Probate

Helping you with probate

Drakes of Torbay Funeral Service 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

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We can assist you in every step of the funeral and cremation arrangements so please ask us about any queries you may have.

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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?

Drakes of Torbay Funeral Service 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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I am especially grateful to the funeral director Stuart Drake, who talked me through everything I need to do. I was feeling very overwhelmed in the days immediately after my dad died and having his step-by-step guidance on the paperwork and various things that needed…

Kate Whitehead

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Stuart helped me so much with arrangements from start to finish.Kept in touch throughout and advised were needed. On the Day of funeral Mark contacted me and everything was conducted with such dignity and grace. Everyone was very professional and kind. Would highly recommend. Thank…

susan parrock

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Our family have used Drakes twice in the last13 years. I am pleased to say our recent experience was as good as the first time. Stuart and his team helped use through the process with calm and sureness. Stuart listened to what we wanted, gave…

Paul Bradshaw

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I couldn't fault Drakes in the way they managed my fathers funeral and how they dealt with the family. They were considerate, caring, respectful and truly understanding. Their help and guidance through this most difficult of times was appreciated greatly by my mother and the…

Brian Mullen

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A big thank you to Stuart and his team for making the wettest day so far this year into a positive experience for us! His attention to detail was outstanding, and made what could have been a terrible day due to the weather into a…

Ali Walker

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I wanted to say a huge thanks to Drakes for taking care of my mum. Both Stuart and Charlie have been professional and helpful from start to finish. Mums wicker casket was absolutely beautiful. The communication from them has been great. The service has been…

Sue Emma Gibson

Much Loved

I’ve used Drake’s several times over the years and they are outstanding. Always very professional,friendly and approachable. Nothing is too much trouble and Stuart was a huge help and supportive. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Drake’s.

Gill Smart

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Very nice service lovely people. Thankyou very much

Julie Waye

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This is my second time using Drakes following the death of my mother. I have nothing but praise and respect how I and my family were treated from the first telephone conversation until the end of the service.

Nick Bradley

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Thank you for your patience with us and for ensuring that all our wishes were carried out as we hoped

Susan and family

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