Probate

Helping you with probate

B Matthews Funeral Directors is working with the National Bereavement Service (NBS), a not-for-profit organisation, to assist and support customers and their families. NBS provides practical advice post funeral to help when dealing with legal issues, many of which may be unfamiliar.

Probate is a legal term which means the official proving of a will. You ‘apply for probate’ to have the legal right to deal with someone’s land, property, money and possessions, in other words their ‘estate’.

If the person that has passed away has made a will, they will have appointed an Executor, and may have even identified a legal firm to deal with the probate. Fortunately in most cases the process is simple and straightforward. We can help if you need guidance on DIY probate. If there is no will it can be a little more complicated and the will is resolved according to the Rules of Intestacy.

How to apply

To apply for probate you make the application to the Probate Registry and this gives the Executors named in the application the authority to act in the administration of the estate of the deceased. There are a number of stages to go through when dealing with the administration process and it can vary depending on where you are in the UK.

NBS can help guide you through all of this, call them free on 0800 0246 121 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm or visit them at www.theNBS.org where you’ll find more useful information. 

Useful links:

Applying for probate

Intestacy – Who inherits when there is no will?

Dealing the estate of someone who has died

Valuing the estate of someone who has died

Stopping a probate application

Cremations

We can assist you in every step of the funeral and cremation arrangements so please ask us about any queries you may have.

Cremations

Our pricing

Funeral prices vary depending on the type of ceremony you would like for your loved one. There are many options to choose from to make it unique and special.

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Planning ahead?

It is now really easy to plan ahead, making a huge difference by easing the burden on your family when the time comes, so they can focus on the arrangements.

Prepaid plans

Need advice?

B Matthews Funeral Directors can assist you in every step of the funeral so please don’t hesitate to ask us about any aspects or queries you may have.

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Featured Reviews

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I cannot praise Marie at the Shirley Branch highly enough. She helped me organise my husbands funeral recently and did an amazing job. She took all the stress and worry away and was always on hand to answer my questions. I would highly recommend this…

Christine Jones

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I can highly recommend B Matthews Funeral Directors. I have nothing but praise especially for Samantha who was exceptional, kind caring and professional and whose attention to detail ensured my Aunty was honoured in exactly the way I wished. Helen who was the funeral director…

Louise Nicoll

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Sam at the woolston branch was an absolute gem, her dedication to making sure the funeral went to plan, every detail we asked for was met, when Dad was brought into the care of Matthews he was looked after and when we went to see…

Eunice weatherley

Much Loved

I cannot possibly thank B Matthews enough for their kind, professional and caring service. Samantha was exceptional in everything she did for us from the moment of my Aunty's passing to the funeral and afterwards. The funeral service was everything we wished for our beloved…

Louise Nicoll

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Not long ago my mum passed away and they made it amazing, Mum had a brilliant send off. I want to thank Sam who made our day a bit more bearable and the 2 drivers/pull bearers. So thank you for everything.

Lynda West

Much Loved

Sam (from B Matthews Woolston) was an incredible support with the planning of my mums funeral. Sam showed patience and kindness throughout the process and my Father and I never felt rushed or that any request was too much. Sam was always timely and professional…

Fran Wilson

Much Loved

I would not hesitate to recommend B Matthews Funeral Directors. Samantha Appleton's kindness, support, and organization to us all made it so easy to put our fathers funeral together even though we changed our mind on his Order of Service completely two days before the…

Yvonne Forsythe-Brown

Google

A pleasure to work with Sam at the Woolston branch of B Matthews, and the opportunity to write and lead a wonderful ceremony for a beautiful lady. Clear communications and contact when needed. Also a pleasure to work with Helen, the Funeral Director, on the…

Tina Woodcock

Much Loved

I simply cannot speak highly enough about these people. Absolutely on-point with everything including a beautiful blend of professionalism and empathy. In short, they made a terrible time, so much easier and that was priceless. Thank you.…

Gavin Mulholland

Google

Tim and everyone else involved at B Matthews Funeral Directors were just wonderful in every way. Their gentleness, kindness, sympathy and inclusive approach towards my mum and the family was so evident from the moment they came to the house to the funeral. We are…

sarah martin

Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

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Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

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View funeral notices and tributes to your loved one and leave a donation in their memory

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Call 023 8044 7965 visit branch or arrange a home visit