Q:

What is the most popular non-religious music played at funerals?

A:

Increasingly, contemporary music is being used at funerals.

According to the largest funeral company in the UK, the Co-operative Funeralcare which carries out more than 80,000 funerals every year, contemporary music now accounts for 40% of music played at funerals.

The most popular songs played at funerals include Goodbye My Lover by James Blunt, Frank Sinatra's classic My Way and Angels by Robbie Williams. Also popular are I've Had the Time of My Life by Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley, Wind Beneath my Wings by Bette Midler and My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion, Candle in the Wind by Elton John, U2's With or Without You and Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven. Vera Lynn's wartime classic We'll Meet Again remains very popular.

Classical music now accounts for less than 5% of the music chosen at funerals. Nimrod by Elgar is the most popular choice followed by Ave Maria by Schubert and Handel's Largo.

Q:

What is the difference between an Executor and an Administrator?

A:

An Executor is the legal term for the person or persons you choose to look after your affairs after your death. The Executors will be named in your Will. An Administrator is the person or persons who look your affairs if you do not leave a Will. There is a specified order of priority that sets out which of the next of kin will act as Administrator.

The term Personal Representatives covers both Executors and Administrators.

Q:

What is Probate?

A:

Probate is the name given to the legal process of sorting out a person's affairs after their death, paying their bills and distributing the balance of their assets.

Q:

Do you have to pay to use Planning Ahead?

A:

No, the whole of Planning Ahead is completely free.

Q:

Do I need to register to use the Planning Ahead section?

A:

No, you do not need to register to use the Planning Ahead section. If you prefer, you can simply print off those pages that you want to use and fill in the details by hand. Some people will prefer to do this.

You will, however, need to register if you want to save information on-line for future reference or alteration. The advantage of registering is that it ensures that all your instructions and wishes are securely stored in one place, for use by your family in the event of your death.

Q:

Can an Executor also be a beneficiary in a Will?

A:

Yes.

Q:

Can An Executor witness a Will?

A:

No. Beneficiaries and Executors named in a Will cannot witness it. You must have two independent witnesses who are over the age of eighteen and unrelated.

Q:

My parents divorced when I was young and I have had no contact with my Father since. How can I stop him benefitting from my estate when I die?

A:

You need to make sure that you have an up to date Will confirming who you want to benefit from your estate. Your Father will not be able to make any claim on your assets unless he can show he was financially dependant on you.

Q:

My Aunt has just died leaving a Will but very little money and no property. Do I have to apply for a Grant of Probate?

A:

Possibly not. If your Aunt's savings in any one account do not amount to more than £5,000 then the Executors should approach the bank or building society. They will usually release the funds directly to the person or persons named in the Will as beneficiaries.

Q:

What are the most popular hymns used at funerals?

A:

Any list of most popular hymns used at funerals will usually include the following hymns:

Dear Lord and Father of mankind

Glorious things of thee are spoken

Guide me, O thou great Redeemer

He who would valiant be

Immortal, invisible, God only wise

Just as I am, without one plea

Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us

Let all the world in every corner sing

Love Divine, all loves excelling

Now thank we all our God

Onward Christian soldiers

Praise my soul, the King of heaven

The Lord is my shepherd

There is a green hill far away

When I survey the wondrous Cross

Who would true valour see

Other popular hymns include:

All things bright and beautiful

Amazing Grace

For those in peril on the sea

I vow to thee my country, all earthly things above

Jerusalem

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord

Morning has broken

There is a full list of hymns in the funeral section in Planning Ahead and When Death Occurs.

Q:

How do you write a letter of condolence?

A:

Click the following link for advice on writing a letter of condolence click here  (PDF file help).

Q:

I am not a regular church-goer so am I entitled to have a funeral service in my local parish church?

A:

The Church of England have confirmed that everyone has the right to a funeral in their parish church even if they are not church-goers.