Probate

Helping you with probate

Gillman Funeral Service 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

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

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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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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.

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Need advice?

Gillman Funeral Service 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.

The service we received from EA Godfrey and Gillman in organising my brother's funeral was outstanding. Dani made my mum and I feel at ease from the moment we met her. She was able to answer every question we had and talked us through every…

Debbie H

I would like to thank the whole team for the care and professionalism they showed to me and my family following the loss of my mum. From the beginning, Brendan was very helpful, answered all of our questions, kept us informed and was always available…

Joann Joseph

We had a list of funeral homes to visit, and Gillman was second on that list. However, after our initial visit, we knew straight away that we had found the people we wanted to handle Papa’s arrangements. A very special thank you to Theresa, who…

L J

Just want to say a very special thank you to Sherren and her team for a wonderful job done at my cousin Brunetta John funeral on the 13/08/2026. They served with professionalism, pride and dignity. Much respect to all of them. Michael Lynch.…

Michael Lynch

I've used Gillmans in Tooting twice this year. One was a cremation and other more recently a burial. Both occasions my loved ones passed away out of hours, 24/7 service so no bother with collection. I've nothing but huge praise to each and every member…

Eileen McBride

Bella was absolutely wonderful! We cannot thank her enough for her help, care and empathy when we needed to organise Den's funeral! Nothing was too much trouble! She went above and beyond - for which we are truly thankful! Indeed - all the staff at…

Carol Farebrother

A heartfelt Thank you and gratitude to Bella, Steph and the rest of the team ( Tooting branch). Having used their services twice in 8 months, the team made arranging my Dad's Homegoing seamless. Very welcoming, professional and listened attentively to the families needs (…

Cee R-Coote

Steph was absolutely amazing from the very first day I visited. She made an incredibly stressful and emotional experience much more bearable, and I’m so grateful to have had her support throughout. No question was ever left unanswered, and she guided me through every step…

Comfort Osei

From the initial meeting through the preparations, the day of the funeral and beyond, Godfrey and Gillman were very professional, while also being kind and approachable. We felt safe in their hands. They made the whole process feel as smooth as possible and accommodated any…

Adam Jameson

Excellent service from Jess all the way through the preparations - extremely helpful and who went over and above. First class customer service! Darren on the day was exceptional and I cannot thank them enough!…

Sharon

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