Arranging a Funeral
Practical Matters to Take Care of
There are certain practical matters that have to be taken care of, we hope the information given here will be useful but please remember this is only a guide and we will be only too happy to answer any questions that might arise.
If the deceased has a solicitor, contact them as soon as possible. If not, check whether the deceased had made a will - there may be detailed information as to certain requests for the funeral. Find out if the deceased had taken out a prepaid funeral plan.
Once the death has been registered or in the case of a coroners case the Coroner has been informed, we will see to all other details as to the arrangement of the funeral.
How to Obtain Probate
When a person dies somebody has to deal with their estate (the money, property and possessions left) collecting in all the money, paying any debts and distributing the estate to those entitled. The Probate Registry issues the document which is called A GRANT OF REPRESENTATION
There are Three Types of Grant
- Probate issued to one or more of the executors named in the Will.
- Letters of Administration issued when there is a Will, but no executor named or unable to deal with the estate.
- Letters of Administration issued when the deceased has not been made a Will or it is not valid.
Why is a Grant necessary?
Organisations holding money in the deceased’s name need to know to whom the money is to be paid. The distribution of the estate is the responsibility of the person named in the deed. Sometimes a grant is not needed if the estate is small and there are no complications. Production of a certified copy of the entry of death will usually suffice.
Consult a Solicitor
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 or 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.
People You Should Tell
The local social services department if the person was receiving meals on wheels, home help or day centre care.
Local council tax department and the Department of Work and Pensions
Any hospital the person was attending
The family doctor to cancel any home nursing, appointments etc
The Inland Revenue
The social security office to stop direct payments into bank or building society accounts
Insurance Companies to ensure cover is maintained on a home or vehicle. Banks and Building Societies.
Services supplies ie. Gas, Electricity, Telephone, Water
Passport agency and DVLA
Local Cemeteries
Thornsett Municipal Cemetery New Mills
Glossop Municipal Cemetery
Buxton Municipal Cemetery
Macclesfield Crematorium and Cemetery
All local Churches
Local Crematorium
Stockport Crematorium and Cemetery
Buxton Road
Heaviley
Stockport
SK2 6LS
Tel. 0161 480 5221Macclesfield Crematorium
Prestbury Road
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK10 3BU
Tel. 01625 383948
Local Woodland Burial Options
Thornsett Cemetery, New Mills
Adlington Memorial Park, Adlington, Cheshire