Your Questions Answered

What is a local independent funeral director? RW Barrett and Son are a local independent family firm of Funeral Directors in Newcastle upon Tyne, independent funeral directors are typically family businesses unlike large conglomerate such as Co-op and Dignity. Personal service and attention to detail are very important to us, and the dignity of the deceased…

What is probate?  ‘Probate’ is a term commonly used when talking about applying for the right to deal with a deceased person’s affairs (called ‘administering the estate’).   By having grant of probate this gives you legal right to deal with the persons property, money and belongings. First thing to do is find a will…

What are funeral disbursements? Disbursements are costs that are out of the control of the Funeral Director and have to be paid to a third party. So – What are funeral disbursements? The following items are examples of disbursements Cremation fee  – this is the cost of the cremation itself. Burial fees – Grave fee -the…

A pre paid funeral or also known as a funeral plan is an easy way to plan ahead. By choosing a plan today you are fixing our costs, as set out in your funeral plan, at today’s prices and make a contribution towards third party costs which are outside our control. You can add as…

How much does a funeral cost? Funeral prices can depend on a lot of difference factors and your individual wishes. For example whether you wish to have a burial or a cremation, how many limousines you would like, whether you wish to visit your loved ones in our chapel of rest. Burial Vs Cremation Burials…

What should I do if a relative dies at home? If the person passes away at home without hospice care, call 999. Paramedics will generally start emergency procedures and, except where permitted to pronounce death, take the person to hospital for a doctor to make the declaration. If the person passes away at home under hospice care, call…

One of the questions we are asked is “Can I get any assistance with funeral costs?” Assistance is available from the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Social Fund which can provide assistance to individuals who meet the required criteria. To qualify you must demonstrate that you are the most suitable person to take responsibility…

Why has a post mortem got to be carried out? A post-mortem examination, also known as an autopsy, is the examination of a body after death. The aim of a post-mortem is to determine the cause of death. A post mortem may be carried out and the coroner informed if the following happen: Cause of death…