Probate

Helping you with probate

Dutton & Hallmark 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.

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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?

Dutton & Hallmark 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.

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Latest Reviews

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Simon was very kind, supportive and professional. He treated our Dad and the funeral with the utmost respect and efficiency. We felt totally confident that everything was in very capable hands and would go well.…

Lesley Douglas

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Simon was both professional and empathetic. We trusted him from the first meeting, I would 100%recommend this business to help you through a very difficult time.

Janette Nevin

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I was very happy with the overall running of Dutton and Hallmark from when two men came to collect my dad after he had passed away to arranging the funeral and letting us visit my dad to the actual funeral which went without any problems

Andy Dainteth

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Thank you Mr Simon, for your knowledge and understanding throughout the planning of the day and beyond. What a difference trust did make to the day. We all felt so comforted and secure with you and your caring team. You gave us strength. Your gentle…

Angela Bithell-Jones

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This is the second funeral Dutton and Hallmark have arranged for our family. A local Chester business with caring and supportive staff. The recommendations for a local florist and a celebrant were very good. A difficult day, made easier by the organisation and support provided.…

Heather Redhead

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Could not have asked for a more understanding and professional experience in dealing with the service for my father. Simon helped us in every step with early dealings being done remotely. Thank you

Mr A Hinde

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Dutton & Hallmark provided an efficient, caring and professional service. I could not fault one aspect of my father's funeral.

Andrew Davies

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Brilliant service from start to finish. I haven't had to arrange a funeral before so really didn't know how to go about it. I contacted Simon at Dutton and Hallmark, he was absolutely fantastic. He explained everything from start to finish and made all the…

Mr Shaun Jewsbury

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At such a sad and emotional time we felt that all the staff at dutton and hallmark were sympathetic and caring which definitely helped in such difficult circumstances. We would like to thank Simon who was with us on the day of our dad's funeral…

Jan Minshull

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The funeral of my aunt was the second time I commissioned Dutton and Hallmark as funeral directors, the first occasion being my mother's funeral just over a year ago. I found them to be compassionate, caring and above all, very professional. All details were attended…

Philip Parker

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