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SJM Independent Funeral Directors Limited will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and SJM Independent Funeral Directors Limited will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
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
SJM Independent Funeral Directors Limited is a local, independently owned family firm of funeral directors based in Erdington, Birmingham, established since 2001. The business is owned and personally led by Stephanie J Mason, a fully qualified funeral director and proud holder of the NAFD Diploma for over 20 years, as well as a qualified independent Funeral Celebrant specialising in bespoke funeral services.
Stephanie and her team pride themselves on offering a modern approach with traditional values, combining professionalism with genuine compassion and experience. Their promise to families includes being available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, providing practical and personal help, and maintaining full transparency of costs with no hidden extras. Services range from direct cremation and simple funeral services through to fully bespoke traditional funeral arrangements.
As proud members of the NAFD, SJM Independent Funeral Directors are committed to the highest standards of care. Stephanie is also an Introducer Appointed Representative of Golden Leaves Limited, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for funeral plans. The firm's ethos is that a dignified funeral does not have to cost a fortune, and they work hard to ensure every family receives the guidance and support they need during one of life's most difficult moments.
"You will not regret your choice if you choose Stephanie and her lovely staff."
— Luke's Dad (about Stephanie)
"If you want a personal touch, then SJM are the right funeral directors for your loved one who will be treated with dignity and great care."
— Lisa Burke (about Stephanie)
"She is so professional and kind and has always made me feel so comfortable. I would not use any other funeral service."
— Stef Murray (about Steph)
"Stephanie the proprietor took the service on both occasions and her attention to detail and empathy was outstanding."
— Nicola Enright (about Stephanie)
"Stephanie's empathy and understanding made a world of difference during such difficult times. Nothing was too much trouble for her, and she ensured that every aspect of the service was exactly as we wished."
— Dudley Home (about Stephanie)
"At a time when you are at your most vulnerable, it's nice to have someone who can make such a sad event into something more bearable. It was a celebration of a life lived, rather than a loss mourned."
— Luke's Dad (about Stephanie)
Stephanie J Mason
Owner & Funeral Director
"At a time when you are at your most vulnerable, it's nice to have someone who can make such a sad event into something …"
Stef Murray
2 months ago
I cannot thank steph and the team enough for everything that they do. Steph done both my grandads and my moms services. She is so professional and kind and has always made me feel so comfortable. I would not use any other funeral service.
Nicola Enright
a year ago
We have used SJM Funeral Services twice in the last 6 months due to passing of both parents. Stephanie the proprietor took the service on both occasions and her attention to detail and empathy was outstanding. I would definitely recommend Stephanie and her team to friends.
Luke's Dad
a year ago
At a time when you are at your most vulnerable, it's nice to have someone who can make such a sad event into something more bearable. It was a celebration of a life lived, rather than a loss mourned. As it was previously, for my wife (2007) and my father (2014). You will not regret your choice if you choose Stephanie and her lovely staff.
Dudley Home
a year ago
We have used SJM Funeral Directors on two separate occasions, and each time, Stephanie and her team went above and beyond to provide exceptional service. They handled everything with utmost care and attention, offering us invaluable support throughout the process. Stephanie's empathy and understanding made a world of difference during such difficult times. Nothing was too much trouble for her, and she ensured that every aspect of the service was exactly as we wished. We highly recommend SJM Funeral Directors and Stephanie for their compassionate and professional approach
Lisa Burke
a year ago
I would highly recommend Stephanie and her team. If you want a personal touch, then SJM are the right funeral directors for your loved one who will be treated with dignity and great care.
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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 01212272562We'll call you back
SJM Independent Funeral Directors Limited will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and SJM Independent Funeral Directors Limited 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
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