Category Archives: Funeral Directors

A Lawyer to answer your questions in times of trouble

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Probate is the lawful process that takes place after someone dies which facilitates the distribution of their assets and settlement of their debts. When an individual dies, their property and assets (referred to as their estate) are left behind. Probate is the legal process used to identify, value and finally distribute the assets of the deceased person’s estate, in accordance with the deceased person’s Will (should there be one). While it is possible to handle probate without an attorney, it can be a complex and time-consuming process.

Lodge Brothers Legal Services Celebrates 5th Anniversary

The probate process starts when an executor or personal representative named in the will files a petition with the court initiating the process. If there is no will and no legal attorney to appointed to represent the deceased and their estate, the court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

During the probate process, the court will verify the validity of the will (if there is one), identify and catalogue the deceased person’s assets, firstly paying any debts and taxes owed by the estate and then distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will or, according to the law.

Probate can be a time-consuming and complex process, especially if the deceased person had a substantial or complicated estate. It is therefore highly recommended to work with an attorney who specialises in probate Sunbury to help navigate the process and ensure that everything is handled properly.

In some cases, probate Shepperton can be straightforward and simple, for example, if the estate is small, with few assets and a clear distribution plan, probate may be handled by the executor. However, if the estate is intricate, with significant assets, debts, or tax matters, or if there are disputes among heirs or beneficiaries, it is advisable to work with Lodge Legal Probate attorneys, who specialise in probate Walton and can assist with the navigation of the process. Working with an experienced probate West Byfleet attorney can help to ensure that everything is handled properly and that the estate is settled in a timely and efficient manner.

Lodge Legal solicitors will help you with the legal requirements of probate, including filing the necessary paperwork, complying with deadlines, requirements and communicating with the court and other parties involved in the process. They can also provide guidance on the distribution of assets and help to resolve any disputes that may arise.

It’s also a good idea to start thinking about making these arrangements once you reach the age of 18 years old. At this age, you may want to consider creating a will and designating beneficiaries for your assets, as well as selecting a person or persons to act as your executor, who will manage your estate after your death. It’s important to keep in mind that these arrangements are not set in stone and can be updated as your circumstances change. It’s always a good idea to consult with Lodge Brothers Legal attorneys to help you create a plan that suits your needs and goals.

Lodge Brothers Legal Services understands all the aspects of Probate

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The passing of a loved one can change your world in an instant. In one moment, everything is as it should be, and then within a heartbeat, it can all come crashing down. Sometimes we are prepared for the passing of our loved one in that we know it is coming but it does not take away the impact of that final moment when it actually happens. No matter how mentally prepared you may be, especially when a person has an illness for an extended period of time, there is always that sense of hope that things will be ok. When that call comes and hope dissolves, you need a support structure in place to help you navigate the unknown road ahead.

Grieving loved ones, are advised to include, in their support system, a probate legal expert.

When it comes to the legalities associated with the end of life, Lodge Brothers Legal Services probate Shepperton knows what is needed to the executor of an estate is responsible for the probate West Byfleet process which authenticates a last will and testament of the deceased person.

Should the deceased have a will in place, Lodge Brothers Legal Services have the training and expertise required to facilitate the court-administered legal process of probate Walton. Even more importantly, when an individual does not have a last will and testament, the process can become significantly more difficult. While families deal with the immense emotional grief which they must face when their loved one passes, Lodge Brothers Legal Services solicitors take care of the legal logistics.

There are 4 steps to the probate Sunbury process. Firstly, the will, should there be one, has to be proved for authenticity. This is required to make sure that the Will is the most valid and latest version. In order for this to happen, a case is filed at the court. Once the court has validated the Will, the court will be in contact with the relevant beneficiaries and creditors. Before the beneficiaries can inherit assess indicated in the Will, creditors will need to be paid. Thus clearing all debts and outstanding taxes, so that the court can process the remaining assets as stipulated by the Will. At this stage there may be objections raised either as a result of complicated family dynamics or resulting from the process whereby all debts were settled. Should the debts out-weigh the assets, beneficiaries would not be advised and this may cause financial and emotions stress for the family. Should the estate be unaffected by the debtors payments, an inventory of the properties and other assets such as jewelry, furniture and other possessions. The assessment covers everything from bank accounts affected by joint-tenancy with rights of survivorship, to distinguishing between probate or non-probate assets and properties.

At the end of the probate process the assets will be distributed according to the instructions found within the Will. The process of executing probate and closing an estate can be a long and difficult one and your Lodge Brothers Legal Services attorney will be available for consultation until such time as all details are legally finalised.

 

Simple Traditional Plan includes a fully personalised service

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Pre-Paid Funerals

While Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors have been operational since 1780, it is fair to say that there have been some changes in the way that funerals are held since the 18th Century and so too has the nature of what is expected when there is a funeral. Lodge Brothers has existed throughout many changes in requirements and are still able to meet the expectations of the loved ones and friends who attend a funeral. Often, the expectations of the family can conflict with those of the departed and so it is especially important for the wishes of the deceased to be honoured on the final day of their being.

Each person is unique in their lives and how they chose to live it and so too in death. Therefore, if there is something that you hold particularly dear or if you have strong feelings as to how you would like to be seen out, you are able to contact your Lodge Brother funeral directly to make the appropriate arrangements for your final event.

Lodge Brothers funeral directors near Horsley have many facilities to assist you to have the perfect funeral as you would choose it to be. As families we so seldom have these conversations with our loved ones and advise them of how we would like our funeral to look like. A common question is whether to be buried or cremated and often there is an indication of which would be preferable for the departed. However, this is usually where the conversation stops if it evens began at all. Understandably, there is a lot of fear and anxiety associated with funerals which hinders people from raising the topic. This is especially true when it comes to the death of a child or young adult. So often, more than not, those who are left behind in abject grief are required to make decisions that they simply would rather not face at their time of mourning.

No matter what your age why not look at your options for your funeral and decide for yourself how you would like to have your final send off. Lodge Brothers funeral directors near Merrow can assist you with funeral pricing and planning, as well as many related aspects of the day, from flower arrangements, floral tributes, and donations in lieu of flowers, to masonry, memorial books, and memory boxes. As it is your funeral, you will be able to contribute the ideas and aspects of the finer details of your funeral so that when it comes, none of your loved ones will be responsible for difficult decisions or unexpected financial costs. All these details can be attended by you in consultation with your Lodge Brother funeral directors near Ottershaw.

There are many new and wonderful ideas for how to celebrate the end of life and as celebrating the life of your loved one is widely known to be a vital aspect associated with the bereavement process and formation of closure so commonly well needed at the time of departure, why not take the time to look at your options and decide for yourself.

Set up a meeting with funeral directors

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English philosopher and statesman, Francis Bacon said “It is natural to die as to be born”.

The reality is that death is the natural culmination of all of life and affects everyone either directly, or indirectly at stages through our lives when we are faced with the passing of others. The desolation that the loss of a friend or loved one causes is profound and facing one’s own mortality can be distressing as well. It is not only the passing of friends and loved ones which affects our lives but the passing of global and cultural icons, such as Queen Elizabeth II, whose passing touch the heart of millions of people across the world in September of 2022.

At certain stages in history, the world has experienced death en mass, such as recently experienced because of the Covid-19 global pandemic which both shocked and stung many with the virus’s seemingly callous and unrelenting disregard for the very essence of humanity. No matter who we are, our time will come and when it does, it can ravish the lives of those left behind.

What can we do to mitigate the effects of our passing on others? There are practical steps which a person can take to make dealing with death easier, to a certain extent, for those left behind, easing the hurt and grief and allowing them the time to find the comfort they need to heal.

Here are three important, proactive things you can do to ease the strain on others when your time comes:

  1. Plan your funeral which will give you the decision-making capacity to ensure all goes according to your wishes when the time comes. After all, you know yourself best and you know what will work for you and your family so taking things in hand will benefit all.
  2. Set up a meeting with funeral directors such as Funeral directors Teddington, who are situated in several convenient locations across the UK for ease of access. Meetings can be done in person or alternatively online for ease of access. Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Virginia Water are experts who oversee, plan and coordinate all phases of funeral services, including body preparation, visitations, ceremonies, burials or cremations, while delivering compassionate assistance and advice.
  3. Choose your funeral in advance by choosing your required services as offered by Lodge Brothers, which ensures that there will be no hidden extras and which are customisable with various add-on’s which you can decide on yourself. Lodge Brothers can price match an unattended (direct cremation) or attended standard specification funeral, against local Funeral Directors based off a written quote.

Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Slough provide compassionate and practical guidance to their clients and provide funeral services which are personalised and specific for each family as with the years of experience, they know that the funeral day is a most important day for emotional healing and closure. Families across the United Kingdom have trusted Lodge Brothers with the execution of their most loved family members and friends, trusting them implicitly to ensure that every tiny aspect of the event is professionally and carefully taken care of.

Ask a Probate Lawyer

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Lodge Brothers Legal services is a team of dedicated attorneys who specialise in assisting with Lasting Power of attorney, Wills and Probate services. Inspired by personal attention Lodge Brother Legal aims to provide practical and caring services to all who reach out to them in their time of need.

Where a person is taking the proactive approach to their end-of-life management, or planning ahead for the protection of their families, they can be assured that they will have all of their questions answered and be provided with answers to questions that they didn’t know they had yet.

A probate Guildford process is one which deals with the administrative side of a person’s estate once they are deceased. This is something that most people will need however which few are aware of. Reaching out to an attorney to assist you with the process is the fastest and most accurate way of making sure that all T’s are crossed, and I’s are dotted. The probate Ashford process is approved by the Probate Registry which must take place before the process can proceed. There are 2 types of probate Feltham processes which is dependant on whether or not the deceased person has left a valid Will, or not. As long as there is a valid Will, the Grant of Probate will be required if there is an executor of the estate. This is where it is beneficial to have consulted with Lodge Brother Legal attorneys in preparation of this time, as they will ensure that the Will is valid and they will then be able to be nominated as executor of your probate process, keeping it simple and in the right hands.

Should a person die without a Will or the Will is found or be legally invalid, the Probate Registry will need to provide a Grant of Letters of Administration. When a person passes under these circumstances, the person is deemed to have died intestate and the administration of their Will will fall to the legal system to establish the most correct way to administer the estate of the deceased. It is highly advisable for a person to have their Will drawn up by professional attorneys who will ensure that there are no loopholes which may raise questions as to the validity of their Will. Those who are caught short in this area may leave their estate in the hands of the courts and as such, may result in intended recipients of the estate to lose out on what you intended to provide for them after your death.

A lasting power of attorney will assist in situations where, should you fall victim to a situation which may render you powerless to speak for yourself and advise what you would like to happen in the event of your death, whether you would like to be considered an organ donor, whether you would like heroic actions in the event of resuscitation and general provide guidance as to how you would like to be treated medically should you not be of sound mind to do so on your own behalf.

Lodge Brothers Legal Services Lasting Power of Attorney Walton

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One thing that you can be guaranteed of when you engage with a Lodge Brothers Legal attorney is that you will receive the personal touch. Lodge Brothers Legal Services Lasting Power of Attorney Sunbury are affiliated with the Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors family of companies with a unique past. In operation for over 240 years, the Lodge Brothers managed to grow throughout the UK for 8 generations, making them the epitome of the family business. As part of the services offered to their client base which spans the breadth and length of the UK, Lodge Brothers looked to increasing their funeral director services, with that of legal Services specifically related to the needs of the families who came to them, to say goodbye to their loved ones.

When a family member or loved one dies, dealing with estate administration can be a daunting task and is often the last thing on a person’s mind. Lodge Brothers  offer an efficient, professional and above all personal service to make your life easier at such a distressing time.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (“LPA”) is a legal document that lets you appoint another person, the attorney, to make financial and/or welfare decisions on your behalf, if in the future you become unable or unwilling to make your own decisions.

There are 2 types of Lasting Powers of Attorney:

Property and Financial Affairs

  1. gives your Attorney authority to deal with your property and finances
  2. can be used whether or not you lack mental capacity
  3. your Attorney will be able to manage your bank account, pay your bills, collect your pension and sell your home

Health and Welfare

  1. allows your Attorney to make welfare and health care decisions for you, including decisions about life sustaining treatment
  2. can only be used if you lack mental capacity to make your own decisions
  3. your Attorney can make decisions about your daily routine, medical care and care home

Click here to find out how we can assist you! Lasting Power of Attorney  Shepperton and Lasting Power of Attorney Walton

Lodge Brothers Specialist Highly Trained Funeral Arrangers are Waiting to Help

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Just as the cost of living increases from year to year, the cost of dying is no different. The SunLife cost of dying report for 2021, an annual sector-leading research paper, which has been providing a comprehensive overview of funeral costs since 2004, shows that the cost of funerals has continued to increase on an annual basis. One positive aspect however is that the increase of funeral-related costs has at least slowed down somewhat over the last 2 years.

The same report goes on to explain that the average cost of dying in 2021, depending on where in the UK you live, is £8,864 – that is down 4.3% since 2020.

Funeral costs are rarely included as part of the average family’s annual budget. The Lodge Brothers family of Coroners Woking, offer a variety of cost-effective solutions aimed at assisting families to deal with the costs, which arise when a loved one passes away.

Lodge Brothers Coroners Langley all offer a range of pre-paid for and planned funeral packages, with a suitable budget option for all, all of which are designed to alleviate the inevitable financial and emotional strain which is placed on families when a loved one passes away. What makes the difference is the Lodge Brothers pledge to ensure that there are no hidden extras to surprise you, after all is said and done. Lodge Brothers publishes a full list of all costs attached to funeral planning on their website for full transparency and will provide a detailed quote prior to proceeding with any of the funeral arrangements, so that the families of the deceased know and understand everything that they will be required to pay for.

In the case of pre-planned arrangements, the deceased has already made most of the tough decisions on behalf of their loved ones. In fact, any person who would like to make their funeral wishes known, can use the complimentary service on the website which is kept on file in the event of their demise, so that when their family choses Lodge Brothers Coroners Westminster, all of the hard decisions are already made ahead of time. Using this service does not commit anyone to a funeral plan with Lodge Brothers – it simply ensures that when you loved ones chose Lodge Brothers for funeral arrangements, the wishes of the deceased shared with the family who can then provide the funeral just as you would have, if you had planned it yourself.

Besides being able to rely on our 240 years of experience in the business of assisting families with funerals, when loved ones reach out to Lodge Brothers at their time of need, not only are they ensured of having full sight of what has been arranged and the cost of doing so, but they are also guaranteed many additional extra’s, which other Funeral homes will charge for, at no extra cost. Services such as afterhours attendance, arrangements for family viewings at the chapel of rest, delivery of ashes, additional staff or bearers, access to bereavement support and house calls, all come as part of the full service which you can expect to receive from Lodge Brothers across the UK.

Lodge Brothers – your trusted Funeral Directors in Send

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Planning a funeral can mean the end of a long road for some and for others; it can be because of something which merely came unexpectedly. Sometimes, it is simply the culmination of what is simply inevitable in the end. Standing witness to the demise of a loved one, especially in instances where there has been a progressive illness, which can sometimes take a long while  to reach its conclusion. Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors have stood beside countless families who have a loved one whose life journey has come to the end of the road. It is a unique combination of years of experience, professionalism, a thorough understanding of the business and infinite empathy, which enables Funeral Directors to assist with each person’s situation.

ANGEL WING    HANDMADE HEART MEMORY VIAL

Memorial Wings                               Handmade Heart Memory Vial

There is more to planning a funeral that one might think because depending on the situation surrounding the passing of an individual, there are many attached logistical aspects, which must be circumnavigated, sometimes just to enable the deceased to be brought to their final resting place.

A mother of two young boys, suffers with a particularly determined cancer of the liver, survives with her illness for a period of years, which far out-lasts the predictions of medicine, through sheer grit and determination that she will experience as much of the lives of her children as physically possible. Unhappily, her body can only sustain her dreams for so long and she passes in hospital on a Thursday, surrounded by her loved ones. A senior citizen, much to everyone’s amazement, fights and survives a near-death experience which perplexes even his doctors, then suffer a repeat incident one year later at which time he is let-down by the same medical equipment that was once his lifesaver and is sent home to finish his days in the peace of his home.  A young man is struck by a drunk driver on his way home from the office, leaving his estate intestate and his partner unprotected by his without an inheritance.

Each of these scenarios requires the intervention of a Funeral Director who, from the moment of contact, knows exactly what needs to be done for the family to be able to walk away on the day of the funeral, with the knowledge that they have put their loved one to rest in the manner, which they deserve. Lodge Brothers funeral directors are dedicated to ensuring that they provide a service which is seamless however because not all funerals are planned, the Funeral Directors Ottershaw ambit ranges from establishing what a client’s needs are, by listening and understanding what it is that the family needs and then will arrange, coordinate and oversee the event. Where families have special requests such as pre-burial viewings, cremations or modern funeral experiences, Lodge Brothers will fulfil these needs.

In addition to the event itself, your Lodge Brother Funeral Directors Slough will facilitate all administrative and legal aspects attached to finalising the estate which is especially important where a will hasn’t been prepared. Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Send are there for you from beginning to end.

Speak to Lodge Brothers about their fixed fee Probate service

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A great deal of anxiety and emotional distress can be alleviated when we take responsibility of preparing for the end of life. Leaving family or friends with this enormous responsibility, due to a lack of planning or inability to choose, may mean that someone else gets to choose for you. Taking on this responsibility for yourself, and not ignoring this (admittedly) large task, leaves your family and loved ones better off both financially and emotionally at the end of the day.

Parents can lead by example and show their children the value of being sufficiently preparing for when the time comes. Speaking about your wishes with your family will also help them by knowing what to expect when the times comes that you can no longer speak for yourself. Engaging with a Probate Guildford attorney means having someone who is able to assist you with the appropriate legal documentation, which will literally speak for you when you are unable to.

When it comes to choosing a Probate Ashford attorney, it is beneficial to find someone who is both empathetic and mindful, as well as being someone who is able understand and navigate the complex legal world. Lodge Brother’s Probate Feltham attorneys believe that the most proactive way of creating a voice for yourself is by preparing your Will in which you can clearly explain how your estate, your belongings and possessions, will be dealt with. Probate Woking attorneys understand that taxes and other costs will have an impact on the outcome of the final value of your estate and will advise you professionally and provide you with peace of mind.

Even though you may be someone who understands the importance of preparing a will, when faced with the task itself, it is not uncommon for a person to feel over-whelmed. Reaching out for assistance by engaging with a Probate attorney and charging that person with the task of assisting you with your Will means you have someone who neutral and knowledgeable to walk beside you and answer any questions that arise. Doing so also ensures that you do not become defeated by the task at hand by placing it on hold “for tomorrow. A Probate Sunbury attorney will also be able to advise you if your life situation changes and you wish to make amendments to your documentation.

In some cases, a person may seek the assistance of a Probate Shepperton attorney to help initiate a living Will, which is an advanced directive for your family to refer to, should you become ill so suddenly that you are unable to advise them yourself. A living will is also of great value, for example, where an illness like dementia leaves doubt in the minds of others, that your wishes are in fact actually what you desire. Your living will spare your loved ones untold anguish, preventing them from the responsibility of what might be perceived as their decision to end your life. Lodge Brothers Probate Walton attorney’s may be given power of attorney leaving you with the peace of mind that someone will be accountable for your affairs once you can no longer be.

Lodge Brothers – Fixed fee for a single Will starting from £325 +VAT

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legal_fam

Lodge Brothers have been assisting the community with funerals for over 230 years offering a professional and personal service that their clients have come to rely on. Lodge Brothers legal arm of the business has helped hundreds of families with accessible, affordable legal advice in relation to Probate, Wills Twickenham and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

They have a highly qualified, strong legal team whom collectively have many years of experience in all aspect of Probate, Wills Ashford and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

MEET SOPHIE ANDREWS – DIRECTOR

Sophie

Sophie joined Lodge Brothers as Head of Legal Services in 2016 to develop and set up its legal services business. Lodge Brothers Legal Services is a separate company, which has been granted a licence by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, allowing Lodge Brothers Legal Services to provide professional Legal Services to its clients through its own legal team.

Sophie grew up in Surrey and studied law at University College London and the College of Law in Guildford qualifying as a Solicitor in 1997. Having trained at a leading Private Client Firm, Charles Russell, Sophie has specialised in Wills, Probate and Powers of Attorney and now has many years of experience in these areas. She is an affiliate member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and holds the Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation (passing with a distinction). Sophie lives in Surrey with her husband and three children.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING AN UP TO DATE WILL?

Only 30% of people in this country have made a Will. This is because we do not like thinking about death and we are unaware of the importance of having a professionally drafted Will. Once a person overcomes their fears and makes a Will they find that it is a positive step that gives them great peace of mind. They are reassured that their affairs are in order.

If you die without a Will you die “intestate” meaning the intestacy laws set out which of your family members inherit and the amount. Your spouse will not necessarily inherit all of your estate and if you are unmarried your Partner will not inherit anything.

A legally valid Will, carefully prepared by a qualified expert Solicitor, will ensure that:

you provide for your loved ones in the way you wish;

you choose the Executors who will administer your estate;

you choose the Guardians for your minor children; and

you can take steps to reduce the Inheritance Tax payable.

You can also choose to appoint Lodge Brothers Legal Services as the Executors of your Will. We will ensure that your estate is dealt with promptly and efficiently so that your loved ones do not have the responsibility but do receive their inheritance as quickly as possible.

Fixed fee for a single Will starting from £325 +VAT (£390 inc. VAT).

Fixed fee for mirror Wills starting from £500 +VAT (£600 inc. VAT).

All our fees are fixed and agreed in advance.

Our professional services offer peace of mind to you and your family.

If you don’t have an up to date will click here Wills Feltham and Lodge Brothers Legal Services will assist you.