"Her cheery disposition was especially helpful and she kept me informed regularly with progress, even finding me a Scottish Piper for my brother's funeral. I could not recommend them more."
— Caroline Laidlaw (about Natalie)
"Nichola was so supportive towards me the day I went to view my partner the day before the cremation. She was very empathetic and this is a quality you need from someone in this business when you are quite vulnerable."
— clinton powell (about Nichola)
"Nothing ever felt rushed or transactional — it was personal, respectful, and thoughtful throughout. Natalie and Reese made it that little bit lighter to bear. They helped us give our loved one a truly beautiful and dignified farewell."
— Karen McLaren (about Natalie)
"Natalie made me feel like a family member would. It's hard to find many people that actually enjoy their jobs in this day and age. Not only did Natalie show compassion but she helped me like a family member would."
— Mich Lew (about Natalie)
"I must have called and emailed her over a dozen times and she was always ready to help no matter what the query. Nichola helped me through the saddest of days following my late Father's passing. I can honestly recommend Nichola without any hesitation as she has helped me through what was the hardest process I have ever had to bear."
— Rishi Sood (about Nichola Wickenden)
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 the Operations Supervisor and principal funeral conductor, leading the team of funeral operatives responsible …
Reece Pearson
Principal Funeral Conductor
Reece is our Operations Supervisor and principal funeral conductor, leading our team of funeral operatives who are resp…
Steph Geard
Funeral Director
Steph is responsible for the operation and for conducting funerals from a number of branches, bringing a wealth of expe…
Steph Geard
Funeral Director
Steph is responsible for the operation and for conducting funerals from a number of branches. She comes with a wealth o…
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…
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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 02083140995We'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
What to wear to a funeral in the UK: traditional expectations, modern dress codes, religious variations, what not to wear, and guidance for children.
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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