When the coroner is involved
Why a death may be referred to the coroner, what happens next, and what it could mean for funeral arrangements.
A referral to the coroner does not automatically mean there will be an inquest or lengthy investigation. It is a routine step taken when further enquiries may be needed to establish the cause of death or understand the circumstances surrounding it.
A doctor or medical examiner may refer a death to the coroner when the circumstances require it.
We work closely with the coroner’s office and can guide you through the process, keeping you informed while any enquiries are carried out.
Many referrals do not lead to an inquest
Many referrals to the coroner do not result in an inquest. If the coroner is satisfied that no further investigation is required and the cause of death has been established, the necessary information will be passed to the registrar so that the death can be registered in the usual way.
Understanding a coroner’s post-mortem
If the coroner decides that a post-mortem examination is required, it is a legal requirement and does not require the family’s consent. You can ask the coroner’s office for information about when and where it will take place.
The findings help the coroner determine whether any further enquiries are required and establish the cause of death. The coroner will advise when your loved one can be released for the funeral.
Funeral arrangements can usually proceed before an investigation concludes
While the coroner is involved, they are responsible for authorising the release of your loved one for burial or cremation.
Your loved one may be released for burial or cremation before all the enquiries are complete. The coroner’s office will advise you when this is possible.
If your loved one has not been released within 28 days, the coroner must notify the relevant person of the reasons for the delay, in accordance with the applicable legal requirements. We can liaise with the coroner’s office on your behalf, provide updates and help minimise any uncertainty during the process.
An interim death certificate can help while enquiries continue
The death cannot usually be registered until the necessary information about the cause of death has been established and the relevant documents have been completed.
An interim death certificate can often be used to help manage financial, legal and administrative matters while the coroner’s enquiries are ongoing. The coroner’s office can explain what it can be used for.
The registrar will issue the death certificate once the necessary information has been received and the death can be registered.
When an inquest is required
In certain circumstances, the coroner is legally required to hold an inquest.
- the cause of death is still unknown
- the death may have been violent, unnatural or unexplained
- they might have died in prison or police custody.
Inquests are held as soon as reasonably possible, although the timescale varies depending on the complexity of the case. The timescale will depend on the circumstances and complexity of the case, so it may take longer than six months.
In many cases, the funeral can take place before the inquest, once the coroner has authorised the release of your loved one.
Contacting the Sunderland coroner’s office
Covers
Sunderland, including Washington and Houghton-le-Spring
Where
Office of HM Coroner for the City of Sunderland, City Hall, Plater Way, Sunderland, SR1 3AA. On arrival, City Hall staff direct you to the Coroner’s Courts entrance on level 1.
Telephone
0191 561 7843, 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, except bank holidays
Email
Out of hours
An on-call officer covers urgent matters only. Please contact the office during opening hours for anything routine.
Reporting a death
Deaths are usually referred to the coroner by a doctor or medical examiner. Families can contact the coroner’s office if they have concerns about a death.
We’re here to help
We understand how worrying it can be when arrangements are delayed and answers are still being sought. We can liaise with the coroner’s office on your behalf, explain what is happening and keep you informed throughout the process.
The coroner may also be involved in the registration process or when someone who has died is to be taken out of England or Wales. We can explain what this means for your arrangements.
