When does the coroner get involved, and what do they do?
The coroner
What they do
- Investigate deaths that are sudden, unexplained, violent, or where no doctor can certify the cause
- Order a post-mortem where needed
- Release the body to the family when the investigation allows
- Open an inquest in a small number of cases
What they do not do
- Blame anyone — an investigation is not an accusation
- Charge the family for their work
- Register the death for you, though they send the paperwork to the registrar
Typical cost: Free
General information, not legal advice. Applies to England and Wales.