Probate

Helping you with probate

Ashdown Funeral Services 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.

View pricing

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?

Ashdown Funeral Services 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.

Contact us

Latest Reviews

Google

From the moment we walked into Ashdowns to discuss arranging my mum's funeral I knew we were in the right place. Claire was amazing, she listened to us and from the first discussion we were on the same page on what we wanted for my…

Lorraine Deane

Google

I cannot begin to say how impressed and how amazing Kelly at Ashdown in belvedere was when my dad Derek passed away..Friendly,professional, understanding, reassuring & fantastic advice and always there when you needed advice or guidance during these upsetting times..She put a smile on my…

darren ricketts

Google

We can’t thank Ashdown Funeral Services enough, especially Kelly, for all their kindness and support during such a difficult time. Kelly was incredibly understanding and patient, explaining everything clearly and guiding us step by step through the arrangements. Everything was handled with such care and…

R A

Much Loved

Kelly was such a comfort throughout the whole process, making a difficult time so much less stressful. Toni and her team on the day of the funeral were amazing, helping everything run seamlessly - I can't thank Ashdowns enough for the help, support and hard…

Maddy

Google

My family and I would like to express a huge thank you to everyone at the team at Ashdown’s Belvedere. A few months ago (July 2025), my family and I used Ashdown’s services to bury my mother (rest in peace). From the moment we met…

Emmanuel B

Google

Would just like to thank and highly recommend everyone at Ashdown Funeral Services at Sidcup. Especially Claire for being so supportive and caring, and for going above and beyond with making my dad’s funeral so special for our family. Every request my mum had for…

JAY INNES

Google

We recently entrusted Ashdown Funeral Services with my dad’s funeral, and I cannot speak highly enough of the care and professionalism they provided throughout. From our first interaction, Claire was simply wonderful—empathetic, kind, thoughtful, and thoroughly professional. She was always incredibly responsive and on top…

Vince Lam

Much Loved

What an amazing company from start to finish especially your lady in the Belvedere office Kelly she made us feel so comfortable and relaxed at a very very difficult time she literally took the stress away in an instant. Kelly kept in contact with me…

Jenny

Much Loved

Ashdown Funeral Services provided outstanding support throughout the funeral planning process. Kelly was particularly helpful, handling most of the preparation work with great professionalism. She kept us fully informed about what needed to be done and guided us through securing funding, making a difficult time…

Randolph Horsham

Google

From collecting my mother from home to the day of her funeral Ashdown’s at Sidcup gave my mother the best care and respect and me complete support. Claire organised the funeral for me, making sure everything was perfect and was always on hand to answer…

Maree Field

Thinking about a Funeral Plan?

Choice

Choice Funeral plans enable you to arrange and pay for your Funeral Director Services in advance, which could provide peace of mind to you and your family.

Learn more

Funeral Notice, Donations and Tribute Service

muchloved

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

We're available 24 hours 365 days a year

Call 020 8294 2115 visit branch or arrange a home visit