When Deaths Go to the Coroner
Why Deaths Are Referred to the Coroner
About 45% of all deaths in England and Wales are reported to the coroner. A death must be referred if:
- The cause of death is unknown
- The death was violent or unnatural
- The death was sudden and unexplained
- The person died in custody or state detention
- The death may be due to an accident (whenever it occurred)
- The death may be due to suicide
- The death occurred during an operation or before recovery from anaesthetic
- The death may be due to an industrial disease or poisoning
What Happens During a Coroner Investigation
1. Initial Investigation
The coroner's officer will contact you to explain the process and gather information about the deceased's medical history and circumstances of death.
2. Post-Mortem Examination
May be required to determine cause of death. You'll be informed if this is necessary. Most are completed within 2-3 working days.
3. Release of Body
Usually released within 3-5 days, allowing funeral arrangements to proceed. The coroner will issue necessary paperwork.
4. Inquest (if required)
Held for about 10% of coroner cases. A public hearing to establish facts about how someone died. Family can attend and ask questions.
Timescales
Simple Cases
2-4 weeks for completion. Body released within days.
Complex Cases
3-6 months if inquest required. Interim death certificate available.
Your Rights
- To be told if a post-mortem is needed
- To be represented at the inquest by a lawyer
- To see post-mortem and toxicology reports
- To object to organ/tissue retention
- To request a second post-mortem
Documents from the Coroner
Interim Death Certificate
Allows you to notify banks, employers, and deal with the estate while investigation continues.
Coroner's Certificate for Cremation
Form 6 - replaces the usual forms from doctors.
Final Death Certificate
Issued after investigation complete. Register death within 5 days of receiving this.
Important Points
- • Coroner services are free - you never have to pay
- • You can arrange the funeral once the body is released
- • The coroner's officer is your main point of contact
- • Legal aid may be available for inquest representation
- • You can request copies of all reports and documents
Related Guides
You might also find these guides helpful
Understanding Post-Mortem Examinations
Types of post-mortems, when they're required, what happens during the procedure, religious considerations, and timeline implications.
What Happens at an Inquest
Complete guide to coroner's inquests, who attends, the hearing process, giving evidence, and possible outcomes.
Your Rights During Coroner Investigation
Legal rights as an interested person, accessing reports, legal representation, and how to raise concerns during the investigation.