Funeral Costs Before Probate: What You Can Do

Dealing with a loved one’s estate after they’ve died can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re also trying to organise a funeral. One of the biggest sources of confusion is probate: what it is, why it matters, and how it affects access to money for funeral costs.

It’s important to note that probate doesn’t apply in every situation. Many people, especially those with simpler financial arrangements, may not need it at all. But when it does apply, understanding the process can make a big difference.

In this guide, we’ll explain how probate works, who’s responsible for paying funeral expenses, and the different ways you may be able to cover the costs, even before probate is granted. We’ll also outline what support is available if money is tight, and how to manage debts from the estate.

Whether you’re planning ahead or supporting someone through a bereavement, understanding the process can make a difficult time that little bit easier.

Key takeaways: 

• Funeral costs usually need to be paid before probate is granted — if probate is even required at all. In most cases, the cost can be covered through the person’s bank account, a prepaid funeral plan, or an insurance policy.
• The person who arranges the funeral is responsible for the initial payment, but costs can usually be claimed back from the estate, if there are enough funds.
  
• Funeral expenses are prioritised above other debts, and must be settled before inheritance is distributed.
  
• Probate may not be needed for smaller estates or if most assets are held jointly, which can make access to funds easier.
  
• Help with funeral expenses is available if funds are limited, including support from government schemes, charities, or the local council in the case of a public health funeral.

Understanding funeral costs and probate

What is probate and why does it matter?

Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s estate after they die. If there’s a will, it confirms it’s valid and gives the executor the authority to deal with the person’s money, property, and belongings. If someone dies without a will, an administrator takes on this role under the rules of intestacy.

After someone dies, their sole bank accounts are usually frozen. This means loved ones can’t access the money directly — even to cover funeral costs. However, most banks will agree to release funds directly to a funeral provider if shown a copy of the death certificate and the funeral invoice. It can be a confusing time, as families are expected to organise a funeral while access to money is limited.

If you need any more information about how to apply for probate with a will – Aura is here to give you a helping hand.

Who is responsible for paying funeral costs?

In the UK, the person who arranges the funeral is responsible for paying the bill at first. This is often the executor, a close family member, or the next of kin. But that doesn’t always mean they’ll pay the cost in the long run.

Funeral costs are treated as a priority debt. They’re usually reimbursed from the estate before other debts like credit cards or personal loans. However, the person who signs the contract with the funeral director is legally responsible if the estate can’t cover the cost.

Paying funeral expenses before probate

Using your loved one’s bank account

While banks normally freeze bank accounts after a death, many make an exception for funeral costs.

You can ask the bank to pay the funeral director directly from the person’s account. This avoids the need to pay out of your own pocket. You don’t need a full grant of probate, just the right documents, such as:

• The original death certificate
• The funeral invoice (in the name of the person who has died)
• Proof of your identity and relationship to them

Each bank has its own process, but most major UK banks offer this service. Payments usually go straight to the funeral provider, not to the family.

Funeral payment from an estate without probate

In some cases, probate isn’t needed at all. This may apply if the estate is small or mainly consists of joint assets, such as a shared bank account.

Many banks have a probate threshold. If the estate is below this limit, they may accept a small estate indemnity form instead of full probate. A solicitor can help with this if needed.

If assets are held in joint names – for example, between spouses – the surviving person can usually access the funds right away to cover funeral costs.

Alternative ways to cover funeral costs

Funeral insurance and prepaid plans

If the person who has died had a prepaid funeral plan, the cost is already taken care of. These plans fix the price of a funeral in advance and often include key services like collection, cremation, and paperwork.

Life insurance can also help cover funeral costs. In most cases, insurers will release funds for funeral expenses upon presentation of the death certificate and the funeral invoice, though full payouts from the policy may take longer. It’s worth checking if a policy is in place before paying any costs yourself.

Aura offers prepaid funeral plans and direct cremation at a fixed cost – designed to ease financial pressure and avoid unexpected bills.

Terms and conditions apply. You will receive a funeral plan summary before purchase to help you make an informed decision.

Government and charitable assistance

If there’s no money available, support may still be available. The UK Government can offer help through the Funeral Expenses Payment scheme for people receiving certain benefits.

The Bereavement Support Payment may also be available to those eligible, with the scheme aimed at easing the financial strain if you’ve lost a spouse or civil partner.  In Scotland, there’s also the Funeral Support Payment, which can help low-income families with the cost of a funeral. Aura’ article covering bereavement support should help provide you with all the details you need. 

In England and Wales, a public health funeral may be arranged by the local council or hospital if there’s no one able or willing to pay. Some charities and religious organisations also offer funeral grants in emergencies, with the following potentially being able to help.

• Quaker Social Action
• Friends of the Elderly
• Turn2Us
• The Child Funeral Charity

Reimbursing funeral expenses from the estate

Claiming back funeral costs

If you’ve paid for the funeral yourself, you can usually claim the money back from the estate – if there are enough funds.

To do this:

• Keep all receipts and proof of payment
• Make a clear record of costs
• Provide a copy of the will, if available
• Include funeral costs in the probate application

Reimbursement is usually one of the first steps once probate is granted, before any inheritance is paid out.

What to do if the estate cannot cover funeral expenses

If there isn’t enough money in the estate to repay you, the responsibility stays with the person who signed the contract. If this happens, you could:

• Agree a payment plan with the funeral provider
• Ask for help from charities or your local council
• Talk to family or friends about contributing

Working out how to pay for funeral expenses in this situation may be difficult, but there are options like public funerals. If no one is able or willing to cover the costs, the local council may arrange a public health funeral.These funerals are carried out with care and respect, but they are usually very simple, and the family may have little or no involvement in the arrangements.

Dealing with creditors after death

Identifying outstanding debts

One of the executor’s duties is to find and deal with any debts left behind. These might include:

• Loans
• Credit cards
• Utility bills
• Tax

You can check for debts by reviewing bank statements, post, and online accounts. A credit report can also help identify anything outstanding.

Let creditors know about the death as soon as you can, and provide a copy of the death certificate if asked.

Prioritising debt repayments from the estate

Funeral costs must be paid first, before any other debts. After that, the order is usually:

1. Secured debts, such as mortgages
2. Outstanding tax
3. Unsecured debts, like credit cards

No inheritance should be paid out until all debts and funeral costs have been settled.

What happens if there isn’t enough money to pay debts?

If the estate has more debts than assets, it’s considered insolvent. Family members are not responsible for paying these debts from their own money – unless they were a joint account holder or signed a personal guarantee.

Don’t distribute any part of the estate until you’re sure it’s solvent. If in doubt, speak to a solicitor or an insolvency specialist.

When an estate is insolvent, debts are paid in a legal order. Some may be written off if there isn’t enough to go round.

Aura can help

We know how difficult it can be to navigate funeral arrangements and financial matters during a time of loss. Whether you’re worried about covering costs before probate is granted, or simply don’t know where to start, we’re here to make things a little easier.

At Aura, we offer simple, affordable funeral plans – whether you’re planning ahead for peace of mind, or arranging a funeral now. Our prepaid options and fixed-price direct cremation services are designed to ease financial stress and avoid unexpected bills.

Terms and conditions apply. A funeral plan summary will be provided before you make any decision.

If you’re unsure about probate, funeral costs, or what help you might be entitled to, our friendly team can guide you through the next steps, without pressure or jargon.

You’re not alone. We’re here to support you with honest advice and gentle guidance, every step of the way.