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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and S Stibbards and Sons Ltd 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
S. Stibbards & Sons Ltd is a family-owned and operated funeral directors based in Hockley, Essex, with a proud heritage dating back to 1867. Now in its sixth generation of family ownership, the company has been serving the communities of Southend, Benfleet, and Rochford for over 150 years, building a trusted reputation for compassionate and professional care during some of life's most difficult moments.
The team at S. Stibbards & Sons is committed to providing truly personal funeral arrangements that honour the life of every loved one, while offering calm reassurance and guidance to grieving families. Whether arranging a bespoke funeral, a direct cremation, or a children's funeral, they ensure that each family's wishes remain at the heart of everything they do. Their 24/7 support means families are never alone during the process.
In addition to funeral arrangements, S. Stibbards & Sons offers a comprehensive range of services including pre-paid funeral plans through Golden Charter, memorials, repatriation, and aftercare support. They are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors and SAIF, reflecting their dedication to upholding the highest professional standards and traditional values of care and compassion.
"The send off you done for mum was truly lovely and done with the greatest of respect for mum and our family. I cannot fault the service you gave us."
— Ian elvidge
"You were all so helpful and very caring, you made a very difficult day special."
— Mandy Smythe (about Louise)
"Nothing was too much trouble and everything was fully explained to us. Thanks to Stibbards at Rayleigh for showing the utmost care and respect towards our dad whilst he was in their care and allowing us both to say a final farewell to our dad in their Chapel of Rest."
— Karen Johnson (about Diane)
"Diane also introduced us to Nikki Deveraux, who visited us beforehand and took great care in writing and delivering a beautiful eulogy. It truly captured Mum's life and spirit. The whole day was flawlessly managed. Mum would have been very proud."
— Stuart Ward (about Diane Ellis)
"They offered thoughtful suggestions, including coffin interior and suggesting meaningful adjustments to change lighting colours to reflect a football team that meant so much to our loved one. Nothing was too much trouble. Their support and compassion had a genuine impact on us throughout the entire process."
— Josephine Hudson (about Diane)
"A special thank you goes to Diane, whose warmth, empathy and genuine care meant so much to us. She was always there to answer our questions, reassure us and ensure every detail was taken care of. Nothing ever felt like too much trouble. Owen and his gentlemen were respectful, professional and incredibly supportive, allowing us to focus on celebrating my nan's life without having to worry about anything else."
— Bobbie Jade (about Diane)
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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 01702206222We'll call you back
S Stibbards and Sons Ltd will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and S Stibbards and Sons Ltd 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 Chelmsford, Essex. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, with independent complaints protection and transparent pricing to support your family.
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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