Probate

Helping you with probate

W Hodges 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

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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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Need advice?

W Hodges 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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Latest Reviews

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My husband passed away at the end of last year and my friend has advised me to get in touch with Hodges Sevenoaks, our local Funeral Directors. They have been so compassionate, kind and professional from the beginning to end. I really felt like I…

Axana Simpson

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We couldn't have asked for a better team to support us to help organise our sons celebration of life. From the very start Jayne explained the entire process with care and compassion and was always available to talk when needed, Chris was also dilligent and…

Martin Private

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A beautiful caring and heart-warming service. while retaining efficiency and professionalism. The funeral directors and the Minister, Kate Mitchell, were so warm and encouraging while showing empathy and respect. A truly lovely service that was much commented upon by those who attended.…

Jackie Costello

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Very easy and supportive process, contact was enough but not too much clear and easily understood throughout the lead up to and the day of the funeral.

Security Tytler

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My family went to Hodges for my brother’s funeral and I can honestly say the service we got was lovely from start to finish. Jane made us feel very welcome. She was very caring and compassionate. Everything was dealt with such sensitivity. She helped us…

Louise Alisho

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I sadly lost both my parents in the space of 2 months so have had 2 funerals to arrange. Sarah at W Hodges was fantastic. For such a sad event, she made it all feel easy to deal with and I didn't need to worry…

Vivien Cotterill-Lee

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I used W Hodges for my dad's pure cremation. From the first phone call I was really touched by the warmth and friendliness of the ladies there; Sally (? sorry if that's wrong!) who first answered and Sarah who I was put through to, then…

Daniela

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On such a sad occasion and not having experience of arranging a funeral, Sarah Smith, of W Hodges is the most perfect person to deal with. She had such compassion and light humour dealing with us. She has so much knowledge in her field and…

Marion Grainge

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Everyone at Hodges made sure everything was perfect for our beloved mum/grandma. Sarah went above and beyond to make sure everything was just right and was so friendly and helpful from the very first time we went in, that everyone felt at ease to discuss…

Zara Patch

Much Loved

If possible, we would give W Hodges a 10 star rating. The most caring and helpful staff who fulfilled all our wishes for my husband’s funeral from first contact right the way through to the funeral service and for their care during the weeks that…

Sylvia Critcher

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