First Steps
Sometimes the person who has died will be referred to HM Coroner for further investigation. This is usually if the death is unexpected, due to an accident or surrounded by suspicious circumstances. If someone has not been treated by a GP or hospital in the 14 days prior to their death, then they will automatically be referred to the Coroner.
Sometimes a post-mortem may take place to determine the cause of death and if this occurs you will be fully informed by the Coroner’s Office. A post-mortem will not alter the appearance of the person who has died or prevent them from being prepared in the same way.
If the cause of death is found to be natural causes and there are no other circumstances requiring an inquest, the coroner will provide a document instead of a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death allowing the death to be registered. This is often sent direct to the registrar, but you may be asked to collect it in person.
Your funeral director will contact the coroner’s office on your behalf to find out when they can collect the deceased to bring them into their care and prepare them for the funeral.