The pandemic has certainly thrown unparalleled challenges our way. In a time of unprecedented crisis, it’s safe to say funeral and other after-death services have been stretched to the limit.

And yet, even in the darkest of times, people have shown incredible stoicism. We’ve worked very closely with nearly 500 families and funeral homes to make the often complex and frustrating journey of dealing with probate as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Every day we, and our professional partners, are blown away by the individual family stories we encounter and how hard they work to overcome their grief and move forward.

At Laurelo, our experience is that it’s the close collaboration between providers at each stage of the after-death journey that has been the key to helping our clients through such trying times. Now more than ever, there’s a wider need to embrace professional partnerships that seamlessly integrate services, so that we are all better able to provide more comprehensive support to our clients.

WORKING TOGETHER

In our experience, working with funeral homes in providing complementary services has been a game-changer for the families we assist. Having lost a relative ourselves last year, our close-knit family team have both a personal and professional understanding of just how valuable having streamlined, continuous support can be for the bereaved. As our Laurelo Director Mark Woolcock explains, “If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that coming together and combining services to better support the bereaved can really make a positive difference at the most challenging time in family life. When you lose a loved one and your heart feels entirely broken, you’re just focused on trying to get through that moment and nothing else. The last thing you want to be doing when you’re grieving is sitting on hold to the probate office or filling out complex paperwork. Having us on board helps support families not only with the probate process but also to get the emotional and practical advice they so often need.

Being able to recommend reputable probate and administration service
that naturally follows on from their own offerings gives funeral directors an opportunity to add value to their own businesses. It shows their customers that they don’t just care about their particular role in helping the bereaved – they care about what happens to each family beyond that phase. That extra level of thoughtfulness and customer service makes an enormous difference to people. When customers feel like you genuinely care about them, they not only deeply appreciate your services, but they also relay how supportive and proficient you are to others in the community.”

HOW WE HELP

At Laurelo, our mission is to make the path to probate as smooth as possible. Founded in 2013, our team of specialist advisers have over 50 years’ experience between them in guiding executors and families through the Probate Administration Service. We know how to get things done the right way, and with minimal delays.

Our probate pathway usually begins when a will writer, hospice end of life team or funeral director recommends us to families looking for support with probate, particularly for those who are grieving the heaviest or have a more complex estate to resolve. As a family-run company, we’re able to provide an especially personal, tailored service. For us, there’s no one size fits all. Each case is handled on a bespoke basis – with an empathetic touch and a ‘handheld’ consultative approach. We also offer 24/7 support, free initial consultation and a fixed fee, so clients always have clarity.

If you’re a funeral home or other after death service provider who would like to strengthen your complimentary service networks, talk to us. While not every client may need integrated services, giving people more choice and advice regarding the further support that’s available makes good business sense, adds tangible value to your own offering and, most importantly, helps families come through the other side.

Linda D Jones, of Grief Journey UK, on Laurelo

During lockdown funeral directors up and down the country were working long and unsociable hours, ensuring their clients received the best possible care during what was a difficult time.

Of course, it wasn’t only taking care of the deceased that became a priority; offering an after-care service became a priority, too. With so many families having to opt for just a small funeral, for them, accepting their significant loss had (and has) been just as difficult as the initial loss. Saying their goodbyes have been traumatic and made the grief process a little too hard to handle for so many.

So, with all that in mind, as well as heading Zoom support groups in both Canada and the UK, Dr Bill Webster spent his time putting together a new format in grief and bereavement facilitation.

I was one of 20 participants who undertook the new format of facilitator training and feel this new presentation will be well received across the country.

As with so many group sessions and clubs, the bereavement support group in Harlow was put on hold. Unfortunately, Jerome Masterson from Masterson Funeral Home, who sponsored our group, sadly passed away so our sponsorship stopped.

Following my last article in SAIFInsight, I was contacted by probate professionals Laurelo who very kindly offered to sponsor our group. Being new Associate members of SAIF, they read my article and were very keen to work with Independents. I am delighted to advise that Laurelo is now sponsoring the Harlow and surrounding areas support group.

Newly named Stepping Stones, our bereavement support group, is up and running again with the help of Michael and his sister Michelle Roughan from Laurelo.
Laurelo is keen to help Independents and I ask you to please give them just a few minutes of your time to explain how they might help you and your community. Many SAIF members are already using their services and I am sure many more will soon join their increasing database.

I am delighted that Stepping Stones has become a reality and thank Laurelo for their support and wish them continued success.

You can find out more about our professional partners here, or if you’d like to speak to someone about working together, please get in touch with our Laurelo team for an informal chat.

This article is intended to provide information only and does not constitute legal advice. We do not accept any responsibility for any omission or loss as a result of this article.

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