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Our online will writing service was created to make the process of creating a will quick, easy, and stress-free. You'll learn everything you need to know about creating a will and safeguarding your family's future in this section.

How to make a will

<h2><strong>Is it important to </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/create-will" tt-mode="url" title="Create a will "><strong>make a will</strong></a><strong>?</strong></h2><h3><strong>Making a will as a parent</strong></h3><p>The best method to have a voice in what happens when you die is to write a will. If you have children under the age of 18, this is critical because it allows you to name who you wish to be their legal guardian in the event that something happens to you. Without a will, the courts may have to decide who would care for them.</p><h3><strong>Making a will as a homeowner</strong></h3><p>A will also allows you to specify how you wish your estate, including any property or funds, to be divided. You can make an inventory of your possessions and specify how much you want others to inherit, avoiding family feuds when you pass away.</p><h2><strong>What happens if you die and you don’t have a will?</strong></h2><p>When a loved one dies without a will, it costs families on average £9,700. This is typically made up of assets they can't locate or are unaware of. When you create a will using Simpwill, you can include an asset inventory so that your loved ones know where to look for everything.</p><p>If you die without making a will, any assets that are discovered will be split according to intestacy laws. These are a system of conventional laws that determine who gets what, although they may not always reflect your wishes.</p><h2><strong>Do you need a solicitor?</strong></h2><p>Many individuals believe that writing a will necessitates seeing a solicitor. However, if your needs are clear and easy, you may end up paying more than you need to.</p><p>Our online will writing tool allows you to name guardians for your children, select executors, create an asset inventory, and specify how you want your estate to be divided. It also allows you to leave gifts, personal comments, and funeral wishes for those you care about. Simpwill charges £80 for this service, while a solicitor may potentially charge over £200.</p><h2><strong>What information do I need to put in my will?</strong></h2><h3><a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides/9-appointing-a-legal-guardian-in-your-will" tt-mode="url" title="Legal guardians"><strong>Legal guardians</strong></a></h3><p>If you have children under the age of 18 or own a pet, you can name legal guardians in your will. This allows you to choose who would look after them if you were no longer around. If you died unexpectedly without writing a will, the courts would have to make this judgement.</p><p>Even if your guardians are unlikely to be called upon, it's still crucial to pick the right person (or persons) for the task. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, and close friends are common choices, but you should talk to them about it before adding them in your will.</p><p>More information about designating legal guardians can be found here.</p><h3><strong>Inventory of your estate</strong></h3><p>Millions of people in the United Kingdom put off writing a will because they are afraid of having to rummage through documentation for all of their accounts, houses, and assets - but this is not the case.</p><p>When you use Simpwill to create a will, you'll be asked to create a basic inventory of your estate. Simply make a list of all of your assets, such as 'Barclays Bank Account.' This is so that your executors will know where to look while dealing with your estate. Because you won't be asked for account numbers or the amount of each account, this portion of the procedure should only take a few minutes.</p><p>Find out more about dividing your estate.</p><h2><strong>Your executors</strong></h2><p>Before you draft your <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/blog/2-when-theres-a-will-theres-a-lot-to-think-about" tt-mode="url" title="writing a will">will</a>, you should think about who you want to name as executors. These are the people in charge of following your will's instructions.</p><p>Most people think of their partner first, but this can be an unwanted burden at a time when things are already difficult. Alternatives for executors include adult children, siblings, close friends, and professional executor services.</p><p>The most important element to consider when appointing executors for your will is whether or not they are willing to deal with the paperwork and finances involved.</p><p>Find out more about naming executors.</p><h2><strong>Should you leave funeral wishes?</strong></h2><p>You can incorporate funeral requests in your will using our <a target="_self" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides/6-what-happens-if-i-dont-have-a-will" tt-mode="url">online will writing service</a>. This step is entirely optional, but it can significantly reduce family disagreements about your funeral after you pass away.</p><p>You can choose your final resting spot, the type of funeral you want, and even the songs that will be played throughout the ceremony. While these requests aren't legally enforceable like the rest of your will, they can make your family feel confident that they're making the best decisions possible after you're gone.</p>

Writing a will and why it is so important? What do you put in a will?

Is it important to make a will?

What happens if I don't have a will?

Before making a will, here's everything you need to know.

<p>In the United Kingdom, about 30 million adults have not written a will. While many would most likely put it off until later in life, it is inescapable that some may pass away before they get the chance to do so.</p><p>When a person dies without leaving a will, it is known as intestacy. This is also the label given to those who have a will that isn't well-drafted and doesn't cover their full estate, or who write a will but don't have it witnessed to make it legally binding. When a person dies without leaving a will, the intestacy rules apply.</p><h2><strong>Rules of intestacy</strong></h2><p>The rules of intestacy are a collection of rules that control what happens to someone's estate in England and Wales if they die without a valid will. Below, we'll go over some of the most common scenarios to show what might happen if you died without a will.</p><h2><strong>If I don't have a will, who inherits?</strong></h2><p>If you have lost a loved one without a will, you're undoubtedly wondering who can inherit their property. We've listed some of the most typical instances below to assist you.</p><h2><strong>Unmarried, without children&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Close relatives of the deceased inherit the estate in the following sequence of priority:</p><ul><li><p>Parents</p></li><li><p>Sisters and brothers</p></li><li><p>Brothers and sisters who are half brothers and half sisters</p></li><li><p>Grandparents</p></li><li><p>Uncles and aunts</p></li><li><p>Aunts and uncles' children (cousins)</p></li></ul><h2><strong>Unmarried with children and grandchildren</strong></h2><p>The estate is distributed equally among the children, with any step children being excluded. The parent's share can be passed down to grandchildren or great-grandchildren if one of the children has already died.</p><p>Karen, for instance, was divorced with two children, Matthew and James. When she died without a will, her estate was appraised at £540,000. Because James had already died, Matthew received £270,000, while James's £270,000 portion was passed down to his only son.</p><p>If James hadn't had any children or grandchildren, Anne would have gotten his share.</p><h2><strong>Has children and is married or in a civil relationship</strong></h2><p>Everything up to the value of £270,000 will be passed on to the surviving partner. If the estate is valued more than £270,000, the partner is entitled to half of the excess. The remainder is divided evenly among the deceased's children.</p><p>Dan, for example, was married to Mill and the couple had two children. His fortune was worth £400,000 when he died without a will. Mill received all of his personal belongings as well as the first £270,000 of the estate, leaving £130,000. Mill also received half of this, bringing her total to £335,000. The remaining £65,000 was split evenly between the two kids, who each received £32,500.</p><p>Note: If one or more of the children has already died, the parent's share can be passed down to grandchildren or great-grandchildren.</p><h2><strong>With no children, married or in a civil partnership</strong></h2><p>Everything will be passed along to the surviving partner. This is also true if the deceased person had stepchildren, as stepchildren do not inherit anything under intestacy laws.</p><h2><strong>Dealing with an </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/probate" tt-mode="url" title="Probate"><strong>estate</strong></a><strong> where there is no will</strong></h2><p>You may need to go through probate and file for a grant of letters of administration if you recently lost a loved one who did not leave a will. This will allow you to sell property, close accounts, and distribute assets legally.</p><p>In most circumstances, probate is handled by the individual who stands to inherit the most under the provisions of intestacy. The administrator is the title given to this person.</p>

Everything you need to know about Intestacy, a helpful guide to Intestacy

If I don't have a will who inherits?

Rules of intestacy

<h2>What does it mean?</h2><p>A person who died without leaving a will is referred to as "intestate." </p><p>When writing a will, a person has the option of selecting who should inherit their estate and how much each individual should receive. Many people prefer to leave everything to their spouse, civil partner, or children, but extended family, friends, and charities are also viable possibilities.</p><p>When a person dies intestate, there are no legally binding wishes as to what should happen to their estate. Intestacy rules apply when a person dies without leaving a will.</p><h2>Rules of instestacy</h2><p>The rules of intestacy are a set of laws that control what happens to a person's estate in England and Wales when they die intestate. They usually work well for traditional families with set rules, although unmarried partners, cohabitees, and stepchildren may have greater difficulties.</p><h2>When someone dies without a will, who inherits? </h2><p>When someone dies without a will, their estate is passed down to the next of kin. When a person dies without leaving a will, the rules of intestacy determine who will be the legal next-of-kin. The guidelines also define the amount that the next-of-kin can inherit.</p><p>After any obligations and responsibilities have been paid, an 'estate' is all the money and property that a person had at the time of their death.</p><h2>Unmarried and has no children</h2><p>If a person dies intestate and has no children, their estate is divided among their close relatives in the following order of priority:</p><ul><li><p>Parents</p></li><li><p>Brothers or sisters with the same parents as the individual who died have already died, their share will be passed on to their children.</p></li><li><p>Half brothers or sisters have already died, their share will go to their children.</p></li><li><p>Grandparents</p></li><li><p>Aunts and uncles whose parents are the deceased person's grandparents — if any aunts and uncles have already passed away, their share will be passed down to their offspring.</p></li><li><p>Half aunts or uncles with one parent who is the deceased person's grandparent have already passed away, their share will be passed down to their children.</p></li></ul><h2>Do i not need to make a will under the rules of instestacy? </h2><p>The guidelines are in place as a safety net to ensure that funds are delivered to the right people. The regulations, however, are nearly a century old and do not sufficiently account for more modern family scenarios such as unmarried couples or parents with stepchildren.</p><p>Aside from having a say in who inherits your fortune, there are a few additional compelling reasons to make a will:</p><ul><li><p>Choosing the right person to manage your assets when you pass away</p></li><li><p>legal guardianships for minors under the age of 18</p></li><li><p>Leaving gifts and messages for your loved ones</p></li><li><p>Write down your funeral wishes to assist your family in organising a personal send-off</p></li><li><p>Making an inventory of your belongings so that your family knows where your money is – which can then be maintained in your will.</p></li></ul><h2>Under the rules of intestacy, who does not inherit?</h2><p>The following people are not eligible to inherit anything under the rules of intestacy:</p><ul><li><p>When someone dies without a will, only married spouses or partners in a civil relationship can inherit.</p></li><li><p>Cohabitees: Those who lived with the person who died, even if they cohabited for many years, are not entitled to inherit anything under the rules of intestacy.</p></li><li><p>Stepchildren: Stepchildren can only inherit if the deceased person lawfully adopted them.</p></li><li><p>Close friends: It is common for people to leave anything in their will to close friends, although they do not inherit anything due to the rules of intestacy.</p></li><li><p>Other relatives: any relatives with a lower priority under intestacy regulations, such as grandchildren if the husband and children are still alive.</p></li></ul><h2>Do children inherit according to intestacy rules?</h2><p>Only one of the following conditions must be met for intestacy rules to apply:</p><ul><li><p>Everything is divided equally among the children if the deceased person had no living spouse or civil partner.</p></li><li><p>If the deceased person's estate is worth more than £270,000 (or £250,000 if the death occurred between 6 February 2020 and 1 October 2014), the spouse or civil partner inherits the first £270,000 plus half of the remainder, with the children receiving an equal share of the remainder (the spouse or civil partner also inherits all personal possessions and is entitled to interest from the date of death).</p></li></ul><h2>When there is a will, may the rules of intestacy be applied?</h2><p>Yes, in some situations. A 'partial intestacy' can occur if all of the beneficiaries mentioned in a will have died and no substitutes have been named. This means that the estate that cannot pass through a will will pass to the next-of-kin under intestacy rules.</p><p>Beneficiaries are those who are entitled to receive inheritance from an estate.</p><p>People who write their wills can easily prevent problems like "partial intestacy." All they have to do now is make sure that substitute beneficiaries are included, i.e., who they would like to inherit if the original beneficiary died before them.</p><h2>Summary</h2><p>The rules of intestacy are a set of regulations that govern what happens to a person's estate if they pass away without leaving a will.</p><p>If the deceased person was married and did not have children or grandchildren, the surviving spouse or civil partner inherits the entire estate if they live for at least 28 days.</p><p>If the individual who died was married and had children, their spouse or civil partner inherits the first £270,000 (or £250,000 if the death occurred before 6 February 2020 but after 1 October 2014), plus half of anything over that amount. The remainder is divided evenly among the deceased person's children. In addition, the spouse or civil partner receives all personal property and is entitled to interest beginning on the day of death.</p><p>Intestacy rules prevent unmarried partners, stepchildren, and friends from inheriting.</p><p>Making a will is the most effective approach to ensure that you have a role in how your estate is distributed.</p>

Everything you need to know about instestacy, when it will be applied and the rules of instestacy

What is instestacy?

Probate meaning

<p>In as little as 15 minutes, you can appoint guardians for your children using our online will writing service. However, before making a decision, it's critical to grasp exactly what this entails. We answer all of the important questions you might have about naming a guardian in your will in this article.</p><h2>What is a guardian?</h2><p>A guardian is the person who is legally responsible for your children if you die before they reach the age of 18. If you don't name a guardian, the courts will ultimately decide what's best for your children, so naming guardians in your will is a terrific method to have a say.</p><h2>Guardians responsibilities</h2><p>A legal guardian is responsible for all of the tasks that a parent would normally do, including:</p><ul><li><p>Taking care of them until they exceed the age of 18</p></li><li><p>Providing them with a safe place to live</p></li><li><p>Keeping their diet and health in check</p></li><li><p>ensuring that they receive an education</p></li></ul><h2>Choosing legal guardians for your <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/create-will" tt-mode="url" title="Create a willl">will</a></h2><p>You can name guardians for any children under the age of 18 in your will. It's critical that the individual (or people) you choose are capable of doing all of the duties outlined above.</p><p>Even with your parents, siblings, and close relatives, you may still have a lengthy list of people to choose from. So here are some questions to think about to help you trim down your choices:</p><ul><li><p>Do your guardians hold the same values as your family?</p></li><li><p>Is it possible for your children to continue to engage in their favourite activities?</p></li><li><p>Is it possible for your children to attend the same school?</p></li><li><p>Do the people you've chosen to be your guardians have children of their own?</p></li></ul><p>The most important thing is that your guardians be at ease with their role, even if the possibilities of them being called upon are slim. So, before incorporating them in your will, always talk things over with them.</p><h2>Who can be a legal <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides/9-appointing-a-legal-guardian-in-your-will" tt-mode="url" title="guardian">guardian</a>?</h2><p>Anyone who does not already have parental responsibility for your children, such as your parents, siblings, or close friends, can serve as a legal guardian.</p><p>If your spouse does not already have parental responsibilities, you may be allowed to identify them as a guardian. There's no need to appoint a legal guardian if you were married when the child was born or if your partner was identified on the birth certificate.</p><p>It's crucial to remember that if you died unexpectedly, the child's surviving parent would be responsible for them completely. Only if there are no surviving parents with parental duty would your guardians be called upon.</p><h2>How many guardians should i choose?</h2><p>Most individuals name one legal guardian for their children when creating a will, but if they're a couple, you could wish to name two. You can also select guardians for each of your children independently, giving you complete choice over who your children would live with if you died.</p><h2>Can i change guardians in the future?</h2><p>You will be able to change your will at any point in the future if you use our online will writing service. When it comes to guardians, this is especially crucial because the people you choose now to look after them may be very different in a few years.</p><h2>Appointing guardians for your step-children</h2><p>Only if you have parental responsibility for your stepchildren may you designate guardians for them. You should not include them in the guardians part of your will if you have not been given parental responsibility.</p><p>This also means that if your partner dies unexpectedly, you will not automatically be responsible for your stepchildren. So, if you wish to continue raising their children, your partner should name you as a guardian in their will.</p><p>Important: If there are no surviving parents, a guardian is appointed. If the child's biological father is still alive and has legal parental responsibilities, the child's birth father will normally take complete responsibility for them.</p><h2>If both parents die, what happens to the child?</h2><p>If both parents die before naming a guardian, the courts will decide who will care for their children. It'll almost always be a close relative, but it might not be the person you'd pick.</p><p>If both parents die after naming guardians in their wills, the guardians named in the will will be contacted. They would then be in charge of your children until they reached adulthood.</p><h2>Appointing legal guardians in your will</h2><p>You can write a will in as little as 15 minutes from the comfort and privacy of your own home by using our online will writing service. You'll be able to appoint guardians for your children as part of this process. You simply need the person's full name and email address for this, but you may also provide their postal address or phone number if you choose.</p><p>After you've completed your will, our specialists will review it to ensure that your wishes are clear. Then you'll be able to print it, sign it, and file it away with the assurance that your children's future is secure.</p>

Everything you need to know about legal guardians and how you appoint a guardian

What is a legal guardian?

Arranging a funeral

Appointing a legal guardian in your will

<p>We're a pet-obsessed nation. Pets play an important role in our lives, from viewing wild cat videos on the internet to snuggling up on the couch with our canines. It's only natural as we become older to want to make sure they're in excellent hands after we're gone.</p><p dir="ltr">You can be terminally ill and concerned about your pet's well-being. Perhaps you've recently purchased a puppy and want to know how they'll be cared for if you pass away unexpectedly. Writing a will, for whatever reason, is an excellent method to ensure that your pets are cared for when you pass away. You can complete your will in as little as 15 minutes by using our online will writing service.</p><p dir="ltr">Everything you need to know about naming guardians for your pets in your will is right here.</p><p dir="ltr"></p><p dir="ltr"></p><h2><strong>Why you should appoint a pet's legal guardian.</strong></h2><p>Pets are really important in our life. They are very much like an additional (furry) small child for your children to play with for parents. They can also provide much-needed companionship for ageing persons who live alone.</p><p>Our dogs offer us so much affection while we're living that it's only fair that we make sure they're taken care of when we're gone. You may rest easy knowing your pet will be adored after you're gone if you write a will and choose a legal guardian for them.</p><p>If you don't leave a will, your pets may end up in a shelter or rescue centre if no one wants to look after them. In the worst-case scenario, unwanted pets may be euthanised. However, by creating a will online and naming a guardian, you may ensure that their future is secure. More information on what to include in a will may be found here.</p><p></p><p></p><h2><strong>How to pick your pet's guardians.</strong></h2><p>Most people seek close friends and family members when designating guardians for their pets. This is because your pet is likely to be comfortable with them, making the transition easier for your pet.</p><p dir="ltr">Even though you believe your sister would love to have your dog or your niece would love to look after your cat, you should talk to them first before creating a will. This ensures that they are aware of the obligation and willing to accept it.</p><p dir="ltr">Here are a few more things to think about while picking pet guardians:</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>1. What are the requirements of your pet?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">You shouldn't leave your large dog with someone who works full-time in the city if it requires multiple lengthy walks each day. Similarly, a cat that is accustomed to a peaceful, quiet environment may struggle in a home with children. Write down your pet's requirements to ensure you're selecting the proper individual, and then pick who is the greatest match.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>2. How much will caring for your pet cost your guardian?</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Food, treats, vet bills, insurance, and other accessories cost an average of £2,000 per year for a dog. It's crucial to examine who can shoulder the financial load when appointing guardians for your pets in your will.</p><p dir="ltr">You may elect to give your guardian some financial aid in your will to assist them with the costs of caring for your pet.</p><p dir="ltr"></p><h2><strong>Is it possible to appoint separate guardians for each pet?</strong></h2><p>If you have more than one pet, consider the benefits and drawbacks of keeping them together. The biggest advantage of keeping your pets together is that they will have some continuity when they relocate. The greater the responsibility for your chosen guardian, though, the more pets you have.</p><p>Making a detailed list of your ideal scenario and discussing it with your selected guardian is the best course of action. After all, people may feel comfortable caring for one or two dogs, but four may be too much for them to handle.</p><p>You can appoint them as the sole guardian of your pets if they agree with your decision. If not, you can select separate guardians for each of your animals.</p><p></p><h2><strong>In your will, you can name guardians for your pets.</strong></h2><p dir="ltr">Our online will writing service makes appointing guardians for your dogs simple and convenient - all from the comfort and privacy of your own home.</p><p dir="ltr">Follow the easy steps outlined here to get started. We'll ask you to include the names of any pets you have in your will as you're composing it. In the guardians sections of your will, you'll be able to name who you chose to watch after each pet. This part will also include your children if you have any.</p>

When i die, what happens to my pets?

Will writing tips

Probate can be a difficult process, but our experts are here to help you through it. You'll learn everything you need to know about probate and dealing with someone's estate in this section.

How to apply for probate

<p>One of the most difficult things any of us will ever have to go through is losing a loved one, and having to apply for probate is a big part of that. However, before you begin your application, you must first comprehend the nature of probate, the major processes involved, and the numerous documents you may be required to submit.</p><h2>What does probate mean?</h2><p>Probate is a legal document that is required in around half of all deaths in the United Kingdom. It's used to prove to banks, the Land Registry, and other institutions that you have the authority to handle a person's estate.</p><h2>What is <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/probate" tt-mode="url" title="Probate">probate</a>?</h2><p>A grant of probate is a legal document that establishes your authority to manage someone's estate. If you're the executor of a will, you may need to file for a grant of probate to gain access to the estate. You'll be able to sell property, pay off debts, liquidate accounts, and distribute assets according to the will once it's been authorised.</p><h2>The process explained</h2><p>Obtaining probate might take anywhere from one to three months.</p><p>Dealing with the estate can take another 3-6 months, but if no property needs to be sold, this can be completed sooner.</p><p>The following is a rundown of the essential steps in the probate procedure:</p><h3>Step 1: Determining whether or not you require probate</h3><p>Probate is only required in 50 percent of deaths in the United Kingdom, therefore the first step is to determine whether you require it.</p><p>Probate is frequently required in the following situations:</p><ul><li><p>The estate is valued at more than £10,000 in total.</p></li><li><p>There are a lot of assets in the estate that are solely owned.</p></li></ul><h3>Step 2: Gathering information about the estate</h3><p>Once you've determined that you require probate, locate the will (if one exists) and compile a list of your loved one's assets. This contains items such as:</p><ul><li><p>Property</p></li><li><p>Bank accounts</p></li><li><p>Savings accounts</p></li><li><p>Pensions</p></li><li><p>Insurances (Life insurance)</p></li><li><p>Stocks and shares</p></li><li><p>Debts</p></li><li><p>Any gifts given in the last seven years</p></li></ul><p>After that, you'll need to call banks and other institutions to determine the worth of each item in the estate.</p><h3>Step 3: Applying for probate</h3><p>If you decide to appraise the estate yourself, you'll need to file for probate. Depending on your case, you'll need to fill out a probate application form as well as inheritance tax forms IHT205, IHT217 (if the date of death is on or after January 1, 2022), or IHT400.</p><p>Because these documents can be somewhat complicated, most people opt to have a solicitor or a professional probate company handle it for them.</p><p>Simpwill has teamed up with Countrywide Tax and Trust Corporation who specialise in all form of professional estate planning needs, including probate.</p><h3>Step 4: Attaining the grant of <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/probate" tt-mode="url" title="Probate">probate</a></h3><p>It normally takes 3-6 weeks for your application to be granted after it is submitted to the probate registry. This can take significantly longer if the forms have a few errors or there is a backlog at the register.</p><p>This will be sent to you once your application has been approved.</p><h3>Step 5: Dealing with the estate admin</h3><p>Dealing with the estate administration is the final step in the probate process. This normally takes 3-6 months and entails tasks such as:</p><ul><li><p>Filling out an inheritance tax return and paying any taxes owed, including inheritance tax, income tax, and capital gains tax</p></li><li><p>Putting the house up for sale and managing the sale – or handing the property to beneficiaries</p></li><li><p>Closing bank accounts and putting all of your money in one place</p></li><li><p>Getting in touch with pension providers to gain access to funds</p></li><li><p>Making a claim on a life insurance policy</p></li><li><p>Taking care of any outstanding bills owed by the deceased.</p></li><li><p>Giving the money to the beneficiaries</p></li></ul><h2>What is a grant of letters of administration?</h2><p>A grant of letters of administration is a legal document that establishes your power to manage someone else's estate. A grant of letters of administration differs from a grant of probate in that it is required in estates when there is no will. It may also be necessary if a will exists but the executors are unable to manage the estate. A grant of letters of administration with a will attached is known as a grant of letters of administration with will annexed.</p><p>You may need to seek for a grant of letters of administration before you may deal with a loved one's assets if they died lately and you stand to inherit the majority of their inheritance under intestacy statutes. You'll be appointed as the estate's administrator as part of this procedure.</p><h2>What's the difference between a full estate administration and a probate?</h2><p>When comparing probate solicitor rates, you'll likely discover a wide range of costs ranging from the hundreds to the thousands. That's because when applying for probate, you have two options: obtaining a grant of probate (or grant of letters of administration) or completing a full estate administration.</p><h3>Full estate administration</h3><p>Everything that goes into obtaining a grant of probate or letters of administration, as well as all the paperwork that occurs before and after, is included in full estate administration. Paying off debts and inheritance taxes, selling property, shutting bank accounts and collecting funds, claiming on life insurance policies, and distributing funds to beneficiaries are all examples of this.</p><p>Because each estate is unique, the cost of Complete Probate service varies by case.</p><h2>Summary</h2><ul><li><p>Probate is a legal document that authorises you to manage someone's estate.</p></li><li><p>It's required in about half of all deaths in the UK, and it can be required whether or not there is a will.</p></li><li><p>Probate normally takes between one and three months to complete. Dealing with the estate can take another 3-6 months.</p></li></ul>

Everything you need to know about probate, a useful guide to everything probate.

What is probate?

After a cremation, what can you do with the ashes?

<h2>What does <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides/16-who-is-eligible-to-apply-for-probate" tt-mode="url" title="Probate ">probate</a> mean?</h2><p>Probate is the legal procedure of dealing with someone's estate after they pass away. You'll receive a government-approved document that you can take to banks, the land register, and other organisations after completing this process. You'll be able to collect assets and distribute payments to beneficiaries with this authority.</p><p>You'll require a grant of probate or a grant of letters of administration, depending on your case. In some circumstances, probate may not be necessary at all — but we'll get to that later.</p><h2>What is the maximum amount of money that can be left before probate is required?</h2><p>In England and Wales, the probate level can range between £5,000 to £50,000. This is due to the fact that each bank and financial institution has its own set of rules about how much money they can release prior to receiving a grant of probate.</p><p>Below is a list of probate thresholds from the most well-known banking institutions:</p><ul><li><p>£50,000 Aviva</p></li><li><p>AXA Insurance - £10,000</p></li><li><p>£10,000 - Bank of Ireland</p></li><li><p>£50,000 from the Bank of Scotland</p></li><li><p>£50,000 - Barclays</p></li><li><p>£25,000 - Birmingham Midshires</p></li><li><p>£30,000 Britannia</p></li><li><p>£25,000 Cheltenham &amp; Gloucester</p></li><li><p>£30,000 Co-op Bank</p></li><li><p>First Direct - Determined on an individual basis. (£30,000 if the beneficiaries are children.) £50,000 if one of the beneficiaries is a spouse. Others may have a lower price, in which case you could contact First Direct.)</p></li><li><p>£50,000 - Halifax</p></li><li><p>HSBC - Determination is made on a case-by-case basis. (£30,000 if the beneficiaries are children.) £50,000 if one of the beneficiaries is a spouse. Others may have a lower rate, in which case you should contact HSBC.)</p></li><li><p>£50,000 - Lloyds TSB</p></li><li><p>£15,000 M&amp;S Money</p></li><li><p>£50,000 Nationwide</p></li><li><p>£25,000 - Natwest</p></li><li><p>NS&amp;I - £5,000 to £15,000, depending on the number of executors and the will.</p></li><li><p>£10,000 - Post Office</p></li><li><p>£25,000 - Royal Bank of Scotland</p></li><li><p>£20,000 Sainsbury's Bank</p></li><li><p>£50,000 Santander</p></li><li><p>£15,000 Skipton Building Society</p></li><li><p>£25,000 Tesco Bank</p></li><li><p>£25,000 TSB</p></li><li><p>£35,000 Virgin Money</p></li><li><p>£15,000 - Woolwich</p></li><li><p>£30,000 - Yorkshire Building Society</p></li></ul><h2>Is it necessary for me to obtain probate?</h2><p>Probate is necessary in roughly half of all deaths in the United Kingdom, and it can be required whether or not there is a will. There are two things you can undertake to see if you require probate:</p><h3>1. Determine the estate's worth</h3><p>You generally won't need to apply for probate if the entire value of the estate is less than £10,000. This is because banks are more prepared to provide lesser sums of money and assets in the absence of a formal government grant.</p><p>Banks and other institutions have been known to release up to £50,000 without seeing a grant in some situations. So, if you believe the estate isn't worth much, check with the individual corporations to discover what their probate threshold is.</p><h3>2. Determine whether the assets are owned jointly</h3><p>The next step is to determine who owns the assets. If all of the assets in the estate are jointly owned, such as property, bank accounts, and savings, the surviving co-owner will automatically inherit them. This implies you won't need to file for probate to get these assets released; all you'll need is a death certificate.</p><p>If the property was owned as tenants in common, or if there are other solely owned assets in the estate, you may still need to petition for probate. This could include bank accounts, stocks, pensions, and life insurance plans, among other things.</p><h2>Is probate required if there is a will?</h2><p>Whether or whether there is a will, probate may be required. You'll almost certainly need probate if the estate you're dealing with is worth more than £10,000 and comprises a number of solely held assets.</p><p>If the estate is worth less than £10,000 or consists only of shared assets (such as a mortgage or joint bank account), however, probate may not be required.</p><h2>When is <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides/14-when-is-probate-needed" tt-mode="url" title="When is probate necessary">probate not necessary</a>?</h2><p>If the estate is worth less than £10,000, probate is usually not necessary. Because most banks and building societies will discharge funds under £10,000 without requiring a grant of probate, this is the case.</p><p>When the majority of the assets are jointly owned, probate may not be required. This is because assets such as shared mortgages and savings accounts pass to the remaining owner immediately.</p><h2>How to Obtain Probate</h2><p>Once you've determined that you require probate and have a thorough understanding of the estate's assets and liabilities, you should file your application as quickly as possible. Because the government can take a long time to process applications, the sooner you submit yours, the better.</p><h2>Summary</h2><ul><li><p>If the deceased person's estate is worth more than £10,000, probate is normally necessary. For additional information, see our guide on what is probate.</p></li><li><p>Probate may not be required if the majority of the assets in the estate were jointly owned, such as a combined mortgage or bank account.</p></li></ul>

What does probate mean, a guide to everything about probate, is it required and how do I apply.

What does probate mean?

What takes place during a cremation?

When is probate needed?

<h2>Is there a requirement for <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides/8-probate-meaning" tt-mode="url" title="Probate">probate</a> between husband and wife?</h2><p>If all of the assets in the estate were jointly owned, there is no requirement for probate. This contains items such as:</p><ul><li><p>Property</p></li><li><p>Accounts in a bank</p></li><li><p>Building society accounts</p></li><li><p>Savings accounts</p></li></ul><p>However, if the estate contains additional assets worth more than £10,000 that were entirely owned by them, probate may be necessary. This contains items such as:</p><ul><li><p>Accounts with other banks and building societies</p></li><li><p>Personal savings accounts</p></li><li><p>Pensions</p></li><li><p>Stocks and shares</p></li><li><p>ISAs</p></li><li><p>Life insurance</p></li></ul><h2>Is it necessary to have probate between civil partners?</h2><p>Probate isn't required between civil partners for any jointly owned assets, including as property, bank accounts, building society accounts, and savings, just as it isn't required between married couples. This law applies to everyone with whom you have shared assets, including your husband, civil partner, acquaintance, or relative.</p><p>If the estate contains solely held assets worth more than £10,000, you may need a grant of probate or letters of administration before you can access them.</p><h2>What is the difference between joint tenants and tenants in common?</h2><p>You can own property with another individual in one of two ways: as joint tenants or as tenants in common. When dealing with your husband or wife's estate, it's critical to know the difference because it can affect whether or not you need to apply for probate.</p><p>We'll go through each sort of ownership in depth below to assist you figure out who owns your property.</p><h3>Joint tenants</h3><p>Each tenant has equal rights to the entire property if it is owned as joint tenants. This means that if one of the tenants passes away, the surviving renter inherits the entire property.</p><p>For those who are married or in a civil partnership, this is the most prevalent type of ownership.</p><h3>Tenants in common</h3><p>Each tenant owns a part of the entire property if it is owned as tenants in common. If one of the tenants passes away, their share of the property becomes part of their inheritance. This will then pass according to the terms of their will, or in the absence of a will, by intestacy.</p><p>Unmarried couples or friends taking their initial steps on the property ladder prefer this style of ownership, however married couples and civil partners can also own property as tenants in common.</p><h2>If you're the executor of your husband or wife's estate, here's how to get <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/probate" tt-mode="url" title="Probate">probate</a></h2><p>You may need to petition for probate before you may administer your spouse's or civil partner's estate if you were named executor in their will.</p><p>We'll go over the most important measures to take before closing accounts and distributing assets to beneficiaries.</p><h3>1. Determine the value of the estate</h3><p>You'll need to create a picture of your spouse's or civil partner's estate in order to determine whether probate is required. Property, bank and building society accounts, savings, loans, stocks and shares, life insurance, and pensions are all examples of this.</p><p>If you have solely owned assets worth more than £10,000, you'll almost certainly need to obtain a grant of probate before distributing payments to beneficiaries. For some organisations, however, this figure may be higher.</p><h3>2. Submit an application for probate</h3><p>You'll need to prepare your probate application once you've determined that you require a grant of probate. It's critical to get started right away so that beneficiaries don't have to wait for their inheritance.</p><h3>3. Administer the estate</h3><p>You can begin closing accounts, selling or transferring property, and distributing assets to the beneficiaries designated in the will once your grant of probate has been approved.</p><p>If the estate is straightforward, you may be able to handle it on your own. However, if there are several accounts to manage or inheritance tax to pay, this process can become extremely complicated.</p><h2>How do you become the executor of your husband or wife's estate?</h2><p>If your husband, wife, or civil partner died without a will, the rules of intestacy will apply to you. This means that you will receive the first £270,000 of their estate, plus 50% of whatever is left.</p><p>As the estate's primary beneficiary, you'll need to apply to be the administrator. You will receive a grant of letters of administration at the conclusion of this process. This will give you the legal authority to deal with their estate in the same way that an executor does when a will is present.</p>

Everything you need to know about probate. What is probate and do I need it?

Help guide for probate

What is the cost of a funeral?

If my husband or wife dies, do I require probate?

<p><a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/probate" tt-mode="url" title="Probate">Probate</a> is necessary in about half of all deaths in the United Kingdom, and it can be required whether or not the deceased individual left a will.</p><p>If a will exists, the executor is normally in charge of obtaining a grant of probate. In the absence of a will, the person who stands to inherit the most (referred to as the administrator) applies for letters of administration.</p><p>We'll go over this in greater detail below so you can figure out who needs to apply for probate in your scenario.</p><h2>If there is a will, who can apply for probate?</h2><p>If the person who died made a will and nominated you as an executor, you can petition for probate. It's customary for the person making a will to inform their executors of their appointment, but double-check the will to be sure. A grant of probate is the document you'll get at the end of this procedure.</p><p>If the executors designated in the will have died, the court will have to appoint an administrator. Again, depending on what's left in the will, this is frequently the beneficiary who stands to inherit the most.</p><p>If the executors designated in the will have lost mental capacity, such as if they have dementia, you may have to go through a similar procedure. If there are no remaining executors with mental capacity, the court will appoint an administrator. This could be a person with power of attorney for an executor who lacks capacity, or a person authorised by the Court of Protection to file an application.</p><p>You can petition the court to have the executors of the estate removed if the executors specified in the will refuse to apply for probate. This is normally handled by a close family who stands to inherit the most, such as the deceased's partner or adult child.</p><h2>If the deceased person did not leave a will, who can file for probate?</h2><p>Someone will need to apply for a grant of letters of administration if probate is necessary but there is no will. Under the norms of intestacy, a collection of traditional laws specifying what happens to your inheritance when you die without a <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/create-will" tt-mode="url" title="Create a will">will</a>, this is usually the individual who stands to inherit the most. If the deceased person had a live spouse or civil partner, the application will be handled by them.</p><p>If the spouse or civil partner has died or is unable to apply for the grant, the application must be submitted by another family member. Based on their relationship with the individual who died, you can see who commonly bears responsibility next in the list below:</p><ul><li><p>Children (or grandkids over the age of 18 if children have died) (this includes any children adopted by the deceased person but excludes step-children)</p></li><li><p>Parents</p></li><li><p>Siblings (or nieces and nephews over 18 if siblings have died)</p></li><li><p>Siblings who are half-brothers and half-sisters (or nieces and nephews over 18 if half-siblings have died)</p></li><li><p>Grandparents</p></li><li><p>Uncles or aunts</p></li><li><p>Aunts and uncles' children (cousins)</p></li></ul><h2>What are the responsibilities of the executor or administrator?</h2><p>The personal representative (also known as the executor or administrator of the estate) is in charge of petitioning for probate and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. This can include, but is not limited to, the following steps:</p><ul><li><p>Locating any financial records that belonged to the deceased</p></li><li><p>Sending a copy of the death certificate to banks, building societies, the Land Registry, share registrars, and other financial institutions where the deceased person's money is held.</p></li><li><p>requesting that banks place a hold on accounts so that no money can be taken without proper legal permission</p></li><li><p>Establishing a bank account in the name of the estate</p></li><li><p>Obtaining information about any money owed to the deceased</p></li><li><p>Obtaining information about any money or debts owing by the deceased</p></li><li><p>Making a detailed account of the estate's property, money and goods, and debts</p></li><li><p>calculating the amount of inheritance tax due and making arrangements to pay it</p></li><li><p>If you're asking for probate on your own, you'll need to prepare and transmit the necessary documentation to the probate register and HM Revenue and Customs.</p></li><li><p>Collecting money from any banks, building societies, insurance companies, and pensions that make up the estate after receiving the grant of probate (or grant of letters of administration).</p></li><li><p>Transferring property and shares to beneficiaries or selling them</p></li><li><p>Debts, expenditures, and fees, such as lawyers' fees, are paid out of the estate.</p></li><li><p>Distribution of the estate according to the will or intestacy regulations</p></li></ul>

Everything you need to know about probate.  Who can apply for probate? Who can file for probate? What is probate?

Who is eligible to apply for probate?

You can arrange a funeral from the comfort of home with Simpwill. In this guide, we’ll explain the options available, how much it costs and what you can do with the ashes after the service.

How to arrange a funeral

<p>Funeral costs have increased in the last decade, forcing one out of every eight families to go into debt to pay for them. As a result, the number of alternative, more economical funeral solutions available in the UK has exploded.</p><h3>Arranging a funeral</h3><h2>Step 1: Choosing what type of <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides" tt-mode="url" title="Guides">funeral</a> you want</h2><p>Is it better to be buried or cremated? Is it better to have a more traditional service or something more personalised? There are a variety of funeral services to choose from. When it comes to funeral arrangements, the first thing to consider is what your loved one would have preferred. Many families are reluctant to discuss such matters, but you may be able to locate information about their funeral preferences in their will.</p><p>If your loved one didn't leave a will, or you're preparing to assist your family in planning your own burial, you'll want to start by learning about the various forms of funerals available in the UK.</p><p>The following are the most popular choices:</p><h3>Cremation service</h3><p>The most popular style of funeral in the United Kingdom is a cremation service, sometimes known as a funeral service. It usually takes place in a cremation chapel, allowing you to say your goodbyes in a beautiful environment with the people you care about.</p><p>The cost of a <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides/12-what-takes-place-during-a-cremation" tt-mode="url" title="cremation">cremation</a> service varies depending on your preferences and where you live in the United States. However, if you want to personalise the coffin or hire limos to transport everyone to the wake, it might cost more than £5,000.</p><h3>Direct cremation</h3><p>For many years, direct cremation has been a low-cost funeral option, but it grew in popularity in 2016 after David Bowie pre-arranged for one following his death.</p><p>What is a direct cremation, exactly? In a nutshell, it's a way to receive your loved one's ashes without having to hold a funeral.</p><p>Your loved one is taken from their place of death and cremated privately in a crematorium. This provides you with the time and freedom to make your own family arrangements. After that, the ashes are given to you in a lovely, temporary urn. After that, you can hold your own memorial service before spreading or exhibiting the ashes at home.</p><h3>Traditional burial</h3><p>When most people think of preparing a funeral, they envision a typical burial service. This is followed by a viewing or visitation at a church, funeral home, or other event location, when family and friends can say their goodbyes and pay their respects.</p><p>A formal funeral ceremony follows, which may include prayers, readings, eulogies, and music. After the service, the deceased is brought to the cemetery, where he or she is buried in front of family and friends. A funeral reception may be held as part of this event.</p><h3>Woodland burial</h3><p>Instead of a standard cemetery plot, a woodland burial involves burying someone in a natural setting such as a woodland, meadow, or orchard.</p><p>People prefer woodland graves for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is to minimise the environmental impact of the burial. Natural burials are a subset of forest graves that are devoted solely to this purpose.</p><p>It's important to note that each woodland burial location has its own set of laws and services. Most sites, for example, allow minor memorial markers, but some do not allow any alterations to the surrounding environment.</p><h2>Step 2: Calculating how much the funeral will cost</h2><p>The typical cost of a funeral in the United Kingdom varies based on the style of ceremony you want, so it's important to set a budget that you and your family are happy with ahead of time.</p><h3>The cost of a <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides/12-what-takes-place-during-a-cremation" tt-mode="url" title="cremation">cremation</a></h3><p>Cremation services cost an average of £3,250. This includes everything from funeral directors to crematoriums and funeral services. However, if you wish to customise things like flowers or the coffin, the price is likely to increase.</p><h3>The cost of a direct cremation</h3><p>For a fixed upfront charge of £895, you can arrange for a direct cremation. You'll have more money left over after you've taken care of the cremation at a reduced cost, so you may plan a memorial with family.</p><h3>The cost of a burial</h3><p>For a modest package, the average cost of a burial is roughly £4,250. However, items such as flowers, headstones, cars, a coffin, and the burial ground cost can quickly add up, causing families to spend far more than they anticipated.</p><h2>Step 3: Deciding where to have the funeral</h2><p>If you're planning a cremation service, you might have a preferred crematorium in mind. If you'd rather have a direct cremation, the monument can be placed wherever you like.</p><p>Here are some suggestions for commemorating your loved one's life after a direct cremation:</p><ul><li><p>For a memorial with family and friends, rent out your local town hall.</p></li><li><p>Host a get-together at your home where everyone can raise a glass to them.</p></li><li><p>Visit your loved one's favourite beauty location and tell them all about it.</p></li><li><p>Spend a day at the beach with your closest family members and spread their ashes in the ocean.</p></li></ul><h2>How soon after a death should a funeral be held?</h2><p>After a death, a funeral is normally held one or two weeks later. If you choose direct cremation, on the other hand, there's no need to rush the memorial service. You have the option to organise a memorial at a time and place that is convenient for you and your family once the cremation has been completed and your loved one's ashes have been given to you.</p><p>This is especially useful if you have family who live abroad or in different parts of the country, since it allows everyone to make plans without adding to the stress of the occasion.</p><h2>Is it law for me to have a funeral?</h2><p>In the United Kingdom, there is no legal requirement to hold a funeral service, although there is a legal requirement to dispose of the body. In 2016, David Bowie experienced just this. Bowie disliked the concept of a sombre, traditional burial, therefore he planned ahead for a straight cremation following his death. His ashes were thereafter spread in Bali, as per his instructions.</p>

Arranging a funeral, everything you need to know

Guide to arranging a funeral

<p>In the United Kingdom, a funeral can cost up to £10,000, depending on the sort of service requested. Traditional burial is the most expensive option, costing on average £5,000, whereas direct cremation is the often the cheapest alternative.</p><h2>In the UK, what is the average cost of a <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides" tt-mode="url" title="funeral">funeral</a>?</h2><p>In the U.k., the average funeral costs roughly £4,800, but this varies greatly depending on where you live. You should expect to pay roughly £4,500 in the South West of England, whereas you'll pay closer to £6,000 in London.</p><p>This includes the funeral director and minister or celebrant, as well as all of the essentials for a typical cremation or burial. Extra fees for the memorial, the location, catering, flowers, transportation to the funeral home, order forms, and death and funeral notices are not included. These cost an extra £2,300 on average.</p><p>When the costs of planning a funeral, a memorial service, and registering for probate are added together, the average cost of dying approaches £10,000. As a result, more people are opting for a pre-paid funeral plan. These plans often allow you to pay for a funeral in monthly instalments, with the expense reimbursed once the funeral arrangements have been finalised.</p><h2>Are funeral prices increasing?</h2><p>In the previous ten years, the average funeral cost has more than doubled. As a result, one out of every eight families is now in debt to cover the costs of a loved one's funeral.</p><p>Wages in the UK have only increased by 20% during the same time period. Despite public indignation over rising housing, fuel, and utility costs, the average cost of funerals has increased at a far faster rate.</p><p>It's not all doom and gloom, though. As funeral costs climb, people are turning to alternate options like direct cremation to construct their own monuments at a fraction of the cost.</p><h2>The cost of a burial</h2><p>The cost of a typical burial is approximately £5,000. This usually entails the pickup and care of your loved one, as well as the provision of a plain coffin, a hearse, and the coordination of a brief funeral. However, it excludes an extravagant ceremony, so flowers, venue rental, and catering for the wake, as well as locating and paying for the burial place, would be extra charges.</p><h2>The cost of a cremation</h2><p>Funeral directors on the high street charge roughly £4,000 for a typical cremation. This includes the transportation and care of your loved one, as well as a basic coffin, hearse, and service. It also covers the doctor's expenses and any crematorium fees that must be paid.</p><h2>The cost of a funeral director</h2><p>A funeral director's charge can account for 50-60% of a funeral's overall cost, or roughly £2,500. However, depending on the style and scale of the funeral you're arranging, this can vary dramatically. If you're planning a large gathering, it'll likely take up a lot of the funeral director's time and thus be more expensive.</p><h2>What are the other expenditures associated with a funeral?</h2><p>The average funeral cost of £4,800 just covers the essentials, and there are other expenses to consider when preparing a memorial service.</p><p>We've outlined some of the most frequent funeral expenses, as well as their average costs, below:</p><ul><li><p>£1,200 for a memorial</p></li><li><p>£245 for venue hire</p></li><li><p>£408 for catering</p></li><li><p>£313 for a limousine</p></li><li><p>£184 for flowers</p></li><li><p>£88 for order of service cards</p></li><li><p>£82 for a death notice in the newspaper</p></li></ul><h2>3 tips to help you save on funeral costs</h2><h3>1. Don't feel compelled to choose more expensive solutions.</h3><p>When planning a typical funeral, you'll be given a variety of choices for the casket, flowers, and transportation. For many people, this can be challenging because it's easy to feel pressed into choosing more expensive solutions. Nobody wants to be the one who chooses the cheapest casket or floral arrangement for their loved one's funeral.</p><p>When organising a funeral, it's critical to remember what was significant to your loved one. A funeral, for the most part, is about commemorating someone's life, sharing anecdotes about them, and honouring their accomplishments. These are the types of things we frequently see addressed in our wills' funeral wishes section. People don't want to spend too much money on a formal funeral when a simple one will suffice — they just want everyone to gather together, listen to their favourite music, and have a few drinks.</p><h3>2. Shop around until you find a reasonable price.</h3><p>There's always a cheaper alternative for items like flowers and caterers - and remember that cheaper doesn't always mean bad. So, whether you're organising a traditional funeral with a funeral director or an informal memorial ceremony on your own, make sure you shop around for the best price.</p><h3>3. Plan your own funeral with a direct cremation.</h3><p>A straightforward cremation without a funeral service is known as direct cremation. Your loved one will be collected and cremated at a crematorium. Their ashes are then placed in a temporary urn and returned to you.</p><p>You have the freedom to plan a memorial ceremony that is perfect for you and your family – not a funeral director – by taking care of the cremation right away for a modest, fixed price. To keep funeral costs low, you may rent out the town hall, scatter your loved one's ashes in a park, or simply have a quiet gathering at your home. You have complete control over both the decision and the expense.</p><h2>What happens if I can't pay for a funeral?</h2><p>If you don't have enough money to pay for a funeral and receive benefits such as Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, or House Benefit, you can apply for assistance through the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments" tt-mode="url">government's Funeral Payment Scheme</a>.</p><p>Typically, this covers the entire cost of our cremation service, and we're always pleased to collaborate with them to ensure that you get the best service possible. More information about the Funeral Payment Scheme can be found here.</p><p>*SunLife's 'Cost of Dying' 2020 report was used to compile this information.</p>

A funeral how to guide - Everything you need to know about a funeral

A funeral explained, help with a funeral

<h2>The <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides/13-after-a-cremation-what-can-you-do-with-the-ashes" tt-mode="url" title="After a cremation">cremation</a> process explained.</h2><h3>1. How is the individual at the crematorium identified?</h3><p>A unique identifying number and physical tag are issued to each person who is taken to a crematorium. This is an important safety that allows you to trace them throughout the cremation process. It also provides assurance to your family that the ashes you get are those of your loved one.</p><p>At the crematorium, the medical documents and certificate are also reviewed. This is done to ensure that the cremation has been approved by a doctor and the cremation authority.</p><h3>2. What is the process of preparing a body for cremation?</h3><p>Any medical devices (such as a pacemaker) are removed from the body before it is cremated. It is always recommended that families remove any jewellery before collecting their loved ones, but a second check will be made at the crematorium just to be sure.</p><p>After that, your loved one is placed in a modest wooden casket and transported to the cremation chamber.</p><h3>3. What is the <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides/12-what-takes-place-during-a-cremation" tt-mode="url" title="Process for cremation">process for cremation</a>?</h3><p>Your loved one is placed in the cremation chamber once all of the forms have been authorised and the body has been prepared. The temperature is fixed between 1000°C and 1300°C. After the ashes have cooled, magnets are used to extract any leftover metal before a cremulator grinds any remaining bone pieces into a white powder. After that, the cremated remains are placed in a temporary urn before being restored to your family.</p><h2>How long does it take to be cremated?</h2><p>A cremation creates between 1kg and 3kg of ashes and takes about 2-3 hours to finish. Family members are permitted to see the cremation of the body as it enters the chamber, which is known as a "witness cremation." Families, on the other hand, rarely get to see the cremation process in action.</p><p>When the body is committed to the chamber during a funeral service, a curtain normally comes across. Family and friends frequently depart the crematorium at this time in the ritual.</p><h2>How long do you have to wait for the ashes after a cremation?</h2><p>After a cremation, it takes one to two weeks to receive the ashes. These are normally hand-delivered to you in a temporary urn if you choose direct cremation. The cremation ash may need to be retrieved from the crematorium or funeral home if you book a traditional cremation with a funeral director on the high street.</p><p>With direct cremation, the memorial service is held at a later date (typically with the ashes present), thus family and friends are not present during the cremation.</p><h2>After a cremation, what happens?</h2><p>The family is usually the first to depart the cremation after the service is completed. Depending on the family's preferences, a memorial or period of contemplation may be held, in which case guests and crematorium employees will depart. Depending on the cremation service you choose, the type of memorial you can organise and the number of persons who can attend may differ.</p><h2>Traditional cremation vs. direct cremation</h2><p>Direct cremations accounted for only 2% of funerals in 2016. By 2019, this figure had risen to 8%. Cost, personalisation, and convenience are just a few of the reasons for this unexpected surge in popularity.</p><p>We'll go through the main differences between direct <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides/13-after-a-cremation-what-can-you-do-with-the-ashes" tt-mode="url" title="Cremation">cremation</a> and traditional cremation in this article:</p><h3>1 The memorial service</h3><p>A funeral service is normally held at your choice of crematoria before the body is committed to the chamber in a traditional cremation. A funeral director is normally in charge of this.</p><h3>What kind of service am I able to get?</h3><p>The crematoria's available facilities for the service will vary, but you should be able to acquire the service you desire within reason.</p><p>The memorial service occurs after the ashes have been returned to the family via direct cremation. This is frequently organised by the deceased's partner, children, family members, or other loved ones, and can take place anywhere from your home to a favourite pub or restaurant.</p><h3>2 A farewell to oneself</h3><p>When planning a typical cremation, you'll have options for the casket, urn, funeral flowers, music, and readings, among other things. The majority of this, however, will need to be coordinated through your funeral director, and the service will need to be held in the crematorium.</p><p>When it comes to direct cremation, there isn't much of an option in terms of the cremation service itself. However, once you've received your loved one's ashes, you can plan a memorial that's appropriate for you and your family.</p>

What is a cremation and what is involved in a cremation?

The cremation process explained

<p>In recent decades, an increasing number of people have chosen cremation over conventional burial. Part of this is due to the increasing loss of religious beliefs in the United Kingdom, but cremation's freedom and flexibility is also a big influence.</p><p>Cremation has aided in making death and funeral planning a more personal experience for many years. It's one thing to think about where you'd like to be buried, but considering where you'd like your ashes strewn allows you to be much more creative with your wishes.</p><p>But why should we stop there? Families are beginning to take control over their loved ones' funerals, thanks to the fast development of direct cremation in the UK. We'll look at how you might plan your own memorial by opting for direct cremation.</p><h2>What is the best way to plan a memorial service?</h2><p>A direct cremation is one that takes place at the crematorium without the need for a typical <a target="_blank" href="https://simpwill.co.uk/guides/10-arranging-a-funeral" tt-mode="url" title="Arranging a funeral">funeral</a> service. This provides you the freedom and flexibility to create a tribute that is tailored to you and your family, rather than a funeral director.</p><p>Many people choose to display the ashes at the memorial service, allowing family members to pay their respects and say their goodbyes in their own way. You can also display the ashes in anything that completely suits your loved one's taste because you're planning it yourself.</p><p>We'll go through the most important topics to think about when planning a memorial service in this article:</p><h3>1. Pick a location.</h3><p>The first item to consider is the location of the memorial ceremony. If your loved one left a will, they may have included funeral intentions for the type of service they desired, so start there. If you can't discover anything in their will, or if they didn't make one, it's a good idea to chat to close family and friends about your alternatives.</p><p>Here are a few suggestions that might be useful:</p><p><strong>Town Hall</strong> A town hall or community centre can be an excellent option if you're expecting a large number of guests. This would allow you to book the venue, decorate it, and plan the cuisine ahead of time, similar to how you would for a birthday party or wedding reception. If you want the memorial to be private, it's also a wonderful alternative because you can guarantee exclusive access to the venue.</p><p><strong>Pub</strong> The advantage of creating your own memorial service is that you can hold it wherever you wish, including your neighbourhood pub. A pub is a terrific place to gather with family and friends, raise a glass, and exchange memories, and it may also help to make the memorial feel more like a celebration of your loved one's life.</p><p><strong>Beaches and parks</strong> An outdoor monument could be the ideal choice if your loved one was always drawn to nature and green spaces. You may enjoy a picnic in the park, a beach BBQ, or perhaps a lengthy walk with your entire family.</p><p><strong>A home or a garden</strong> Traditional funerals can be unsettling, so why not flip the script and hold the tribute in your own home or garden? This has the advantage of being a private, safe environment where family and friends may share and reminisce about the life of your loved one.</p><h3>2. Inviting guests</h3><p>Along with the venue, you should think about how many guests you'll need to invite. This can be problematic with traditional cremation because the funeral is usually held within a week of the person's death. Direct cremation, on the other hand, gives you the freedom to invite as many people as feasible.</p><p>If your family is dispersed across the country, or maybe the globe, you may want to hold many memorial services. Another advantage of having the ashes delivered by hand is that you may complete everything on your own time.</p><h3>3. Make it unique.</h3><p>If your loved one left a will, it's possible that they included funeral wishes in it to specify what they want to happen after they pass away. Here are a few items that individuals frequently address in their wills:</p><p><strong>The dress code</strong> Black has traditionally been the colour of choice for funeral clothes. However, as more people begin to view memorials as festivities rather than solemn occasions, colourful attire is becoming increasingly popular.</p><p><strong>Music</strong> One of the most effective methods to personalise your loved one's memorial event. You might create a playlist with their favourite songs, or simply play a select tunes that will always remind you of them.</p><p><strong>Creativity</strong> You and your family are the only ones who truly understand your loved one. So, whether they were a voracious reader, a seasoned baker, or a fan of football shirts, add a few finishing touches to make it a genuinely unique memorial.</p><h2>After a cremation, what can you do with the ashes?</h2><p>You are allowed to do whatever you wish with the ashes after a memorial service for your loved one. Here are a handful of the most well-liked choices:</p><h3>Display them in your home</h3><p>Your loved one's ashes are normally delivered in a modest, temporary urn after a direct cremation. After that, you can place them in whatever container you choose. If you want to keep your loved one's ashes at home, you can choose an urn or container that matches the decor of your home.</p><h3>Place them in a meaningful location</h3><p>If putting ashes on display seems a little too traditional, consider scattering them at an area that meant a lot to your loved one. Beaches, national parks, and the gravesites of close relatives are among the most popular places in the UK for scattering ashes. However, you should be aware that scattering ashes in particular locations may require permission.</p><p>Read our guide on how to scatter ashes for more information.</p><p>We also have a list of places in the UK where you can disperse ashes.</p><h3>Make memorial jewellery</h3><p>You may now make cremation jewellery out of your loved one's ashes in a variety of styles. You can have a jewel crafted for a ring or necklace out of only a small amount of ashes, or you can simply acquire some pendants or lockets to put the ashes in.</p><h3>Plant a tree in honour of the deceased</h3><p>If your loved one had a favourite park or beauty place, you may dedicate a memorial tree there in their honour. Along with memorial trees, many individuals prefer to put memorial tree plaques. This allows you to offer a few words to honour your loved one's life while also identifying which tree you planted in the future.</p><h3>Bury the ashes in the ground</h3><p>Another alternative is to bury the ashes in a cemetery, which is a more conventional approach. If you wish to keep your loved one close to another relative, such as their parents or partner, this may be the best option for you. You might even have a bespoke plaque or headstone fashioned to mark the location of the ashes.</p><h2>Is it acceptable to split ashes?</h2><p>It can be tough to decide who will keep the ashes after a cremation. This is particularly typical when the deceased individual has two or more children, all of whom desire to keep the ashes at home. It might be a good idea to split the ashes in this case.</p><p>A cremation typically produces 1-3 kg of ashes, enough to fill a large urn. Instead, split the ashes into a number of smaller, personalised urns for different family members. You might also make various pieces of commemorative jewellery, such as stones for memorial rings and necklace pendants, if you choose to preserve the majority of the ashes in one place. Typically, just 1-2 tablespoons of ashes are required.</p>

How to arrange a funeral and plan a cremation. A guide to everything you need to know about funerals