GUIDANCE
When the coroner is involved
Why a death may be referred to the coroner, what it means for the timing of the funeral, and how we keep you informed.
A death is referred to the coroner when the cause is unknown, when it was sudden or unexplained, when it followed an accident, injury or surgery, or when no doctor can complete the certificate. A referral is routine and does not imply anything has gone wrong.
The coroner may order a post-mortem, and until the death is released it cannot be registered. That makes the timing uncertain rather than impossible: we can plan the whole funeral and hold a provisional date, then confirm it the moment the coroner releases. We keep in contact with the coroner’s office on your behalf so you are not the one chasing.
What it involves
Why a referral happens
Interim certificate
An inquest
Only in some cases; the funeral need not wait for it
We chase for you
Regular contact with the coroner’s officer
Post-mortem
May be ordered; you will be told if it is
Delayed registration
Registration follows the coroner’s release
We plan regardless
Provisional dates held and confirmed on release
Talk to us
No obligation, and no charge for a conversation. We answer the telephone in person, day or night.
What happens next
01
The referral
The medical examiner refers the death to the coroner.
02
Enquiries
Records reviewed, and a post-mortem if the coroner orders one.
03
Release and confirmation
We are notified, the death is registered and the date is fixed.
Who to contact
| Organisation | What they help with | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| HM Coroner — Rotherham/ Doncaster | Referrals, post-mortems and inquests | 01302 737 135 |
| HM Coroner — Barnsley/ Sheffield | Referrals, post-mortems and inquests | 01142 738 721 |
| Rotherham Register Office | Registration once released | 01709 823 542 |
| Butterfields — 24 hours | Bringing your loved one into our care | 01709 571 777 |
Not sure what to do next?
Send us a message and we will reply the same working day — or telephone us at any hour if the death has just happened.