MEMORIES FUNERAL SERVICE LTD

221 Hall Street, Offerton, Stockport SK1 4JG
0161 302 9753
info@memoriesfuneralservice.com
Company Registration Number: 112377723

Standard Terms and Conditions of Business
Version 4 – April 2025

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions form the legally binding agreement between Memories Funeral Service Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”) and the person(s) instructing us (“you”, “the Client”).

By signing our Estimate of Charges or instructing us to proceed, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to these Terms.

2. Authority and Responsibility

2.1 Authority to Instruct

You confirm that you have full legal authority to arrange the funeral and give instructions in respect of the deceased.
We are not responsible for verifying entitlement. If it later transpires that you did not have authority, you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless against any resulting claims, costs, losses or liabilities.
If any dispute arises between family members or third parties regarding authority, we shall not intervene. Our contractual duties are owed solely to you as our Client.

2.2 Joint and Several Liability

Where more than one person instructs us, each person shall be jointly and severally liable for all sums due under this contract.

3. Scope of Services

3.1 Services Provided

We will provide the services detailed in the signed Estimate of Charges.
Where certain costs cannot be finalised at the time of signing, they will be confirmed once full information is available.

3.2 Third Party Services

Many elements of a funeral are provided by third parties including crematoria, cemeteries, clergy, celebrants, organists and gravediggers.
We act as your agent in engaging such services. You remain liable for all third party charges. We are not responsible for acts, omissions or service failures of third parties.

4. Care of the Deceased

4.1 Transfer into Our Care

Upon instruction, the deceased will be respectfully conveyed into our care.
Soiled clothing will be treated as clinical waste and disposed of appropriately. Other clothing and valuables will be removed where possible, recorded and handled in accordance with your instructions.
We cannot accept responsibility for valuables left with the deceased unless loss results from our negligence.

4.2 Size and Weight Considerations

At the time of arrangement, the precise size and weight of the deceased may not be known. Pricing is based on standard operational limits.
If the deceased exceeds standard limits, additional charges may apply due to coffin manufacture, reinforcement, vehicle capacity, grave size or crematorium restrictions.
Where shoulder bearing would present a health and safety risk, we reserve the right to use a wheeled bier or trolley. Where possible, we will inform you in advance.

5. Coffin Specifications and Dimensional Charges

Our standard coffin provides internal dimensions of:
6 feet 2 inches (length)
22 inches (width)
13 inches (depth)

If the deceased exceeds any of these dimensions:
£20 per additional inch required in any dimension
£60 coffin reinforcement charge where measurements exceed standard dimensions

All measurements are subject to confirmation once the deceased is in our care.

The maximum allowable width for cremation is 40 inches. Coffins exceeding this width cannot be accommodated within the cremator. Should this occur, we will contact you promptly to discuss alternative arrangements. Additional costs may apply.
Crematoria may impose additional surcharges for oversized coffins or deceased persons. Any such surcharge remains payable by you.

6. Keepsakes and Personal Requests

Where requested, we are able to take locks of hair and fingerprints as keepsakes. We will handle such requests with care and sensitivity and will endeavour to meet your wishes wherever reasonably possible.
However, in certain circumstances the physical condition of the deceased may prevent us from obtaining a suitable lock of hair or clear fingerprint impression. Where this occurs, we will inform you promptly.
We cannot accept liability where the condition of the deceased makes it impossible or unsuitable to provide these keepsakes.

7. Hazardous Implants

Where required, we may remove hazardous implants using appropriate professional methods while maintaining dignity and respect at all times.

8. Ashes Policy

8.1 Storage

Where cremation takes place and ashes are collected by us:
Ashes will be stored free of charge for 12 months from the date of cremation
After 12 months, storage charges of £100 per year (or part thereof) will apply

8.2 Client Responsibility

It is your responsibility to provide instructions for collection, delivery or scattering.

8.3 Final Notice and Disposal

If no instruction has been received within 3 years of cremation:
We will issue a final written notice by recorded delivery to your last known address
If no response is received, ashes will be respectfully scattered at the crematorium of cremation or an appropriate garden of remembrance
A permanent record will be retained. Following scattering, no further liability shall attach to us.

9. Alternative Affordable Funeral Service Restrictions

Where this option is selected:
Service must take place at one location only
A limited number of staff will bear the coffin
A wheeled bier may be used where necessary
Service must take place at Stockport Crematorium on trestles
Cremation will take place on the next available working day at Manchester Crematorium or The Birches Crematorium
Appointments are within office hours only
No additional chargeable extras are available

10. Data Protection

We are registered under the Data Protection Act 2018 and comply with UK data protection legislation.
Personal data is used solely for arranging and delivering funeral services and providing relevant bereavement information.
Funeral records are retained indefinitely. Public information such as funeral date and location is not treated as confidential. Personal data will not be disclosed without consent unless required by law.

11. Cancellation

You may cancel within 14 days by writing to our registered address. Cancellation does not apply where services have commenced or personalised goods have been ordered. You remain liable for work completed and third party costs incurred prior to cancellation.

12. Payment Terms

12.1 Advance Payments

We reserve the right to request payment in advance of some or all charges. If required payment is not received at least 2 working days before the funeral, we are not obliged to proceed.

12.2 Funeral Type Specific Terms

Bespoke Funerals
Third party fees must be paid 48 hours before the funeral. The remaining balance is due within 7 days after the funeral.

Social Fund Applications
The estimated shortfall must be paid at least 2 days before the funeral.

Non UK Residents
Full payment must be received 2 working days before the funeral.

Unattended Cremation or Burial
Full payment must be received 3 working days before the service.

Lower Cost Funerals
Full payment must be received 2 working days before the funeral.

Estate or Solicitor Payments
Written confirmation of available funds must be provided prior to probate.

12.3 Final Invoice

A detailed invoice will be issued after the funeral. Payment is due within 7 days.

12.4 Late Payment

If payment is not received within 7 days:
Interest will accrue at 8 percent per calendar month or part thereof
£20 per reminder letter will apply
After 30 days, we may assign the debt or commence legal proceedings
Recovery costs will be added to the outstanding balance
Where we send an invoice to a third party, you remain personally liable.

12.5 Payment Methods

All payments must be made in GBP. We accept card payments and bank transfer.

13. Limitations of Liability

Funeral dates and times cannot be guaranteed until confirmed by third parties. Time is not of the essence.
We are not liable for delays or changes caused by matters outside our reasonable control, including third party failures, weather conditions, government restrictions, mechanical failure or animal health.
We are responsible only for services carried out directly by us.
Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or for fraud.

14. Ownership of Goods

Ownership of goods supplied remains with us until payment has been received in full.

15. Media and Promotional Use

From time to time, we may take photographs or video recordings of funeral vehicles, floral tributes, coffins, venues or other elements of the funeral arrangements for the purposes of promoting our services.
We will not intentionally publish sensitive personal details or identify individuals without consent.
By instructing us to act, you consent to such media being used on our website, social media platforms or other promotional materials.
If you do not wish for images relating to the funeral to be used in this way, or if you later change your mind, you may notify us in writing and we will remove the relevant material within a reasonable timeframe.

16. Severability and Governing Law

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
This contract is governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

17. Work Undertaken for Other Funeral Professionals

Where we provide services on behalf of another funeral professional or organisation, our fees may differ.
For Pure Cremation, Co-op Funeral Care, Dignity PLC, Funeral Partners, Memoria Funerals, Low Cost Funerals or any subsidiary:
Bringing into care: £500 (in or out of hours)
Storage: £100 per day
By engaging us, you agree to these fees.