First steps

After a death, a person's body will be taken to either the Lidcombe Mortuary or a regional hospital, depending on the type of death and the location of the death. The police will advise the family that the Coroner will be investigating the death.

At this time, the family or friends may contact a funeral director to begin arranging the funeral. The funeral director should be told that the Coroner is involved. Family should not set a date for the funeral until they receive confirmation from the Coroner as to when the deceased will be released into the care of their nominated funeral director.

If you wish to object to a post mortem examination being performed, you should advise the police or contact your local coroner as soon as possible.

There are a number of actions a family may consider after the death of a loved one that are not connected to the coronial investigation. Legal Aid provides general information on these including who to notify, arranging a funeral, wills, probate and family provision claims.

Further information