FAQs & Advice
Offering support and advice when most needed
Call us on 01530 441 144 (Available 24/7)
1. Close relative of the deceased.
2. Relative in attendance during last illness
3. A relative in the district where the has death occurred
4. A person present at the death.
5. The person arranging the funeral
The average cost of a funeral according to the SunLife cost of dying report 2024 is £4141.00
But we believe a funeral can be as simple or as extravagant as you wish it to be for your loved one, and our prices will reflect this. We offer a wide range of affordable options such as direct cremations from only £1350 and simple funerals from £2050
Stinsons handle the logistical details, including the collection and storage of the body, and obtaining necessary medical certificates. We collaborate with the family to tailor service arrangements and assist with official documentation, such as death registration by an authorised person. A specific date and time for the cremation at the crematorium are set, and as a gesture of respect, a single rose—either white or red, chosen by you or your loved ones—is placed on the coffin.
In the event of a death, numerous people and organisations need to be informed, including:
- Hospital and/or family doctor
- Social services and district nurses
- Car insurance
- Employer or professional association
- HM Revenue and Customs
- Social security
- Local council
- Utilities (gas, electric, water, telephone, internet)
- Credit card companies
- Banks and building societies (accounts must be closed, and any joint accounts must be amended appropriately)
- Investments and insurance policies (premium bonds are not transferable, which is why the Post Office issues a form that must be sent to the bonds and stocks office – for further advice, consult a financial adviser or accountant)
Cremation, chosen for about 80% of UK funerals, often raises concerns about emissions, with an average of 150kg of CO2 produced mainly from gas fuel. However what many people don’t realise is that on the other hand, burials, while not emitting CO2 in the same manner, pose pollution risks through embalming chemicals like formaldehyde affecting groundwater and non-biodegradable coffins releasing harmful substances. Even imported headstones add to the environmental impact.
So unless you are opting for a “green burial” a cremation can be the more environmentally friendly option
Embalming is a common funeral practice used around the world to preserve the body of a loved one. Although embalming is not legally required in most cases, it is often a common choice for open casket funerals or if family wish to spend time with their loved one. We will always encourage embalming in these instances.
In most cases there isnt a legal requirement to embalm a loved one’s body. The main exception would be if you want your loved one taken abroad (repatriation), or if they passed away due to an infectious disease.
When someone dies somebody has to deal with their estate (the money, the property and possessions left.) by collecting all the money, paying any debts and distributing the estate to those entitled.
The Probate Registry issues the document which is called a Grant of representation.
1. Probate issued to one or more of the executors named in the will.
2. Letters of administration (with will) issued when there is a will, but no executor named or unable to deal with the estate.
3. Letters of administration issued when your loved one has not made a will or it is not valid
Stinsons strictly adhere to the Code of Cremation Practice, ensuring each cremation is conducted individually with exceptional care and respect. We take immense pride in our meticulous approach. However, exceptions for joint cremations, such as for a mother and baby or twin children in the same coffin, can be made if the next of kin provides a written request.
In order to gain a refund and avoid confusion, it is advised to return certain items to the appropriate places following a bereavement, including:
- Passport (you can return to this Passport Office, UK Passport Agency, 5th Floor, India Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L2 0RD)
- Driving licence (you can return this to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB)
- Car insurance (you can change the policy holder’s name or get a refund)
Arrange redirection of mail at the post office.
You may need to cancel the deceased’s direct debits and deliveries that go to their home, these could cover:
- Television licence (you can call up and ask for a refund)
- Season tickets and club membership cards
- Dentist and opticians
- Gardener
- Home help
- Newspapers
Yes, we give the option for families and friends to choose between burial memorials and headstones. We can offer you beautiful designs and traditional craftsmanship because we work closely with an independent stone mason. This means we have a complete range of headstones to suit varying budgets and can tailor your needs to ensure their memorial reflects your loved one and is in keeping with the chosen location.
When making funeral arrangements, it is not always easy to determine what your future memorial requirements may be. Additionally, the burial site may require a period of settlement before the headstone may be properly erected. In these cases, it is recommended that the masons remove the memorial and take it to their premises for safekeeping. This also reduces costs in the long term, particularly if additional inscriptions are required.
The coffin is moved to the committal room, where crematorium staff verify the identity by checking the nameplate. An identity card is then assigned to accompany both the coffin and the subsequent remains until they are removed from the crematorium.
