Terms of Business

1.About Us

Life Funerals Ltd trading as 'Life." (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides funeral services in accordance with UK law and relevant industry guidance. These Terms and Conditions set out the basis of our contract with you (“the client”, “you”).

By instructing us to act on your behalf, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

2.Our Services

We will provide the funeral services agreed with you during the funeral arrangements meeting and as detailed in the written estimate, Contract Summary, and final invoice. Any changes requested after arrangements have been confirmed may result in additional charges.

3.Estimates and Pricing

We will provide you with a written estimate setting out our professional fees and all third-party fees (“disbursements”).

Disbursements are costs paid by us on your behalf to third parties and may include, but are not limited to:

• Crematorium or cemetery fees
• Minister, celebrant, or officiant fees
• Floral tributes
• Newspaper notices
• Venue or catering costs

Disbursement fees are set by third-party providers and may be subject to change. Where this occurs, we will inform you in writing as soon as reasonably practicable.

4.Payment Terms

4.1Disbursements (Third-Party Fees)

All disbursements must be paid in full seven (7) calendar days prior to the funeral taking place.
We cannot guarantee the booking of third-party services until payment has been received.

4.2 Funeral Director’s Fees (Standard Funeral)

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the balance of our professional fees must be paid in full no later than seven (7) calendar days after the funeral has taken place.

Failure to make payment by this date may result in us instructing a third-party debt recovery company to recover the outstanding balance on our behalf. Additional fees, charges, and interest may be added.

4.3 Direct Cremation

For Direct Cremation services, the full balance must be paid within twenty-four (24) hours of the funeral arrangements being completed.

4.4 Method of Payment

Payment may be made by:

• Bank transfer
• Debit card

Credit card payments may be subject to an administration fee, which will be advised in advance.

5. Contract Summary

You will be provided with a Contract Summary, which sets out the agreed funeral arrangements and associated costs.

The Contract Summary constitutes a legally binding contract between both parties.

The person signing the Contract Summary is known as the client and will be held fully accountable for payment of all balances stated, in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

6. Responsibility for Payment

The person signing the funeral arrangements or Contract Summary, or otherwise instructing us, is personally responsible for payment, even if funds are expected from:

• The deceased’s estate
• A solicitor
• The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• A charity or any other third party

Any shortfall remains the responsibility of the client.

7. Government Assistance (Funeral Expenses Payment)

If you are applying for a DWP Funeral Expenses Payment, please be aware that:

• The award may not cover the full cost of the funeral
• Processing times can be lengthy
• You remain responsible for all charges in accordance with these Terms and Conditions

8. Cancellation and Changes

8.1 Cancellation by You

If you cancel the funeral services after arrangements have been made, you will be charged for:

• Any work already carried out
• Any disbursements already paid or committed

Such charges may be non-refundable.

8.2 Cancellation by Us

In the unlikely event that we are unable to provide the agreed services due to circumstances beyond our control, any monies paid will be refunded, excluding any irrecoverable disbursements.

9. Care of the Deceased

We will care for the deceased with dignity and respect at all times, in accordance with professional standards and relevant legislation.

10. Complaints Procedure

If you have any concerns or complaints, please raise them with us in the first instance so that we may attempt to resolve the matter promptly and sensitively.

If the issue cannot be resolved, you may refer the complaint to:

• Your local Trading Standards Office
• Any relevant professional or trade association of which we are a member

11. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits or excludes our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any rights you may have under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

12. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.