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Attended Cremation
£1,900
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
W. Lauderdale & Son Funeral Services is a fully independent, family-run funeral directors based in Dunston, Gateshead, proudly serving the local community since 1946. Now in its third generation of family ownership under William R. Lauderdale, the business has built a strong reputation for compassionate, professional care delivered with warmth and personal attention. William formally joined the family business in 1998, bringing with him over twenty years of experience as a funeral director and a deep empathy for bereaved families.
The firm is an accredited member of the National Association of Funeral Directors, and all funeral plans are approved by Ecclesiastical Planning Services. William and many of the team are also accredited members of the Society of Bereavement Practitioners, reflecting their commitment to the highest standards of care and support.
W. Lauderdale & Son offers a full range of funeral services to suit all needs and budgets, including purely cremation, simple services, traditional funerals, and fully bespoke arrangements. Their 24-hour service ensures families receive immediate support whenever it is needed, and their modern, comfortable chapel of rest provides a peaceful environment for those in their care. Horse-drawn carriages are also available for those who wish a more traditional farewell.
"They took away most of the stress of the arrangements and made a very difficult day a little bit easier. Cannot thank William and his staff enough for helping to give my dad a send off he would have been proud of."
— Lyndsey Armstrong (about William)
"Alex was an enormous help to us during such a hard time and he's an asset to the company. Nothing was too much trouble for them and everything went smoothly on the day. We can't thank them enough."
— tony mac (about Alex)
"They took away the stress and hassle, arranged everything from recommending a florist, to a minister, placing a notice in the local paper, to the order of service — the complete service. We would recommend Lauderdale's without any hesitation."
— John Hindson (about Will)
"They made sure our Mam received the best service she could get. This was the one thing we didn't want to deal with but during such a difficult and emotional time, they supported us all the way."
— Debbie Clark (about William)
"Alex was excellent — he supported our family during this very difficult and emotional time. My dad got the best send off. Nothing was a problem, they were very empathetic and catered for our every need."
— Scott McDougall (about Alex)
"William went way over his job description for us. These guys looked after Eliesha with dignity. William even tried to style her hair, just to get it how I had to have it. They couldn't have done any better for her and for us. Perfect send off for a perfect girl."
— kyla harding (about William)
William Lauderdale
Funeral Director
"William went way over his job description for us. These guys looked after Eliesha with dignity. William even tried to s…"
William R. Lauderdale
Owner / Funeral Director
"William went way over his job description for us. These guys looked after Eliesha with dignity. William even tried to s…"
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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 01914604698We'll call you back
W Lauderdale & Son Funeral Services will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and W Lauderdale & Son Funeral Services 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 Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family compassionate, professional care when it matters most.
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