5653 Your Guide to Cremation or Burial in Havering

Your Guide to

Cremation or Burial in Havering

www.havering.gov.uk

OUR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE IS BASED AT THE SOUTH ESSEX CREMATORIUM,

Gardens of Remembrance at the South Essex Crematorium and Cemetery grounds

Ockendon Road, Corbets Tey, Upminster, Essex RM14 2UY.

The Gardens and Cemeteries are open every day throughout the year. Opening times are as follows:

T: 01708 434433 F: 01708 434422 E: cemeteries@havering.gov.uk Text relay for deaf, speech impaired or hard of hearing customers: 18001 01708 434433 www.havering.gov.uk/cemeteries

Reception opening times By telephone: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm For reception enquiries: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 3.30pm Please telephone for an appointment to avoid waiting.

Tea Room: Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 3.30pm

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Summer months (April to October) Monday to Sunday 9.00am to 7.00pm Winter months (November to March) Monday to Sunday 9.00am to 4.00pm Book of Remembrance and Chapel of Meditation Summer months (April to October) Monday to Sunday 9.00am to 4.45pm Winter months (November to March) Monday to Sunday 9.00am to 3.45pm

Contents

Page(s)

Welcome

4

Pre-planning

5

When a death occurs

5

Registering a death

6

Arranging a funeral

8

Memorial services

8

Should I choose cremation or burial?

9–13

– Cremation

– South Essex Crematorium

– Burial

– Types of graves

Our Cemeteries at Upminster, Romford, Hornchurch and Rainham

14

Dealing with Wills and Probate

16

– Why is a Grant of Representation needed?

– Applying for Probate

– Intestacy

Continuing commitment and support

18–20

– Shared memorial service

– Tea room

– Wake venue

– High customer service standards

– Our commitments to you

How to find us

22

General information and advice

24–25

Advertisements

26-31

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Welcome Welcome from Louise Roast, Bereavement and Registration Services Manager.

The loss of a loved one may be expected, or could be sudden, but it is always hard to accept. Every day at Havering’s Bereavement Services, we meet people who face this loss in their own private way.

We know the trust placed in us by our community and the bereaved, we are here to provide a service that is sympathetic and supportive.

Our caring staff will always make every effort to meet your needs and I am proud that their efforts have been recognised by being awarded the Charter for the Bereaved Membership and achieving Gold Status for the sixth year running.

Our grounds and cemeteries have received recognition consistently in the London in Bloom Awards. In 2019 South Essex Crematorium and both Upminster and Romford Cemeteries received the prestigious Gold Award, a worthy reflection of the dedication by staff to providing an environment families deserve for their loved ones.

In September 2019 Romford Cemetery was runner up, receiving a Silver Award in the Large Cemetery of the Year Awards endorsed by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) and the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA).

I hope you find this guide helpful and I would like to assure you that we will do whatever we can to help you through this difficult time.

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Pre-Planning Although planning your final arrangements can be hard to think about, pre-planning gives you the benefit of controlling the details of your funeral and making sure your loved ones are not left with tough decisions and uncertainty during a difficult time.

When a death occurs

Pre-planning also helps you to manage the cost of the funeral.

Prices of funeral services will rise over the years, so purchasing them earlier may help you save money.

If it is decided that a post mortem is required, the deceased will be taken to the coroner’s facility before they can be transferred to the funeral home. The timing of the release of the body from the coroner to funeral home will be discussed with you.

Speak to your funeral director for more information. Alternatively, if you are thinking of purchasing a grave in advance, contact us directly and we will be happy to help you.

Once the coroner has completed their examinations, you will be able to contact a funeral home who will arrange with the coroner to collect your loved one. The coroner will issue the funeral director with a form to allow either a cremation or burial to take place.

When a death occurs, having an idea of what to expect will help you.

When an unexpected death occurs, the first thing you should do is to telephone 999, even if you are at home. Emergency services will come to you and you will be advised if you may contact a funeral home to make arrangements to transfer your loved one.

The coroner will let you know when they have completed the investigation and you will be advised that you need to register the death.

Some deaths may require an inquest. The coroner will issue you with an Interim Death Certificate so that you can go ahead and organise the funeral. In this case, you do not need to register the death yourself as the coroner will inform the registration service once the inquest has been heard in Court and let you know that you can now apply for the death certificate.

If it is decided that a post-mortem is not needed, then the doctor will sign a medical certificate which you can then take to the Registrar to register the death. The coroner will issue a certificate directly to the Registrar stating that a post-mortem isn’t needed.

If the death occurs at a hospital or nursing home, you will be advised when you can contact a funeral home to arrange the transfer of your loved one. If a coroner is not involved, you will be issued with a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death by the doctor treating the person who has died. You will need this certificate to register the death. The death should be registered within five days of the death occurring and you will need to do this by visiting the Registration service in the district or borough where the death occurred.

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Registering a Death Havering Registration Service runs an appointment system for death registrations. Appointments to register a death can be made online on www.havering.gov.uk/deathregistration If your loved one died in Queen’s Hospital, the Bereavement Service within the Hospital may make you an appointment to register the death at Queen’s. However you may also choose to book an appointment online.

All appointments made online will take place at South Essex Crematorium.

If you do not have access to the internet and wish to speak to someone regarding the registration of a death please call 01708 433481 and select extension 1. Telephone calls are dealt with by the Council’s main contact centre and not Registrars, however if you wish to speak to a Registrar, the Contact Centre will transfer your call to the Registration department or arrange for a Registrar to call you back.

If families require a timely burial or cremation funeral service (within 24 hours) an emergency death registration service is available on Bank Holidays between 8.00am and 10.00am and can be contacted on 01708 433999.

Havering Registrars aim to offer a flexible and responsive service to meet families’ needs. Please visit our website for up to date information on appointments. www.havering.gov.uk/deathregistration

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People with legal responsibility to register the death include a relative of the deceased, a person present at the time of death or the person arranging the funeral (this does not include the funeral director).

You will also need to report the death to various organisations and government departments.

When you register the death, the Registrar will offer you a free service called ‘Just Once’. If you use this service you will be able to notify all of the local authority and government departments that need to know in one go, including:

When you attend the appointment to register the death you will need to take with you the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, given to you by the doctor and the deceased’s NHS card (also known as the medical card).

The Registrar will need to know the deceased’s: •

date and place of birth

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occupation

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the date of birth of any surviving widow, widower or civil partner

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name and occupation of any surviving widow, widower, civil partner

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maiden name if the deceased person was a married woman

The Registrar will also need to know whether the deceased received a pension or allowance from government funds.

Once you have registered the death, you will be given a Certificate of Burial or Cremation, commonly known as the ‘green form’. You will need to give this to your funeral director when you make arrangements for the funeral.

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Council Tax

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Benefits

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Pensions / Tax Credits

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Library service

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Blue Badge

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Passport Office

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Driving Licence

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Social Services

In order to take advantage of this service it would be helpful if you could bring any reference numbers with you, and if you have them, your loved one’s passport and driving licence.

This is an additional service and is optional, so if you would prefer not to receive it at the time of registering the death, the Registrars will be able to provide you with a unique reference number and a free telephone number for you to contact within 28 days to receive the service over the phone.

To cancel the clinical waste service, assisted collection service or garden waste service please contact us at environmentbusinesssupport@havering.gov.uk or complete the online form at www.havering.gov.uk/askenvironment.

The deceased’s relatives, friends and employer should also be notified. If the deceased was an active member of a religious community, his or her spiritual leader should be told. The clergy can be a source of great comfort during this difficult period.

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Arranging a Funeral Most people use a funeral director to help guide them through the decisions that need to be made and a good funeral director will be dedicated to helping you create a lasting memory that will be worthy of your loved one at such a sad time.

They will be able to help you with the paperwork that is required and will pay some costs on your behalf, known as ‘disbursements’, which they will then include in their final invoice to you. These payments may include doctor’s fees, celebrant fees and cremation or burial fees.

You should choose a funeral director who is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors or the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors. Both of these organisations have codes of practice so you can be sure that their members are committed to meeting your needs and providing you with a service delivered by qualified staff.

You do not have to use a funeral director. If you are the executor or the next of kin it is your right to be given the body by the mortuary, hospital or coroner in order to carry out the funeral. If you wish to organise the funeral yourself, you will find more information on line at www.southessexcrematorium.co.uk.

Alternatively, please ask us for a leaflet.

If you are on a low income and you are having difficulty paying for the funeral, you may be able to apply for a funeral payment. You will need to contact the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) or your local Jobcentre Plus. Contact details are at the back of this brochure.

If you are arranging a funeral for a child under the age of 18 or a baby, stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy, the cremation or burial fees and certain associated expenses will be met by the Children’s Funeral Fund for England (CFF).

Providers will claim the fees ensuring funerals are free to parents/guardians. Under this new scheme fees must be considered ‘reasonable’; our staff will be happy to clarify the fees covered by the scheme when you arrange a funeral.

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Memorial Services Memorial services help us give testimony to the life of the deceased and are a meaningful way to express our feelings about the loss of a loved one. Memorial services can be held in a place of worship, at one of our chapels or at a location that is meaningful to you and your family.

We recognise that each funeral is individual.

Some families choose to have live music or a piper accompany the funeral to the chapel, or choose to release doves or balloons. Others may just want a quiet funeral with no music at all. We can accommodate any of your wishes, as long as they are in keeping with the sensitive nature of our service. Please contact us or ask your funeral director for more information.

Our grounds are a public space, and you are more than welcome to come and walk around them. Please check our opening times at the front of the brochure. If you would like to come along and look at any of our chapels, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange a suitable time for you.

If funeral arrangements have not been made in advance, the next steps will be to choose a crematorium, or cemetery. Your funeral director will be able to help you with your arrangements and this guide provides you with information and advice on the different choices you have.

Should I Choose Cremation or Burial?

CREMATION Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice. If you are considering this for yourself or a loved one, you may have some questions about the cremation process, the ashes and what can be done with them, or perhaps the kind of memorial you can have to dedicate to their memory.

Cremation is simply an alternative to a full body burial. In the cremation process, all carbon content is removed from the body by exposing it to extremely high temperatures.

The heat consumes all organic matter, leaving behind ‘cremated remains’, or ‘ashes’. These ashes are then placed in a temporary plastic or biodegradable container or you can choose to purchase a container from our large selection.

The entire process can take up to three hours.

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A cremation should be organised by the next of kin or the Executor to the Will of the deceased. The person who applies for the funeral will have the authority to decide what happens to the ashes and will be the only person that we will take an instruction from, unless the applicant gives authority to another person by either completing one of our forms, or writing a letter to us.

All cremations are performed individually.

On arrival at the crematorium, the nameplate is checked and an identification card is placed with the coffin. This identification card then follows the deceased through the process and stays with their cremated remains, which means you can be assured that these are the ashes of your loved one.

Following the funeral of a loved one you may have questions about the cremation process.

It can be very reassuring to tour behind the scenes, understand how the identity of remains is maintained throughout and to experience the care and sensitivity of staff working to the highest standards set by the funeral industry.

You are welcome to contact our office and we will arrange a tour with a member of our staff who will answer all your questions.

The final resting place for ashes is a personal choice and one which you should consider carefully. You can choose to bury ashes in our memorial gardens, in one of our cemeteries in a cremated remains plot, or in an existing family grave. Alternatively you may choose another cemetery or crematorium, or somewhere else like your own garden. You must have the landowners permission to bury the remains. We will give you a Cremation Certificate which must be kept with the ashes if you take them away and an additional Cremation Certificate for customs purposes if you choose to take them abroad.

Memorials are available to everyone – whether or not the funeral took place at South Essex Crematorium. If you wish to have your loved one buried in our gardens, you do not have to have a memorial, however, as the gardens are shared, you will not be able to mark the position of the ashes. You may find it comforting if you have a particular place to visit and we therefore offer a wide choice of memorials, including plaques, living memorials and stone memorials. We will keep a record of where the ashes are buried which means we can lay the ashes of other family members close together if you wish.

Cremation also allows for a variety of keepsake options that can help you feel continually connected with your loved one. A small amount of ashes can be placed within a piece of keepsake jewellery, a paperweight or even a teddy bear. We also offer a wide choice of urns in a variety of sizes and materials.

If you choose to use South Essex Crematorium, you will receive a leaflet after the funeral with information about our Gardens of Remembrance and memorial choices.

More details can be found at www.southessexcrematorium.co.uk.

Alternatively, please contact our staff who will be happy to help you.

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SOUTH ESSEX CREMATORIUM

At South Essex Crematorium, the well-tended gardens have been a source of comfort to the bereaved for many years. The peaceful surroundings and tasteful architecture provide a welcoming atmosphere. Since opening in 1957, families have been able to walk freely through our grounds, or to contemplate quietly in one of the many secluded rose gardens, or by one of the various water features.

We have two chapels which are interdenominational so that we can accommodate all religions and non-religious ceremonies. One is suitable for large funerals and the other for more intimate funerals. Most families will choose one of these chapels when having a cremation service; however, you can also use one of the chapels for a memorial service only. You may choose to do this before a burial in one of our cemeteries, before a committal of ashes, or if you want a memorial service because a cremation or burial has taken place in another part of the country or abroad. Services are booked for 40 minutes, however if you feel you need more time, your funeral director will be able to book an extended service time for you.

Both chapels have an organ and you are welcome to arrange with your funeral director for an organist to play at the service. We offer you the opportunity to have almost any music that you wish at no extra cost. This type of music is played through our audio system, and you can even have an individual piece of music that perhaps a member of your family has made. Just ask your funeral director to let us have it ahead of time, and we can download it onto our system.

You can choose to purchase an audio or audio visual recording, or a Webcast streamed online, so that family and friends who couldn’t be there on the day of the funeral can still share the moment with you. After the funeral, you will find a dedicated stand to your loved one for floral tributes. These tributes will stay in our grounds for approximately three days unless they are collected by you. Some families prefer to collect donations to a favourite charity. We have an oak donation box in both chapels that we can dedicate to your loved one and your chosen charity. Your funeral director can then collect any donations at the end of the service on your behalf.

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Should I Choose Cremation or Burial? (cont) The larger of the two chapels is called the South Chapel and will seat approximately 120 people. This chapel is light and airy and has a glass balcony. There is a large TV screen at the entrance to the chapel, one in the foyer and two further screens within the chapel. These are especially useful if the congregation is very large as they will help everyone to see the funeral. You can choose to have a Visual Tribute to your loved one. This can be photos or video clips played on a loop, only on the screens at the front of the South Chapel. This service is not available in the smaller East Chapel. The organ is at the back of the chapel and there is a comfortable waiting room that can be used for extra seating.

The smaller chapel is called the East Chapel and will seat approximately 40 people.

There is a comfortable waiting room for extra seating if required. The organ is upstairs, on a dedicated balcony.

We understand that for a variety of reasons, families may wish to organise a cremation but may not want a service. To meet their needs we offer an ‘Unattended Cremation.’

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An unattended cremation at South Essex Crematorium is one that is booked to take place between 8.00am and 9.00am, Tuesday to Thursday, for a reduced fee. The coffin will be placed on the catafalque in the usual dignified manner by funeral professionals or, in the case of a family organised funeral, family members, who will then immediately leave the chapel.

This option is strictly unattended so it is important to ensure that family and friends understand what this means. If family do not leave the chapel the full fee will apply.

We cannot accept any music requests for an unattended cremation.

Our staff will receive the coffin into the crematory to await cremation. From this point forward the cremation will take place in the same way as an attended cremation at South Essex Crematorium.

If the applicant requests cremation the same day this will always be respected.

Following the cremation, if required, we will lay remains to rest unwitnessed in the Gardens of Remembrance, at the specific request of the Applicant and for no additional fee.

Burial If burial is your preferred choice, we have four cemeteries that you can choose from, however, only two of the cemeteries have space for new graves.

We offer three different types of graves for a fullbody burial, each with a 50 year lease period.

When you purchase a grave, you are given the Exclusive Right of Burial and Memorial Rights.

This means that you are the only person who can authorise an interment into the grave and allows you as the owner to authorise a stone mason to erect a memorial. We will offer you the option to extend the lease on a ten year basis so that it is always in your control.

In the cemeteries that have a chapel available you can have almost any music that you wish played through our audio system, even if it is an individual piece of music that perhaps a member of your family has made. Just ask your funeral director to let us know ahead of time and we will download your choice of music onto our system. In Upminster Cemetery chapel you are welcome to arrange with your funeral director for an organist to play at the service.

We will allocate the type of grave you have chosen just prior to burial. Alternatively we offer a grave selection service where one of our staff will meet you and offer you a choice of grave space. This service is by appointment and incurs a charge.

TYPES OF GRAVES

We offer a choice of graves. A lawn grave has a headstone with a small garden space of up to 18 inches measured from the front of the headstone. The rest of the grave is lawn.

but it will depend on the type of soil and digging conditions in the cemetery.

Grave settlement can take up to a year.

Most sections in our cemeteries have headstone beams installed, so you can go ahead and purchase your memorial from a stonemason as soon as you are ready.

We also offer a choice of graves for cremated remains only.

Mini-headstone plots are available in Upminster, Hornchurch, Rainham and Romford Cemeteries. Because of their popularity, we have a waiting list for some cemeteries and cannot always guarantee availability.

The plot includes the memorial which consists of an individual black polished granite headstone with two granite vases with flower holders. Each plot has an individual garden area that families may use for planting and authorised mementoes.

The memorials are placed in a continuous row and the area in front is laid to lawn in which four caskets of cremated remains may be laid to rest.

We also have a limited number of traditional cremated remains plots available in Upminster, Hornchurch and Romford Cemeteries.

The memorial is a flat tablet on the ground and you can choose to have a granite vase as an additional memorial. Each plot is within a frame and will hold four caskets of cremated remains.

A traditional grave has a headstone and base that covers the whole of the grave.

We also offer walled graves. This type of grave is bricked internally and you will need to purchase two traditional graves to accommodate this.

A grave is purchased with space for two full burials and includes the option to have cremated remains laid to rest once a full interment has taken place. If you wish to purchase a grave for more than two interments, we can normally accommodate your wishes, 13

Our Four Cemeteries at Upminster, Romford, Hornchurch & Rainham

UPMINSTER CEMETERY

Upminster Cemetery was opened in 1902 and is next to the South Essex Crematorium. Following a cemetery extension in 2014 there are almost 17 acres providing burial space with a further six acres available for future development.

We have a traditional chapel which will seat 40 people comfortably. There is an organ available for your use or you can choose to have prerecorded music played.

You can choose to purchase a lawn grave, traditional grave or a cremated remains plot.

We also have memorial benches made from recycled materials available in some areas.

There is ample free parking.

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ROMFORD CEMETERY

Romford Cemetery is based in Crow Lane, Romford, and was opened in 1871. We have a traditional chapel which seats about 50 people comfortably and is situated within approximately 25 acres of mature grounds. You can purchase a lawn grave, a traditional grave or a walled grave and we also have cremated remains plots.

We have a private section within our lawned gardens dedicated to Muslim burials and a section for Catholic burials. There is no organ available in the chapel, although you can choose to have prerecorded music played. Our Hall of Remembrance features “Lives Remembered� a permanent display telling the stories of some of those laid to rest in the cemetery. Our the Book of Remembrance is on display in an oak cabinet and wooden Arboria Plaques offer the opportunity to create a unique memorial, combining precision engraved lettering with the craftsmanship of an illustrator. There is ample free parking.

HORNCHURCH CEMETERY

Hornchurch Cemetery was opened in 1932 and is approximately 9 acres of mature grounds. The cemetery is based in the High Street, Hornchurch and houses the War Graves Memorial which is dedicated to the members of our armed forces who lost their lives during World War II, some of whom are buried there.

Burial space is limited as there are no new graves available, however, you can purchase a cremated remains plot. If you already own a grave and wish to have a burial, please let us know. There is no chapel at Hornchurch, although you could use one of our chapels on another site if you wish. There is ample free parking.

RAINHAM CEMETERY

Rainham Cemetery is based in Upminster Road North, Rainham and was opened in 1902.

This site is just over 3 acres and like Hornchurch, there are no new graves available, so a burial can only take place in a plot that is already owned. There is a traditional chapel in the grounds which seats about 40 people. There is no organ in the chapel, but you can have prerecorded music if you wish. There is limited free parking in the cemetery and in nearby roads.

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Dealing with Wills & Probate Coping with the death of someone close to you can be traumatic, and if you have been appointed the Executor of their Will it may seem a very daunting task. You will be responsible for dealing with their estate – the money, property and possessions left – and distributing the proceeds from the estate to the beneficiaries named in the Will once any debts have been paid.

If you find yourself having to go through this process, known as probate, you may choose to use a solicitor, however you can apply for probate yourself. This may depend on the size and complexity of the estate. Probate is the court’s authority given to a person or persons to administer the deceased’s estate and the document issued by the Probate Service is called a Grant of Representation.

WHY IS A GRANT OF REPRESENTATION NEEDED?

Essentially, it is there to protect the interests of the estate and the beneficiaries. Before releasing money or other assets owned by the deceased, those holding the assets (such as banks) need to know that they are dealing with someone who has the legal authority to deal with the deceased’s affairs. The Grant of Representation provides that assurance.

It also confirms that the Will made by the person who has died is valid (however, the validity of a Will remains open to challenge after probate has been granted).

A grant is not necessary in all cases. For example, it may not be necessary to obtain a grant where a home is held in joint names and is passing to the other joint owner by survivorship. Where a joint bank or building society account is held, production of a death certificate may be sufficient for the monies to be transferred to the joint holder and certain institutions may release monies without a grant being produced if the amount held by the deceased was small. You will need to apply to the relevant institutions to see if they will release monies without a grant.

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APPLYING FOR PROBATE

Handling the probate as an Executor is essentially a three stage process. The first is to assess the size of the estate – working out how much has been left behind. The second is to apply for and obtain a Grant of Representation. The third is the administration of the estate, where assets are gathered and distributed in accordance with the Will.

Assessing the Estate

You will need to report the value of the estate to HMRC before you may apply for Probate. You will need to complete an inheritance tax form (IHT205 or IHT400); you can do this online.

Applying for Probate

You will need to complete the probate application form (PA1). You may apply for probate online or by downloading a form. You can call the probate and inheritance tax helpline if you need help filling in the form. Once you have completed the online application you will need to send the original will (plus three copies) and any codicils, (changes to the will) to the Probate Registry.

If you are applying by post you must send: inheritance tax form IHT205 or IHT400; an official copy of the death certificate; the original will with codicils and three copies and the application fee.

Administration of the Estate

Any assets should be transferred to the Executors account, and any property should be sold if this is appropriate. The estate accounts will need to be prepared and finalised and then the estate can be distributed in accordance with the terms of the Will.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you wish to apply for a Grant of Probate without using a solicitor and you need help, please see the contact details at the back of this brochure for the Probate Service Helpline and the Probate and Inheritance Tax Helpline at the HMRC. INTESTACY

Intestacy is what happens when someone dies without making a Will. A close relative will apply for Letters of Administration, not probate, and then handles the estate similarly.

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Continuing Commitment & Support We know that a funeral is only the start of the grieving process and that you need support from time to time. As part of Havering Council, we recognise the important role we have in the local community. We are here to support you as you come to terms with your loss.

who lost their lives during the 1939 – 1945 conflict and the Essex Road Bombing in 1941.

We have taken part in the Ribbon of Poppies to mark the end of WW1 and in November 2018 we invited young people to create life sized silhouettes of WW1servicemen/women.

SHARED MEMORIAL SERVICE

Romford Cemetery Memorial Chapel was transformed in autumn 2019 with the installation of “Lives Remembered”, a permanent exhibiton telling the stories of some of those laid to rest in the cemetery.

We arrange a memorial service twice a year, which normally takes place in the spring and autumn. We send a personal invitation to each family at the time of the funeral however everyone is welcome to come along. The service is very popular, and the many families who choose to attend find comfort from this shared act of remembrance.

HELPING LOCAL BEREAVEMENT RELATED CHARITIES

TEA ROOM

Visitors to the South Essex Crematorium and Upminster Cemetery appreciate our tea room situated next to the East Chapel car park, where those that visit regularly find friendship and support from one another. The Tea Room serves breakfasts, a range of light lunches and tempting cakes.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN ACTS OF REMEMBRANCE Since April 2015 South Essex Crematorium has had the privilege of donating approximately £48,000 to local charities helping the bereaved, or those with life limiting conditions. The crematorium is proud to be a member of a scheme, managed by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management to sensitively recycle metals with the express permission of next of kin.

TOURS AND TALKS ABOUT OUR SERVICE A collaborative project with the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation (CWGF) and the charity “Remembered”.

We value the opportunity to allow our community to remember significant events and people, with dignity and creativity. We honoured and remembered Havering civilians

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Attending a cremation can leave you with questions and a need to be reassured. We offer a talk and regular tours of the crematory to members of the public and funeral professionals, carers and medical staff. You can book a place on a tour at https://southessexcrematorium.co.uk/events/ tour-of-crematory/

Wake Venues

Langtons Hall We are able to provide a choice of venues for a gathering to mark and remember the life of your loved one.

Our tea room offers families the opportunity to hold a small wake for up to 30 people and specialises in delicious homemade buffets.

This intimate space boasts a double height window with views over the historic cemetery chapel. We can discuss your individual needs and are able to offer a playlist of music for your event. For more information please contact us on 0300 777 6575 or email Chris.andrews@wsig.org.uk “We had my father’s funeral tea here last week & I can’t speak highly enough of Chris, and the young ladies who work with him, for whom nothing was too much trouble. The buffet was amazing. The quality & quantity was incredible, especially for the price paid. Everybody commented on both the food & kindness shown to us by the staff.”

If you require a larger setting we are able to provide Langtons Hall. This beautiful venue is adjacent to Langtons House, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1XJ and is set in tranquil

landscaped gardens with stunning views across the lake.

The hall will seat up to 80 guests and comes complete with full kitchen facilities for you to provide your own food and drink.

Tea Room, South Essex Crematorium For more information, please contact us on t: 01708 433 155 e: ceremonies@havering.gov.uk w: www.langtons-house.co.uk

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High Customer Service Standards You can be sure that you will receive the highest standards of service from Havering Bereavement Services. In recognition of this we are proud to have been awarded Membership of the Charter for the Bereaved and have achieved gold status. This award commits us to constantly improve our service.

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Questions people ask about burial and cremation.

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The Charter for the Bereaved Rights and Targets.

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The Guiding Principles of Burial and Cremation.

Individual members of our team have received nationally recognised awards for the high standards of service they offer the bereaved.

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The Code of Cremation Practice.

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Burial in Private Land.

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Guidelines on Placing Mementoes in the Gardens of Remembrance.

•

Information about the Council’s Cemeteries and the Maintenance of Graves.

•

Advice on Looking after your Memorial.

•

Help with Funeral Expenses and the Social Fund.

•

South Essex Crematorium Regulations.

•

“Just Once” Scheme.

USEFUL INFORMATION

We have a number of useful fact sheets and leaflets that we will be happy to send you, including:

Our Commitments to you:

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You will receive a quality service provided by our competent, caring and professional team.

We will provide you with appropriate and impartial advice and information.

We will recognise and fulfil your requirements while respecting your need for privacy and dignity.

We will always be helpful and polite in our dealings with you. In return we expect you to be courteous and treat our team with respect.

We will conduct our services to the Charter for the Bereaved standards.

You may inspect the crematorium at any reasonable time by arrangement.

You will receive a prompt reply, in plain language, to any form of communication with our team.

We will consult with you, listen to your views and publish the outcome of consultations.

We will consider this feedback when we plan improvements to our service.

We will provide you with the means to make a complaint if you are dissatisfied with the service we provide and respond to you within 15 working days.

We will maintain the gardens to a high standard. In return we ask you to follow our rules and respect the needs of others.

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How to Find us SOUTH ESSEX CREMATORIUM AND UPMINSTER CEMETERY

Brentwood M

2

25

A1

N

ag

sH

ea d

La

ne

Romford

Ockendon Road Corbets Tey Upminster RM14 2UY

M25

A127

Hall

Lane

A127

Upminster Rail & Tube Station

ets Tey Ro Corb ad

Upminster

ne

s La

ar y‘

St M

To Dartford Tunnel approx. 15 mins from Crematorium

SOUTH ESSEX CREMATORIUM & UPMINSTER CEMETERY

Corbets Tey

RAINHAM CEMETERY WAY

KEN

6

NE

W

RD

A1

30

22

6

RD

RD

30

ALLEN

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PARSO

A1

RAINHAM CEMETERY

STER

IN UPM

RD N

Upminster Road North Rainham RM13 9RY

A1 25

A12

N

Town Hall Romford

AI M

AD RO

ROMFORD CEMETERY Crow Lane Romford RM7 0BH

51 A12

Romford Station

A118

1

25

A1

12

A11

D AM R

ROMFORD CEMETERY

NH DAGE

NE

CROW LA

Queen’s Hospital

A124 Rush Green

ED

R

HORNCHURCH CEMETERY

Hornchurch

HS

GL

T

High Street Hornchurch RM12 6PA

AN VI LL

HIG

HORNCHURCH CEMETERY

UPM

INST

ER RD

HAC

H ST

HIG

TON L

N

A124

THE

St. Andrew’s Church Hornchurch

WAL K

A124

Upminster Bridge Tube Station

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For General Information & Advice National Association of Funeral Directors t: 0121 711 1343 f: 0121 711 1351 e: info@nfad.org.uk www.nafd.org.uk National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors t: 01279 726 777 f: 01279 726 300 e: info@saif.org.uk www.saif.org.uk FINANCIAL HMRC The Probate and Inheritance Tax Helpline Tel: 0300 123 1072 www.justice.gov.uk/courts/probate www.gov.uk Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) Social Fund Dept 0345 6036967 www.gov.uk/funeral-payments Citizens Advice Benefits and Bereavement www.adviceguide.org.uk/benefits Death and Benefits – Gov.uk www.gov.uk/browse/ benefits/bereavement FUNERAL PROFESSIONALS B F Mulley & Son Family run funeral homes 254 St Mary’s Lane Upminster, RM14 3DH t: 01708 220330 28 High Street Hornchurch, Essex t: 01708 442145 Funerals@bfmulleyson.com www.bfmulleyson.com Harold Wood Funeral Services The Same Care and Advice as for a Friend Collier Row Funeral Home 309 Collier Row Lane, Collier Row RM5 3ND t: 01708 376472

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Hainault & Chigwell Funeral Home 45 New North Road, Hainault IG6 2UE t: 020 8501 1735 Hilldene Funeral Home Coyte Hall, 64 Chippenham Road, Harold Hill RM3 8HX t: 01708 376472 Harold Wood Funeral Home 45 Station Road, Harold Wood RM3 0BS t: 01708 343286 e:info@hwfunerals.co.uk www.hwfunerals.co.uk Facebook @haroldwoodfunerals BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Age UK (Age Concern National) Information and advice 0800 678 1174 For all other enquiries t: 0800 169 8787 www.ageuk.org.uk The Compassionate Friends A charitable organisation of bereaved parents siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support of similarly bereaved family members who have suffered the death of a child(ren) of any age and from any cause. t: 0345 123 2304 (help line) e: helpline@tcf.org.uk www.tcf.org.uk Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Services (HBBS) Charity No. 803650 A registered bereavement service to adults and children as well as counselling for dementia carers. t: 01708 476912 www.hbbscounselling.org The Samaritans (Romford) t: 01708 740000 Free phone 116 123 Opening times for walk in callers: Monday – Friday 10.30am – 9pm Sundays – 2pm – 9pm 107 North Street, Romford, near Matalan e: jo@samaritans.org www.samaritans.org

SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) t: 020 7436 5881 (Helpline) Online forum and local groups available e: helpline@sands.org.uk www.uk-sands.org LEGAL Mullis & Peake Solicitors Romford Office 8-10 Eastern Road Romford, Essex RM1 3PJ t: 01708 784000 e: probate@mplaw.co.uk www.mplaw.co.uk Shenfield Office 194 Hutton Road Shenfield, Essex CM15 8NR t: 01277 245015 e: wills@mplaw.co.uk MEMORIAL MASONS Abbey Memorials Ltd Professional Stone Masons Rawreth Industrial Estate Rawreth Lane, Rayleigh Essex SS6 9RL t: 01268 782757 t: 0800 279 5000 London Showroom: 240 Sebert Road Forest Gate, London E7 ONP www.abbeymemorialsltd.co.uk VENUE Langtons Hall, (Venue) Langtons House, Billet Lane, Hornchurch RM11 1XJ t: 01708 433155 e: ceremonies@havering.gov.uk www.langtons-house.co.uk The Tea Room South Essex Crematorium An intimate space for wakes, ideally located and specialising in delicious homemade buffets. t: 0300 777 6575 e: Chris.andrews@wsig.org.uk

Call 01708 376472 www.hwfunerals.co.uk Acclaimed, historic, family-run funeral homes in Harold Hill, Harold Wood, Hainault & Collier Row. Emergency calls 24/7 - Offices open 6 days a week.

Working with Golden Charter to offer: Personal Service and Local Expertise Protection for your family against rising costs

Funeral Plans from under ÂŁ3,000 In association with

Langtons Hall

e: ceremonies@havering.gov.uk t: 01708 433 155 www.langtons-house.co.uk Langtons House, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1XJ 25

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www.havering.gov.uk

5653 September 2019