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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Shires Funeral Directors 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
Thousands of families in Baldock have placed their trust in CPJ Field to help them following the death of a loved one.
Our team has an unwavering commitment to providing high standards of professional, caring and personal services when people need us most in the Baldock area. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"Shires have been more than helpful during a very difficult time. They could not have done more to assist me. I would certainly recommend them as a genuine caring organisation, willing to go the extra mile to help."
— Frank Smith
"Donna certainly wasn't phased by the enormity of our farewell, which was carried out with professionalism and compassion and for which we are very grateful. There was always someone to assist with anything we needed."
— Belinda Maudlin (about Donna)
"We never felt rushed out of meetings and they will go above and beyond for you to find your chosen song, priest, etc. They are so compassionate and respectful and always there for advice on making your arrangements."
— Holly Buckley (about Donna)
"Neither mum or I could have hoped for a better funeral to celebrate dad's life. Mum was so pleased with the personal touches before and after the funeral. The attention to detail was excellent and on the day everything ran smoothly, making a very difficult day so much easier."
— Rob Sutcliffe (about Donna)
"Shires were exceptionally professional, warm and compassionate and went beyond the call of duty when Richard and I were going through a very emotional time losing the loss of my dear sister and Richards fiancée. In particular Donna was very kind to us both and comforted us greatly, nothing was too much trouble."
— Loraine Denison (about Donna)
"Every conversation, email, telephone call and meeting were absolutely faultless. We were met with such compassion and warmth. The planning stage was seamless and Donna, who led the funeral on the day, was just fantastic. We felt so supported and cared for."
— Lucy Cruse (about Donna)
Kate Merryweather
Kate Merryweather
Kate Merryweather
Kate Merryweather
Roger Luck
Lucy Cruse
7 months ago
We used Shires, Baldock for my sister in law’s funeral in October 2025. They were nothing short of incredible. Every conversation, email, telephone call and meeting were absolutely faultless. We were met with such compassion and warmth. The planning stage was seamless and Donna, who led the funeral on the day, was just fantastic. We felt so supported and cared for. We are beyond grateful for the service you provided us and for making a really difficult process so easy. From all of the family, a huge thank you to everyone who was involved. We would all highly recommend Shires to anyone who is looking for a funeral directors.
Holly Buckley
8 months ago
I've never needed to use this service before but if you are ever in need I'd recommend Shires to anyone. They are so compassionate and respectful and always there for advice on making your arrangements. We never felt rushed out of meetings and they will go above and beyond for you to find your chosen song, priest, etc. Thank you Donna, Kate and Hannah x
Holly Castle
6 months ago
I've never needed to use this service before but if you are ever in need I'd recommend Shires to anyone. They are so compassionate and respectful and always there for advice on making your arrangements. We never felt rushed out of meetings and they will go above and beyond for you to find your chosen song, priest, etc. Thank you Donna, Kate and Hannah x
Belinda Maudlin
6 months ago
With the loss of our dearest Caroline, our experience of dealing with Donna and her team at Shires was second to none. There was always someone to assist with anything we needed. Donna certainly wasn't phased by the enormity of our "farewell", which was carried out with professionalism and compassion and for which we are very grateful.
Frank Smith
8 months ago
Shires have been more than helpful during a very difficult time. They could not have done more to assist me at this Time. I would certainly recommend them as a genuine caring organisation, willing to go the extra mile to help. Frank
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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 01462491149We'll call you back
Shires Funeral Directors will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Shires Funeral Directors 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 serving Baldock, Hertfordshire. Every listed firm is independently vetted, upholds a strict Code of Practice, and is rated an average of 4.2/5 by families they have served.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. All listed members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection it deserves.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Every listed firm meets strict professional standards, giving your family the care and dignity it deserves.
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