First steps

First Steps and Support

The New South Wales coronial jurisdiction serves the community through investigating circumstances and causes of sudden and unexpected deaths in a respectful and professional manner. The court receives around 8000 reports of death each year.

We acknowledge that for deaths reported to the Coroner, there may be added distress in having to deal with the legal processes as well as the natural grief.

It is a very painful experience when the passing of a relative or friend occurs in sudden, unexpected, or unexplained circumstances.

Police report these types of deaths to the Coroner.  After a death, a person's body will be taken to either a Forensic Medicine facility or a regional hospital, depending on the type of death and location of the death. The police will advise family that the Coroner will be investigating.

In Sydney, your loved one will be taken into the care of the forensic medicine service at Lidcombe.

In regional areas, your loved one will be taken into the care of the local hospital while the Coroner decides whether a post mortem examination is required. If they decide that a post mortem examination is required, your loved one will be taken into the care of the forensic medicine service in either Newcastle or Wollongong.

The role of the Coroner

In Sydney, the State and senior Coroners are located at the Coroners Court in Lidcombe. In regional areas, Coroners sit as Magistrates in Local Courts around NSW.

The Coroner is required by law to investigate sudden, unexpected and unnatural deaths to determine the identity, date, place, circumstances and medical cause of death. In some cases, the Coroner can make recommendations following an inquest to improve public safety and prevent future deaths.

The role of senior-next-of-kin (SNoK)

The senior next-of-kin (or their nominee) is the main point of contact throughout the coronial investigation. The senior next-of-kin is determined by law.

If you are the senior next-of-kin (SNoK), a social worker will usually contact you within 24 hours  to let you know what is happening. You may be asked to formally identify your loved one and provide further information about the circumstances surrounding the death.

Who can be senior next of kin?

If you are not the senior next-of-kin and think you should be, please email the Coroners Court where the death was reported. Include in the email reasons why you think you should have this role and proof of your relationship to the deceased (where possible).

The senior next-of-kin is advised of the types of medical examinations or tests that are required. When these are completed, your loved one will be released into the care of the funeral director nominated by the senior next-of-kin. The senior next-of-kin is also assisted and supported by specialist social workers throughout this initial admission process.

Funeral Arrangements

Family can contact a Funeral Director to begin arranging a funeral at any time, but should not set a date for a service in case release is delayed.

If you inform your Funeral Director that your loved one is in the care of Forensic Medicine, the Funeral Director will take over the role of liaison with the court regarding the release of your loved one.  They will arrange for collection and take your loved one into their care.

Arranging a funeral for your loved one

Support services

Specialist social workers are available to assist you and your family with emotional and practical support.

They can help you with a range of things such as:

•  Speaking with your family doctor, school or workplace
•  Understanding the coronial process, reports and timeframes
• A referral to other support or local counselling services.

You may want to view your relative who has died. This is usually arranged with your funeral director, however arrangements for viewing can be made at the specialist forensic medicine facility your relative was admitted to in Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong.

Important contacts

Coroners Court Lidcombe

1A Main Ave, Lidcombe, NSW 2414

Phone: 02 8584 7777

Lidcombe.coroners@justice.nsw.gov.au

Local Courts in regional NSW

www.localcourt.justice.nsw.gov.au/courtlocations

NSW Health Pathology Forensic Medicine Service

Newcastle Phone: 02 49359700

Sydney Phone: 02 9563 9000

Wollongong Phone: 02 4222 5466

NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages

Phone: 137788

Legal Aid Coronial Inquest Unit

Phone: 02 9219 5000

Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)

Phone: 1800 765 767

Centrelink Bereavement

Phone: 132300

Translating and Interpreting Service

Phone: 131450

NSW Mental Health Line

Phone: 1800 011 511 (24 hours)

Lifeline

Phone: 131114 (24 hours)

Support after suicide

Phone: 1800 943 415