When a Death Is Referred to the Coroner: What Happens Next

When a Death Is Referred to the Coroner: What Happens Next

If a death is referred to the coroner, it can feel alarming. You may worry about delays, investigations, or what it means for your loved one. In most cases, the process is straightforward, and understanding what to expect can help ease some of that anxiety.

Why Is a Death Referred to the Coroner?

A death must be reported to the coroner in certain circumstances. This is a legal requirement and does not mean anything suspicious has happened. Common reasons include:

• The cause of death is unknown
• The person had not seen a doctor in the 28 days before death (14 days under some local practices)
• The death was sudden or unexpected
• The death occurred during or shortly after surgery
• The death may be linked to an industrial disease or workplace accident
• The death occurred in custody, prison, or state detention
• The doctor is unable to issue a medical certificate of cause of death

In England and Wales, the coroner is an independent judicial officer. Their role is to establish who the deceased was, and how, when, and where they died.

What Happens After a Referral?

Once a death is referred, the coroner will review the circumstances and decide what action is needed. There are three main outcomes.

1. No Further Action

If the coroner is satisfied with the information provided, they may ask a doctor to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This means there is no delay, and you can proceed with registering the death and arranging the funeral as normal.

2. A Post-Mortem Examination

If the cause of death is unclear, the coroner may order a post-mortem examination. This does not require the family's consent, as it is a legal process.

A post-mortem is carried out by a pathologist and usually takes place within a few days. There are two types:

• Non-invasive post-mortem: Uses imaging (such as CT or MRI scans) to determine the cause of death. Not available everywhere, but increasingly offered.
• Standard post-mortem: A physical examination carried out by a pathologist.

If the post-mortem reveals a clear cause of death, the coroner will issue a form that allows you to register the death and proceed with funeral arrangements. This usually adds a few days to the process.

3. An Inquest

An inquest is a formal court hearing held by the coroner. It is required when:

• The cause of death remains unclear after a post-mortem
• The death was violent or unnatural
• The death occurred in custody or state detention

An inquest is a fact-finding process, not a trial. There is no prosecution or defence. The coroner (or sometimes a jury) will determine the cause of death and record a conclusion.

How Long Does the Coroner Process Take?

Timelines vary depending on which route the coroner takes.

Scenario	Typical Timeline
No further action needed	1 - 3 days
Post-mortem with clear findings	3 - 7 days
Post-mortem with further tests (toxicology)	4 - 12 weeks
Inquest (straightforward)	2 - 6 months
Complex inquest	6 months - 2 years

These are approximate. Your local coroner's office can give you a more specific indication for your situation.

Can You Still Plan the Funeral?

In most cases, yes. Once the coroner has completed their examination, they will release the body so the funeral can go ahead. If an inquest is opened, the coroner will usually release the body before the hearing takes place, meaning you do not need to wait for the inquest to conclude before holding the funeral.

The coroner may issue an interim certificate of the fact of death, which can be used for some administrative purposes while the inquest is pending.

What About Registering the Death?

If a post-mortem is carried out but no inquest is needed, the coroner sends the relevant paperwork to the registrar so you can register the death.

If an inquest is opened, the coroner will register the death themselves once the inquest concludes. In the meantime, you can request an interim death certificate for practical matters like notifying banks, insurers, and government departments.

Your Rights During the Process

Families have several rights during the coroner process:

• You can ask questions. The coroner's office should keep you informed of progress and explain what is happening.
• You can raise concerns. If you have relevant information about the circumstances of the death, you should share it with the coroner.
• You can attend the inquest. Inquests are public hearings. Family members can attend, ask witnesses questions (through the coroner), and be legally represented if they wish.
• You can request a second post-mortem. Families have the right to commission their own independent post-mortem, though this is at their own expense.

Getting Support

Dealing with the coroner process while grieving can be overwhelming. Organisations like Inquest provide free advice and support to bereaved families, particularly in cases involving deaths in custody or state detention.

For the wider administrative tasks that follow a bereavement, GetPassage can help you keep track of what needs doing, from notifying organisations to managing the estate.

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This guide covers the process in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different systems. Always contact your local coroner's office or procurator fiscal for specific guidance.