Probate

Helping you with probate

Gibson’s 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?

Gibson’s 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.

Predominantly dealt with Matthew who was so considerate, emphatic and extremely helpful in helping us as a family to give Mum the send off she wanted…

Sara Wigham

My daughter and myself were very happy with the funeral arrangements for my late husband. We felt looked after by the team. Michael the funeral director contacted us promptly and was there to guide and support us through the entire process.Whilst he was professional and…

Barbara Hughes

Matthew took fantastic care of us from beginning to end and every member of staff that we dealt with was kind, patient, supportive and caring. The whole service provided was excellent.

Joanne L

The professional service that Gibsons provides is absolutely perfect and they are best around. They are an experienced team that just make the whole process easy, thoughtful and relaxed. They communicate with families excellently, and we felt heard, valued and supported. The knowledge and experience…

Bees and Butterflies Flowers Florist

The service we received from Gibson Funeral Bishop Auckland, was excellent. Victoria came out to see us and guided us through everything efficiently which was a great help. Claire on reception was most helpful when I rang to add a few things. On the day…

Ann Glasper

Claire on the front desk was so very helpful and sincere. She made an awful time very bearable. Mark was very professional and all the team with him also, we were really impressed by the service received. The highlight was the two beautiful horses which…

Kathleen Pollard

Special thanks to Ian who helped and supported us through a most difficult time

Wendy Wilkinson

Excellent service from Ryan and Claire

Heidi Davey

Excellent service from all the staff. We were kept informed at each stage and the service itself was very well handled. Much appreciated the help at all stages when organizing the funeral and the service.

Jason

Michael was first class from our first meeting through to dad’s burial. He was so thoughtful and caring and made a very difficult time for us more bearable as we trusted him and he was always there to answer any of our questions. We couldn’t…

Marie Tait