How to prepare for a pandemic? This time last year, this was the first time that this question arose. How to prepare for a pandemic resulting in the death of over 100 000 people within the short space of a year? This is what the government had to prepare for at the onset of the pandemic, identifying several grizzly temporary storage facilities to house the recently departed. The UK’s first Covid related death occurred on the 5th of March 2020 and since then, the death toll has risen to more than that experienced in the whole of World War 2. While government went about sourcing land and storage options, funeral directors Datchet and homes around the country found themselves in the unforeseen role of first-line responders, working in the face of those paying the ultimate price and contributing to devastating mass trauma, with their lives.

Lodge

Situated across the UK, the over 40 Lodge Brothers funeral homes, prepared for unknown challenges with the goal of ensuring that each and every funeral be performed with the same dignity of any funeral prior to the pandemic. As the death toll rose 19% higher than in the last decade (The Guardian Today), equating to around 90,000 more funerals in 2020 than in recent years, Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Roehampton remained, and still remain, open and offering the same range of services as before the pandemic, while adhering to government’s legal requirements for funerals during the pandemic.

It has been reported that Britain has had more deaths per capita than any other country in the world (US News) leaving the funeral industry reeling as the sheer number of funerals increasing by a third per day … a never-ending line of families bringing their dearly departed to us for burial or cremation. In an industry focused on service to the community, it is a treasured ethos by Lodge Brothers funeral directors Langley that each burial and cremation be performed with the respect that each person deserves at the end of life.

Those who have passed are reported, on a daily basis in statistic formats however, to the loved ones of the deceased, that stat is their father, their mother, their sister, uncle, daughter, baby and is more important than just a, albeit frightening, number.

By now, most communities, work places, families and other macro and micro socio-groups, know of someone who has passed away from Covid-19, even if indirectly. Hundreds of thousands have been directly affected. Lodge Brothers fully appreciates that each individual person who has passed, has affected the lives of many and that their memory means more than words can explain to all of those who stand in witness to their death. A sense of global sadness is almost palpable as we experience loss after loss of loss… a tragedy in action with no end date in sight.

Our Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Isleworth remain open Monday to Friday with telephone access on a 24 hour basis, to provide advise and guidance for families who are struggling with the usual burial aspects under most unusual circumstances.

Lodge Brothers funeral directors New Malden have first-hand experience when dealing with the painful consequences of 2020 and the Corona 19 Pandemic which affected, afflicted and shut down the UK, leaving families reeling as they faced the loss of freedom of choice, freedom of movement, loss of jobs, loss of finances and most difficult of all, loss of life. Funerals are highly emotionally occasions but even more when a person loses their life to a global pandemic, which appeared unexpectedly a year ago and proceed to upset our normality and shake us to the core. The passing of someone who has succumbed to Covid-19 is even more raw and emotional when that life becomes part of the painful statistics, which the country faces on a daily basis.

Lodge Brothers funeral directors Ascot do not treat your loved ones passing as if it were merely a statistic, but rather as family. Lodge Brothers have been assisting families with their loss and grief for more than 240 years and are sensitive to the fact that losing a loved one is simply heart-wrenching. Organising a funeral can be a daunting task however with caring and professional people by your side can make it more bearable; leading your family through the process, providing you with solutions to problems, you have not experienced before. Arranging a funeral becomes seamless as Lodge Brothers alleviate any additional and unnecessary pressure for the family.

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Following a death, there are many legal requirements to be undertaken, such as registering the death, Wills & Probate, completion of statutory documentation and liaison with third parties. So too are there many logistical requirements, such as bringing your loved one into our care, advising people, making decisions such as choosing between burials or cremations and financing the funeral. Lodge Brothers offers several options to pay for the funeral and will always provide families with an itemised list of services and their associated costs to enable families to decide accordingly. Funerals can be expensive, and we appreciate that this can present very real difficulty to families who have not made prior arrangements to cover such expenses. Lodge Brothers funeral charges are extremely competitive when compared to other Funeral Directors, considering the exceptional service and professionalism of our staff and superior facilities which we offer. Our funeral directors Hillingdon have a solution for all financial scenarios. Lodge Brothers price match other local Funeral Directors, based on a written quotation.

Additional constraints have been placed on funerals, which must be adhered to during these times, but the UK government has provided guidance for the arranging and attending a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic. These guidelines were developed to ensure that bereaved families are treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect and that funerals can continue to take place while minimising the risk of infection. Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors Shepherds Bush are very familiar with these stipulations and our staff strive to balance the requirements of the grieving, allowing them to mourn, with the need to minimise the spread of COVID-19 infection.


Coronavirus/Covid-19

We understand that with the ongoing changes to our lives caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, feelings of grief and anxiety are amplified when we lose a loved one. Our hearts and thoughts go out to those affected by the virus.

The health and wellbeing of our clients and staff are our top priority. When visiting our branches we ask that you observe the following:

  • Face coverings must be worn when entering our branches (unless you are exempt)
  • Only two clients in the funeral home at any one time.
  • The 2 metre distancing rule will be upheld
  • Hands to be sanitised on entry & exit

Yours sincerely,
Robert Lodge Chairman

Inevitably, life tends to have a way of getting away with us. We leave school as young adults, searching for incomes which will allow us the independence that we so covet. Earning money means we have the power to make the choices about our own lives that feel so important to us at the time. Whether our goals are to grow our careers, or to start a family, independence generally decreases as we become more financially viable. What begins as an endeavour to be the best person that we can be, results in the accrual of material things and people. The car you save for to empower freedom of choice in your life becomes an asset. The type of social interactions which you choose, leads to you meet likeminded individuals and perhaps eventually results in a joining of kindred spirits in matrimony or the like. Families grow, houses are built and the need for a more stable income grows. All of these things that you need to build to sustain your life, become your assets. You have a choice over them in life. So too, do you have a choice over them in death.

Life unwittingly takes hold of us and often, the administration of your life is left at the bottom of the list of things to do. Stats show that 38% of adults living in the UK passed away last year without a will. Your will is your last chance to make voice heard and to have your final choices carried out as you would have done if you were still able. Failing to plan for your estate your estate via your will, you leave a lot to chance. And if you have not lived your life leaving all things to chance, why let it be the case in your death. No one person knows your wishes and desires as well as you do so when you pass away without a will and your estate is then governed by the laws of intestacy which means that everything that you have worked your whole life to attain is now governed by a set of rules enforced by the courts. Only married or civil partners and some of your close relatives are able to inherit your estate under the laws of intestacy which means that the courts may assign your possessions to someone who you had never intended them to.

Lodge Brothers attorneys specialise exclusively in Probate, Wills and Power of Attorney. Probate Weybridge is the process, which confirms who will handle a person’s estate after their death and it is important to have, as it is a legal requirement. Probate Sunbury is a complicated system that is advisable to be handled by a competent probate attorney. Aspects of the Probate Shepperton process include, establishing the value of your assets and liabilities, finalising Inheritance Tax, applying for Probate Registry for the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration. Lodge Brothers Probate West Byfleet offer caring and practical legal advice efficiently and professionally to make your life easier during distressing times.

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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.

Lodge Brothers funeral directors Ham have a wide range of funeral plans as they know how important it is to plan ahead with Pre-Paid Funeral Plans Ham to ensure your family won’t face any extra cost or worries when the time comes – plus they will find comfort in the knowledge that you said goodbye in the way that you wanted.

A Funeral Plan from Lodge Brothers gives you:

  • Protection against the rising cost of funerals – secure your plan at TODAY’s prices
  • Peace of mind for you and your loved ones
  • Personalise your funeral – Say “goodbye” YOUR way
  • Personal and Professional service from a fully trained Funeral Arranger
  • Guaranteed acceptance – No age or health restrictions
  • Monthly payment option – interest-free available
  • All funds held in a secure TRUST FUND ready to be paid when the time comes.

PROBATE ATTORNEY

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

When a person dies leaving a valid Will, the appointed Executors need to apply for a Grant of Probate to administer the Deceased’s estate. If there is no Will, the laws of intestacy apply, and the law sets out which family member is entitled to apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration and administer the estate.

The process of administering an estate is commonly known as probate and involves:

  1. ascertaining the value of the Deceased’s assets and liabilities;
  2. dealing with the Inland Revenue Inheritance Tax return;
  3. preparing the probate papers;
  4. applying to the Probate Registry for the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration; and
  5. collecting in the assets of the estate and settling the liabilities once the Grant is received.

Probate will be required to sell or transfer a house, sell or transfer shares and in most cases to close bank accounts. The assistance required by the Executors will depend on the finances of the Deceased, the terms of the Will, the family circumstances and how much work the Executors are willing or able to do.

OUR PROBATE SERVICES

Lodge Brothers Legal Services offer 3 levels of service to suit your requirements.

Fixed Fee from £250 (£300 inc. VAT):

  1. Executors prepare all probate forms;
  2. Executors make a personal application to the probate registry;
  3. We will check the forms are completed correctly; and
  4. Responsibility for the application remains with Executors.

Fixed Fee from £750 (£900 inc. VAT) plus disbursements:

  1. Executors responsible for registering death with all asset holders;
  2. Executors establish the assets and liabilities at date of death; and
  3. We will complete the probate papers, Inheritance tax forms and apply for the Grant of Probate.

Fixed Fee from £1,500 (£1,800 inc. VAT ) plus disbursements: This is our most complete service which will relieve you of the heavy burden of dealing with the estate when your thoughts are elsewhere.

  1. It ensures that probate is obtained quickly and efficiently.
  2. We will register the death certificate with the asset holders;
  3. We will ascertain the date of death assets and liabilities of the estate; and
  4. We will complete all the probate papers, Inheritance Tax forms and apply for the Grant of Probate.

Pre-planning allows you to plan your funeral or cremation service ahead of time thus alleviating the financial pressure and emotional strain on your family and friends at the time of loss and grief. By planning ahead your family will not occur any additional expenses as you pay for the funeral before your passing. By securing your funeral plan you pay at TODAY’S prices, saving money in the long run.

Pre-planning a funeral gives an opportunity for you to get important information either from your loved one or if you are planning your own funeral for you to tell your loved ones exactly how you wish to be remembered. Choose your favourite hymns, floral tributes, memorials to ensure your last wishes are granted. By conveying your personal wishes or customs will alleviate the family of the pressure of deciding how you would like to be remembered.

Give your loved ones the gift of knowing that they are fulfilling your wishes and finding comfort in the knowledge that you said goodbye in the way that you wanted.

Funeral plans from Lodge Brothers gives you:

  • Protection against the rising cost of funerals – secure your plan at TODAY’s prices
  • Peace of mind for you and your loved ones
  • Personalise your funeral – Say “goodbye” YOUR way
  • Personal and Professional service from a fully trained Funeral Arranger
  • Guaranteed acceptance – No age or health restrictions
  • Monthly payment option – interest-free available
  • All funds held in a secure TRUST FUND ready to be paid when the time comes.

Lodge Brothers pre-paid funeral plans throughout the UK including funeral plans Ham

Planning your own funeral or memorial service can provide peace-of-mind to you and your family.

Lodge Brothers know that losing a loved one can often become a financial burden, but we also know that a dignified send-off is needed to honour the person’s life.

With a Lodge Brothers funeral plans Surbiton, you can rest assured that all will be taken care of when it comes time to say goodbye to a loved one. With Lodge Brothers range of Funeral Plans Cobham to choose from, you will find one best suited to your individual needs.

Planning a funeral can be daunting and Lodge Brothers professional, empathic staff will assist every step of the way. Planning a funeral allows you to ease the burden off your loved ones and plan the way you would like to be remembered.

Things to think about when planning your funeral:

Decide on what type of service you would like to have

Decide if you want any other funeral events

Personalise your funeral with flower arrangements, transportation, music, casket or memorial stone.

A Funeral Plan from Lodge Brothers gives you:

Protection against the rising cost of funerals – secure your plan at TODAY’s prices

Personal and Professional service from a fully trained Funeral Arranger

Guaranteed acceptance – No age or health restrictions

Monthly payment option – interest-free available

All funds held in a secure TRUST FUND ready to be paid when the time comes.

Say ‘Goodbye’ your way with Lodge Brothers funeral plans Ruislip

PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES WITH PRE PAID FUNERAL PLANS SURBITON

Planning your funeral is one of the last ways you can show your loved ones how much they mean to you. Not only will you relieve them from extra financial burden of paying for your funeral, you will also give them peace of mind that your funeral is the way you would like to be remembered. Lodge Brothers have funeral plans to suit every need. They have listened to what their customers want and created some affordable options to choose from. Funeral Plans Ruislip ensure their clients’ needs and requests are carried out with the upmost care and consideration.

Read what some of Lodge Brothers Surbiton customers say about their excellent service …

Thank you for completing the job, it looks lovely. We will visit and take care not to lean on it!

Mr M – Tolworth | 30.05.2017

On behalf of my Mum, thank you for the marvellous job you and your team did for my Dad’s funeral yesterday.

Quite a few of the mourners remarked on how professional and discreet you were and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to carry the coffin.

Congratulations on a job well done

Mr W – Worcester Park | 01.06.2017

The funeral went very well. Martin Shaw the Celebrant gave a lovely service, lots of people attended with standing room only, and everyone commented on what a lovely funeral it was.  The Conductor and his men looked after us all very well.  Thank you to everyone at Lodge Brothers for their help and support, I am pleased to have used Lodge Brothers again.

Mrs N – Kingston on Thames | 26.05.2017

Lodge Brothers dedicated team can be reached by phone or email, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact them to find out about funeral plans Cobham.

Planning your funeral can be daunting and emotional, however, with Lodge Brothers you will feel comfortable and at ease within no time at all. They have empathetic staff who will guide you every step of the way ensuring you feel comfortable and make the right decisions for you and your loved ones.

Plan and pay for your funeral service today, and your family and friends won’t be left behind to deal with the funeral costs or worry about making the right choices for the service. With prepaid funeral plans Ashford your service will be planned and paid for, giving both you and your loved ones peace of mind knowing that the funeral costs and the arrangement details are already taken care of.

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Planning ahead with a Pre-Paid funeral plans Chertsey  will ensure your family won’t face any extra cost or worries when the time comes – plus they will find comfort in the knowledge that you said goodbye in the way that you wanted.

A Funeral Plan from Lodge Brothers gives you:

  • Protection against the rising cost of funerals – secure your plan at TODAY’s prices
  • Peace of mind for you and your loved ones
  • Personalise your funeral – Say “goodbye” YOUR way
  • Personal and Professional service from a fully trained Funeral Arranger
  • Guaranteed acceptance – No age or health restrictions
  • Monthly payment option – interest free available
  • All funds held in a secure TRUST FUND ready to be paid when the time
memorial_image_1
Lodge Brothers funeral plans Cobham have a wide variety of floral tributes and memorial headstones to choose from, speak to them today and find out how they can help you and your family.

 

Say “goodbye” YOUR way and give your loved one’s peace of mind with Lodge Brothers wide range of funeral plans.

Having served the community for over 230 years’ Lodge Brothers know exactly how to assist their customers with a fitting memorial to remember their loved ones and have helped thousands of people plan their own funeral. The benefits of Lodge Brothers flexible funeral plans Chertsey suite everyone’s needs.

Lodge Brothers Funeral Plans Cobham gives you:

  1. Protection against the rising cost of funerals – secure your plan at TODAY’s prices
  2. Personalise your funeral
  3. Personal and Professional service from a fully trained Funeral Arranger
  4. Guaranteed acceptance – No age or health restrictions
  5. Monthly payment option – interest free available
  6. All funds held in a secure TRUST FUND ready to be paid when the time comes.

Lodge Brothers have outstanding people who work for them, people who are dedicated, empathetic and who always go the extra mile for those in need. They are passionate about getting involved in the community and ensuring that their clients’ needs are taken care of during grief which is often the most difficult time in their life.

Paul Bye, our Surrey Commercial and Operations Manager recently appeared in the Wisley & Pyrford Magazine with a piece on what it is like to be a Funeral Director.

When Paul Bye reveals his profession at parties, it can be something of a show-stopper. Paul, from Surrey, gave up his career of 15 years to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a Funeral Director. Paul explains “I wanted to do a job that was more important, where I could help people. I wanted to make people aware of the choices that are available and help them to talk about death and dying.”

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He added that he has “no fascination with death” as his work is about “helping the living by supporting grieving families.” Nevertheless, he does have to work in the mortuary with the deceased, so how does he cope with this aspect of the job? “Before becoming a Funeral Director I had never seen a dead body and found the prospect a little chilling, but I quickly became accustomed to it. It’s not creepy. The deceased is simply somebody whose heart no longer beats; somebody’s loved one.”

Dealing with grieving families on a daily basis must be harrowing but Paul said “I get a tangible sense of helping people. It’s meaningful, wonderful work.” He added that if he ever has a particularly difficult day, he unwinds by talking to his father (who also works for Lodge Brothers) about it. Paul says that his work has changed his own perspective on life. “It has made me hold the people I love tighter. It has made me appreciate them more. I no longer dwell on small things, hold grudges or let arguments lie unresolved.”

As part of Paul’s role at Lodge Brothers, he meets with clubs and societies to engage them in conversations about death and dying. “Death is a fact of life and it is important to be able to discuss your own thoughts and personal wishes. Planning ahead with funeral plans Englefield Green gives people the comfort of knowing that, when they die, their family and friends will have a good idea of the things that matter to them the most. Of course we encourage people to consider the implications of burial versus cremation, but we also ask people to think about their favourite pieces of music, donations to a designated charity, the funeral procession to take a specific route or bright colours to be worn.