Super Steve Earle
Well-known member
Don't forget if funds are frozen in a bank or b/s you can send the funeral expenses direct to them to pay.
Try and get a few copies of the death certificate. Everyone will seem to want one (banks etc). Sorry for your loss fella
Get an undertaker and he will give you various options on pricing and what he /she does for you. You will need to get probate to access his Bank account etc. This is the process that will drive you crazy and provide maximum aggro just when you don't need it.
Firstly, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time my friend. What you have done so far is correct, depending on your fathers financial arrangements, get as many copies of the certificate that you can. You'll find that you have to send copies not just to banks, insurance, DVLA, Passport Office but also to the utility companies changing the main account holder to your mum. In addition copies need to be sent to any companies he has direct debits with or credit facilities.
It's a very hard time but these thing need to be done as soon as you can. I know from experience as I have lost my mother and father.
Reading your original post, it looks like you may live in the Moulscoomb area, in terms of appointing a funeral director, Ian Hart is indeed very good but from a practical point of view, should you or your family wish to visit to say your final goodbyes, that will require a trip to Worthing. For both my parents, we used The Caring Lady Funeral Service in Lewes Road and the attention to everything was second to none. I believe the lady that owned the business sold the business apart from the parlour in Blatchington Road. She has left this to her daughter, Michelle Tanner who is now carrying on where her mum left off.
With regards to probate, if you visit the Probate office just off Edward Street, ask for a chap called Mick (sorry, don't want to give his full name out over this forum. Very good friend of mine and as a fellow Seagulls nut he will take you through the processes
Hope that helps my friend
Jimbo
You have all been so kind and helpful, my family and I are so grateful. We have contacted Ian Hart and are in discussion with him. Just the i's to dot and the t's to cross now. Thank you all.