The coroner will decide if:

• The cause of death is clear
• A post-mortem is needed
• An inquest is required

Clear cause of death:

The coroner will issue a certificate to the registrar stating that a post-mortem or inquest is not needed, and you can register the death of your loved one.

Following a post-mortem:

The coroner will release your loved one for a funeral, once they have completed the post-mortem examinations and no further examinations are needed.

They will ask which funeral director you have chosen. When we receive the official confirmation paperwork from the coroner, a funeral can be arranged, and we will convey your loved one into our care.

If no inquest is required, the coroner will send a form to the registrars stating the cause, and you can register the death of your loved one.
The coroner will issue an additional form if your loved one is to be cremated.

The coroner holds an inquest:

The coroner must hold an inquest if the cause of death is still unknown, the death was violent or unnatural, or the death happened in prison or in police custody.
Where the usual registration of death is delayed due to an inquest, the coroner can issue a ‘Certificate of the Fact of Death’, commonly referred to as an interim death certificate, to help with the administration of the estate.
Once the inquest is concluded, you can get the final death certificate from the registrar.