Information for the Bereaved
In this section you will find information to help you understand why your loved one's death has been referred to the Coroner.
You can download the Ministry of Justice – Guide to Coroner Services booklet for the bereaved. This will help you understand how the service works and may answer any questions you have.
If you need any emotional and practical support for your family or as a witness attending an inquest, you can visit the Coroners' Courts Support Service website.
We understand that AI is a useful tool and we seek to ensure that all information relied upon before the Court is factually accurate, truthful and original. Please read our Guidance on the Responsible use of AI if you believe you will be using AI-generated software.
Why are deaths reported to the Coroner?
About half of all deaths are not reported to the Coroner at all because a doctor is able to provide a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (this is a document which allows the death to be registered)...
If you have any concerns
If you have concerns about the circumstances of your relative's death please let us know. The concerns you raise may provide valuable background information for the Coroner's inquiries...
Post Mortem Examinations
What is a post-mortem examination? A post-mortem examination is a medical examination of a body after death in order to find out the cause of death. The Coroner will never order a post-mortem examination without careful consideration...
Organ Donation
When a death is reportable to a coroner and the consent of the deceased or family members has been given for organ or tissue donation, or there is deemed consent, the coroner must be asked whether they have any objection to that donation taking place...
Taking bodies out of England and Wales (repatriation)
Anyone wanting to move a body out of England and Wales (including to Scotland) must have authority from a Coroner. This applies even if the death was completely natural and did not need to be reported to the Coroner before registration...