Alternatively, a coroner may decide further investigation of the death is required and will hold an inquest – a formal court hearing to establish who has died and the cause of their death. Sometimes the investigation may be carried out by other agencies, such as the Police following a homicide, or the Health and Safety Executive in the case of an industrial accident.
The family will be kept informed of the investigation at regular intervals and will be invited to attend the inquest. If there is to be an investigation of the death leading up to an inquest, the coroner issues a document to the family that can be used to administer an estate, which replaces the certified copy of the death certificate.
After an inquest, the death is registered by the coroner and the family can purchase certified copies of the death certificate.
Here is the link to the Government’s own Guide to Coroner Services.
Here is the link to the Coroners Support Service website, which is an excellent source for more information.
To understand more about coroners, post-mortem examinations and inquests, you can call one of our experienced bereavement advisors for free* at 0800 024 6121.