A death is referred to the coroner - or in Scotland, the procurator fiscal - in certain circumstances, for example when the cause of death is unknown, the death was violent or unnatural, it was sudden and unexplained, it happened during or after an operation or medical procedure, it may have been caused by the person's work, or it happened in prison or police custody.
What is the coroner's role?
The coroner needs to be satisfied that the medical certificate can be issued/was issued without the need for further investigation. In most instances this is the case, but where the coroner feels more information is required he/she can order a post-mortem examination.Once the coroner is satisfied that the death is due to natural causes the deceased's body will be released for the funeral to take place. The forms the coroner will use vary: see Forms and certificates when the coroner is involved. Until this point you cannot usually register the death.
Rarely, if the coroner cannot confirm the death was a result of natural causes, an inquest will be ordered.
At the inquest as next of kin you have the right to be told the date, time and location of the inquest. You also have the right to question witnesses at the inquest. Whilst you can do this yourself you may prefer to use a solicitor.
Forms and certificates when a coroner is not involved
When a coroner isn't involved (England and Wales). A doctor completes the medical certificate of cause of death, and a medical examiner - a senior doctor not involved in the person's care - checks it. The medical examiner's office may call you to explain the cause of death. The certificate is usually sent straight to the registrar, and the medical examiner's office will tell you when you can register the death. See how to register a death.
What should I do next?
You should take the form to the registrar of births, marriages and deaths by making an appointment to register the deathForms and certificates when a coroner is involved
- If there's no inquest, the coroner sends a form to the registrar (form CN2) giving the cause of death, so the death can be registered. If there's to be a cremation, the coroner also issues a Certificate for Cremation (form Cremation 6).
- If there's an inquest, the funeral can often still go ahead - the coroner can issue an Order for Burial or a Certificate for Cremation. The coroner can also give you an interim death certificate, so you can deal with banks, benefits and probate while you wait.
Post mortems
Post mortem examinations (or autopsies) will be carried out on behalf of the coroner by a pathologist. They will usually be carried out in large hospitals or public mortuaries so, depending on the place of death, the deceased may need to be moved in order for the post mortem to take place.Do I need to give my consent to a post mortem?
Whilst it is possible for the deceased to have consented to a post mortem (see Post mortem examinations ), if the coroner orders it no consent is needed. If you have a strong objection to the post-mortem examination on grounds of faith or religion you should inform the coroner's office.The coroner will inform you of the need for the post-mortem unless notifying you would cause undue delay.
The examination
The autopsy is a detailed examination both externally and internally. Samples of organs and tissue (and occasionally whole organs) may be taken for further assessment, often under microscope.What are my rights?
As next of kin you have the right to:- Be told of the need for, and the date, time and location of, a post mortem examination (unless it is not practicable to do so)
- Be told if any organ is required for further examination
- Ask the coroner for reasonable access to see the body
- Ask the coroner for your own, separate autopsy if you wish. This would be at your own expense.
- Ask for a copy of the post-mortem report. Be aware that this will be at your own expense and may take several months to be made available. The report will usually be written in technical, medical language so you may need help in understanding its contents.
You can't object to a coroner's post-mortem, but if you ask, the coroner must tell you, and the person's GP, when and where it will take place.
Need a simple list to work through?
Download our free First Week After a Death checklist. It covers the immediate steps, registering the death, choosing a funeral director and the organisations that may need to be told.
Download the free checklistReviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026.
See also Coroners, post-mortems and inquests.
See also The medical examiner.
Common questions
When is a death referred to a coroner?
For example, when the cause is unknown, the death was violent or unnatural, sudden and unexplained, happened during or after an operation, may have been caused by the person's work, or happened in prison or police custody. In Scotland, deaths are referred to the procurator fiscal.
What happens if a coroner isn't involved?
In England and Wales, a doctor completes the medical certificate of cause of death and a medical examiner checks it. The certificate goes to the registrar, and the medical examiner's office tells you when you can register.
Can I register the death while the coroner is involved?
Not usually. You'll need to wait until the coroner has finished their enquiries.
Do I have rights at an inquest?
As next of kin, you have the right to be told the date, time and place of the inquest, and to question witnesses. You can use a solicitor if you prefer.