Losing someone you love is difficult enough without having to understand unfamiliar legal and medical procedures. If a death is referred to the Coroner or reviewed by a Medical Examiner, it's natural to have questions about what happens next. Although the Coroner and Medical Examiner both play an important role after a death, they have very different responsibilities. This guide explains what each one does, why they may become involved, and what it means for you and your family.
A Coroner is an independent judicial office holder who investigates certain deaths to establish who has died, and when, where and how they died. Not every death is referred to the Coroner. In many cases, the doctor who cared for the person can confirm the cause of death and complete the necessary paperwork without the Coroner becoming involved. The Coroner's role is not to assign blame but to establish the facts surrounding a death.
A doctor must report a death to the Coroner if:
Being referred to the Coroner does not automatically mean anything suspicious has happened. Many referrals are routine and simply allow the Coroner to establish the exact cause of death.
The Coroner will review the available medical information and decide what happens next.
They may:
The Coroner's Office will keep the next of kin or the person arranging the funeral informed throughout the process.
A post-mortem, also known as an autopsy, is a medical examination carried out by a specialist doctor called a pathologist. It helps establish the medical cause of death when this cannot be confirmed from the person's medical history alone. The examination is carried out with dignity and respect.
An inquest is a public court hearing led by the Coroner.
Its purpose is to establish:
An inquest is not a criminal trial and does not decide blame or liability. Many deaths referred to the Coroner do not require an inquest.
Sometimes there may be a short delay while the Coroner completes enquiries or arranges a post-mortem examination. However, every effort is made to release the person into the care of the funeral director as quickly as possible so funeral arrangements can begin.
A Medical Examiner is an independent senior NHS doctor who reviews deaths that are not investigated by the Coroner. Their role is to improve the accuracy of death certification, provide reassurance to families and ensure any concerns about care are identified.
The Medical Examiner will:
In most cases, yes. A member of the Medical Examiner's Office will usually contact the next of kin or the person arranging the funeral.
This gives families the opportunity to:
Many families find this conversation reassuring, particularly if they have unanswered questions.
Although both are involved after someone dies, they have different responsibilities.
The Coroner:
The Medical Examiner:
No. Most deaths are not referred to the Coroner. Only deaths that meet certain legal criteria require the Coroner's involvement.
If the Coroner decides that a post-mortem examination is necessary, permission from the family is not required. The Coroner will explain why the examination is needed.
Yes. In many cases, the funeral can take place before the inquest is held once the Coroner has released the person into the care of the funeral director.
Yes. If the Coroner is involved, their office will usually keep the next of kin or the person arranging the funeral informed about the progress of the investigation.
Usually, yes. The Medical Examiner's Office will often contact the next of kin to explain the cause of death and answer any questions.
No. Medical Examiners now review the majority of deaths that are not investigated by the Coroner. Their role is to provide an independent review and support bereaved families.
Yes. You can contact a funeral director and begin discussing funeral arrangements while enquiries are taking place. Some arrangements may need to wait until the Coroner has released the person into the funeral director's care.
If you've recently lost someone and are unsure what to do next, continue to our Before the Funeral guides for practical advice on registering a death, arranging a funeral and understanding each step of the process.