Coroners are required to complete an inquest within 6 months of the date on which the Coroner is made aware of the death, or as soon as is reasonably practicable.
In the meantime:
- The Coroner can issue a Certificate of Fact of Death which can be used to notify asset holders –
this is often referred to as the interim death certificate.
- The funeral can be arranged as soon as the Coroner confirms the Post-Mortem is complete.
- A Grant of Probate can be obtained.
- The death cannot be finally registered until after the Inquest has been completed.
All coroner inquest records are closed to the public for 75 years, although next of kin can apply for access. Contact the Coroner's Office who handled the inquest for guidance.
Have you searched for newspaper reports regarding the inquest? Inquests are often mentioned in newspapers.
