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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.
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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
Mears Family Funerals in Catford & Sydenham is part of the well-established Steven Mears Group, a family-run funeral business with over 100 years of experience caring for the bereaved across four generations. Located at 3 Southend Lane, Catford, London SE6 3AB, this branch serves the local communities of Catford and Sydenham with the same dedication to personal service, professionalism, and exceptional value that defines the wider group.
The branch offers a comprehensive range of funeral services, including bespoke funerals, basic funerals, direct cremations, memorials, repatriation, and flowers. All funerals utilise a modern, hybrid-powered ceremonial fleet, with alternative options such as a horse-drawn Victorian Carriage Hearse also available. The team is committed to transparent and open pricing, fully compliant with the CMA Funeral Market Investigation Order 2021.
Mears Family Funerals prides itself on providing a truly personal service, with each family dealing with one dedicated local manager who oversees every detail of the arrangements. The team invests in continuous professional development to ensure the highest standards of care and expertise, making Mears Family Funerals a trusted and compassionate choice for families in the Catford and Sydenham area.
"Being able to view her twice before the send off was something I'll never forget. The branch manager Dianne was a dream to work with. 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 carried my mother's coffin into the crematorium with such respect and dignity. Ranged from mature men to young men — the mature men screamed experience and the younger generation showed the now and present. Very professional and supportive. 10 out of 10."
— Stacey (about Dianne)
"She allowed my dad and I all the time we needed to talk, cry and make decisions. Diane Gillard was very helpful, friendly, sympathetic, informative and professional. She made us feel at ease with planning my mum's funeral."
— Seleste Bonin (about Diane Gillard)
"Both Chris and Dianne demonstrated exactly how they are a 5 star family oriented service, allowing us to exercise our culture as much as we could. Being Nigerian, we have a custom way of doing funerals and they accommodated this beautifully."
— Emmanuel Akintaro (about Dianne)
"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."
— Rocque Rocque (about Dianne)
"Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to both parents in April, it has been one of the most difficult times in my life. The incredible support provided from Mears has been very heart warming, as a family we couldn't have asked for more in such difficult times. Thank you Dianne and Graham for everything ❤️"
— Giorgia Sharpe (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…
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 …
Steph Geard
Funeral Director
Steph is responsible for the operation and for conducting funerals from a number of branches, bringing a wealth of expe…
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 02087190910We'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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