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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and R A Brooks and Son 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
R. A. Brooks & Son is an independent, family-owned funeral service based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. Now in its fourth generation, the business is run by Andrew Brooks and his wife Julie, continuing a proud tradition of caring for the local community for over 100 years. Andrew began working alongside his father Roy at the age of 15, and has accumulated over forty years of experience in the funeral trade. Julie joined the business in 1987 and is a Member of the British Institute of Embalmers, holding the Certificate of Funeral Arranging & Administration, which she passed with distinction in 2019.
The Haywards Heath office at 35 Wivelsfield Road is open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, and on Saturdays by appointment. The team prides itself on upholding traditional values combined with a modern approach, offering a high level of professionalism and compassionate care to guide families through all funeral arrangements. Services include woodland burials, memorial masonry, cremation jewellery, memory bears, and pre-paid funeral plans through Golden Charter.
R. A. Brooks & Son is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), and the Association of Green Funeral Directors, reflecting their commitment to professional standards and environmentally considerate options.
"You feel you are the only client they have while knowing they are actually very busy. While you always hope not to need them again, we would not consider any other firm."
— Nigel Sayers
"The whole team are so compassionate and empathetic. Their support hasn't gone unnoticed. Our whole family will be forever grateful to you."
— Ellie Flynn (about Jon)
"They take away the stress of arranging a funeral for a loved one and nothing is too much trouble. Their customer service is exceptional and considerate, a trait that every single member of staff has in abundance."
— Steve Rudaini
"Julie Brooks greeted us with kindness and compassion that instantly put us at ease. They guided us through every step of the funeral planning process with empathy and professionalism, ensuring that every detail was taken care of."
— Sam Francis (about Julie Brooks)
"They offered for us to view our Mum before the burial and it looked just like she was sleeping, even asking for a photo of her so they could get her hair right!"
— Sam Francis (about Julie Brooks)
"At the funeral our funeral director Jon went above and beyond to comfort and support us. He was so eager to help and do everything for me, even allowing me to have a private moment with my mum as a last goodbye before leaving. He made a devastating day a little bit less dark and gloomy."
— Ellie Flynn (about Jon)
Andrew Brooks
Senior Funeral Director and Partner
Andrew started working alongside his father Roy at the age of 15 and has over forty years of experience in the funeral …
Andrew Brooks
Senior Funeral Director and Partner
Andrew started working alongside his Dad, Roy, at the age of 15 and has over forty years experience of the funeral trad…
Barry Brooks
Pallbearer, Funeral Assistant and Embalmer
Barry joined the team in 1991 and works behind the scenes to ensure everything is as requested for families, from coffi…
Barry Brooks
Pallbearer, Funeral Assistant and Embalmer
Barry joined the team in 1991 and works behind the scenes ensuring all preparations are completed, from coffin choice t…
Gill Duley
Funeral Arranger
Gill joined the team in 1983 to assist in the Haywards Heath branch, guiding families through funeral arrangements and …
Gill Duley
Funeral Arranger
Gill joined the team in 1983 to assist Roy and Andrew in their new branch in Haywards Heath. Gill guides families throu…
Jonathan Peile
Funeral Director and Pallbearer
Jonathan moved from Devon to join the team in 2011, assisting families on the day of the funeral as a pallbearer and Fu…
Jonathan Peile
Funeral Director and Pallbearer
Jonathan moved from Devon to join the team in 2011 and feels honoured to be able to assist families on the day of the f…
Julie Brooks
Funeral Arranger and Partner
"They offered for us to view our Mum before the burial and it looked just like she was sleeping, even asking for a photo…"
Julie Brooks
Funeral Arranger and Partner
"It looked just like she was sleeping - they even asked for a photo of her so they could get her hair right! Julie and J…"
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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 01444454391We'll call you back
R A Brooks and Son will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and R A Brooks and Son 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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