When the coroner is involved: what happens and how long it takes

A death is reported to the coroner when the cause is unknown, when it was sudden, violent or unnatural, or when the person died in prison or police custody. It is a routine legal process, not an accusation.

If the coroner does not investigate

The coroner may decide no investigation is needed. The medical examiner then contacts you to confirm you can register the death, and everything continues as normal.

If the coroner finds the cause of death

Where the cause becomes clear — often after a post-mortem examination — the coroner issues a certificate to the registrar saying an inquest is not needed, and the registrar contacts you to arrange registration.

If there is an inquest

GOV.UK states that a coroner must hold an inquest if the cause of death is still unknown, if the person may have died a violent or unnatural death, or if they died in prison or police custody. An inquest establishes who died, and how, when and where — it does not apportion blame.

Inquests can take months. Ask the coroner's officer for an interim death certificate; it is accepted by most banks, insurers and pension providers as proof of death so the estate is not frozen while you wait.

Practical things that help

Write down the coroner's officer's name, direct number and the case reference at the first call, and use that reference on everything. Ask when the body is likely to be released, because the funeral cannot be arranged until it is. Ask whether the family will be asked to identify the person, and take someone with you if so.

You can attend an inquest, ask questions through the coroner, and request copies of documents. Bereavement charities such as Cruse and the Coroners' Courts Support Service will attend with you if you would rather not go alone.