Arranging the funeral

If a Coroner’s involvement is needed following a death, contact your chosen funeral directors and inform them of the situation as soon as possible.

It is recommended that you do not book a date for the funeral until you have discussed timings with the Coroner’s Officer. We may need to make a variety of arrangements before your loved one's body can be released to you. If a date is booked before speaking to us, it might need to be delayed so these arrangements can be completed.

The Coroner will have temporary legal control of the body while they are carrying out their investigation. This legal control is important because it means that no other person or organisation can interfere with the Coroner’s independent investigation.

Your Coroner’s Officer will let you know when the person’s body can be returned to you. Procedures may vary where there is a criminal investigation into the death.