Costs and Probate

Glen Miller Independent Funeral Directors understands that arranging a funeral can be a difficult experience for relatives and friends of the deceased. We know that funeral costs can be a concern for anyone responsible for arranging a funeral. It is our role to assist you in arranging a funeral which is both a fitting tribute to your loved one and which takes into account the family’s financial circumstances.

As members of SAIF Association of Funeral Directors we have committed to its Code of Practice which means we discuss and agree funeral costs when the arrangements are being made, unless the family requests that they would prefer not to discuss costs at this time.

At every stage, we advise the person responsible for arranging the funeral of the costs involved and, where possible, offer a range of quality options at varying price points. When the funeral arrangements have been agreed, we will provide the person responsible with a detailed breakdown of the specific charges which make up the funeral cost.

These relate to costs incurred as part of the agreed funeral arrangements. We pay third party costs on your behalf and then include those costs on the final bill and are only ever costs incurred with your prior approval. Typically, these payments make up the majority of the cost of a funeral and include things like the purchase of a grave, grave opening, cremation charges, church fees, newspaper notices, flowers, organist and funeral stationery and catering.

These relate to the services and materials provided by Glen Miller Funeral Directors. They include, for example, the coffin or casket, hearse and limousine transport and embalming.
Payments to Third Parties

These relate to costs incurred as part of the agreed funeral arrangements. We pay third party costs on your behalf and then include those costs on the final bill and are only ever costs incurred with your prior approval. Typically, these payments make up the majority of the cost of a funeral and include things like the purchase of a grave, grave opening, cremation charges, church fees, newspaper notices, flowers, organist and funeral stationery. 3Most people die of natural causes. However, if the death is sudden and unexpected, the Coroner may need to be informed e.g. if the doctor did not see the deceased at least 28 days before the death occurred or if the doctor is unhappy about the cause of death. The Coroner will decide if a post-mortem is necessary. If after a post-mortem the cause of death cannot be established, an inquest may be held.

To register a death, you must bring a medical certificate stating the cause of death to the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths most convenient to you, within three months of the date on which the death occurred. The following information is required in order to register the death

When someone dies someone has to deal with their estate (the money, properties and possessions left) by collecting in all the money, paying any depts and distributing the estate to those entitled.
The probate registry issues the document which is called A GRANT OF REPRESENTATION.

1. Probate issued to one or more of the executors named in the will
2. Letters of administration (with will) issued when there is a will, but no executor named or unable to deal with the estate.
3. Letters of administration issued when the deceased has not made a will or it is not valid.

Organisations holding money in the deceased’ name need to know to whom the money is to be paid. The distribution of the estate is the responsibility of the person named on the deed.

A grant is sometimes not needed if the deceased money will be released without the holder seeing a grant, when the amount held is small and there are no complications.

In most circumstances, it is advisable for you to consult a solicitor both to relieve you of many worries and to take control of wills, problems of intestacy, outstanding debts, grants and letters of administration. A solicitor could save you a great deal of unnecessary trouble and eventually save you money. If known that a will was made, it is important that the contents be ascertained as soon as possible after death as it may contain instructions regarding the funeral arrangements. A will may be among personal papers, with the bank o solicitor for safe keeping. If a solicitor has been consulted by the deceased in the recent past it is important that you contact them without delay.