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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. Gwinnell & Sons is a family-run funeral director based in Colchester, Essex, offering a personal and individual approach to caring for families during their most difficult times. The branch can be reached 24 hours a day, reflecting their commitment to being there whenever families need them most.
Established in 1986 by Roy and Christine Gwinnell, the business has grown from its first funeral home in Manningtree to a range of branches across Essex and Suffolk. Their eldest son Matt joined the business in 2002, having grown up watching his father care for local families. Roy holds the Diploma in Funeral Directing and is a member of the British Institute of Funeral Directors, as well as a long-standing member of the Rotary Club.
As members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM), R. Gwinnell & Sons takes great pride in delivering a quality, compassionate service. In addition to funeral arrangements, they offer headstones and monuments, pre-paid funeral plans, and tribute pages, ensuring families receive comprehensive support from start to finish.
"From the drive brilliantly executed to the cemetery to the dignity and professionalism of Matt, it was very much appreciated. The recommendation of Jim to conduct the service was also fantastic - his words really helped today."
— jason drew (about Matt)
"Roy and the team put together a first class funeral for her. The help and advice was second to none. Nothing was too much trouble and they helped and guided me all the way through the process."
— mark jenner (about Roy)
"Anne was in contact every step of the way and was very understanding of what we wanted, which turned into a wonderful send off."
— Jane Knight (about Anne)
"Matthew was really caring and helpful. He arranged for me to sit in the lovely, peaceful Chapel of Rest with flowers on my cousin's coffin. It was just what my cousin would have wanted."
— Caroline Davies (about Matthew)
"Thank you, because you took the weight."
— esther feltham (about Matt)
"At the worst time in life the amazing Lisa, Zoe and Matt made this a seamless and comforting process. From the minute I walked through the door I felt comfortable at an extremely uncomfortable painful time. I honestly cannot put into words how grateful I am for finding them."
— Nicola Baldock (about Lisa, Zoe, Matt)
Matt Gwinnell
Director
"The way they so sensitively dealt with the wishes of our family and helped steer us through a very difficult time. Than…"
Roy Gwinnell
Co-founder
Roy co-founded R. Gwinnell & Sons in 1986 alongside Christine Gwinnell. He holds the Diploma in Funeral Directing, is a…
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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 01206868585We'll call you back
R Gwinnell and Sons will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and R Gwinnell and Sons 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 Colchester, Essex. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection you deserve.
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