Coroner’s procedure.
There are occasions when it is necessary for H.M. Coroner to act or investigate any sudden or unexplained death. The Coroner and their officers are working in your interest and will keep you informed of their progress.
There is no need to wait for certificates to be issued before making preliminary arrangements with us. We will liaise with the Coroner’s officers and will ensure ample time is allowed for the Coroner’s enquiries to be completed in order for the funeral to proceed.
Death without an inquest
After a post-mortem examination has been held, a certificate will be forwarded by the Coroner to the Registrar concerned. This takes the place of the normal Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (the Doctor’s death certificate). If burial is to take place the death must be registered before the funeral.
If cremation is to take place, the Coroner will notify the Registrar and also issue a Certificate of Coroner (form 6) which we will need to pass onto the cremation office. Registration must then take place within 14 days of death, but not necessarily before the funeral.
Death with an inquest
Following the inquest, the Coroner will issue their certificate for either interment or cremation. Copies of the Death Certificate may be obtained from the appropriate Registrar’s office a few days after the inquest unless there is an adjournment when these will not be available until the case is finalised.