What to do with the coroner

When does a coroner become involved?

If someone has died suddenly, unexpectedly or violently, a coroner may become involved. This also applies if someone had not seen a doctor within the previous seven days.

A coroner will automatically be involved if the person who died was placed under a DOLS Act (Deprivation of Liberty Order).

Until a coroner makes their judgement, a death cannot be registered.

What happens if there is no inquest?

The UK coroner will send a form to the registrar informing them that the death can now be registered. The coroner’s office will tell you if they need a medical certificate of cause of death from the doctor. You can then make an appointment to register the death.

What happens if there is to be an inquest?

The coroner may offer you an interim certificate before the inquest is held. This certificate is known as the UK Coroner’s certificate of the fact of death. It is issued to help you deal with the estate of the deceased.

They will need to know anticipated funeral details.

You can’t register a death using this certificate. However, it can be used for services like the North Yorkshire County Council’s Tell Us Once service.

For immediate help or advice please call us on 01723 859 279 at any time. When you call us, you’ll speak to one of our experienced team. We’re here to help you through every stage of the process. If you have any questions, please just ask.

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What happens after an inquest?

The coroner will keep the family updated at all times. After the inquest, the UK coroner sends a form to the registrar. The registrar will then register the death. You won’t need to visit the register office. But you’ll need to contact them to arrange for copies of the death certificate.

What happens after this?

Once the Coroner has finished their investigations, they release the body to your funeral director. They’ll also send paperwork to the Register Office so the family can start registering the death.

More details about the work of a UK coroner

The government has written some useful guides about coroners.

Call us any time

We are on hand at any time to give help and advice. Please call us with any questions on 01723 859 279.
You can also email us at office@stockillandsonfunerals.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.

Do you dress the deceased?

Yes we can dress the deceased for you, you need only hand over the belongings to us. Otherwise they are carefully shrouded in a silken gown.
Can we view the deceased?

Yes. We just need appropriate notice to ensure absolute privacy for you.
Will the deceased need to be embalmed?

Embalming is not usually necessary given the advancement in storage facility technology. However, we can arrange for embalming if requested.
Do you have coffin bearers?

Yes, we have trained coffin bearers. We pride ourselves in being able to offer pallbearers who carry the coffins on their shoulders rather than using a trolley. Family members may carry, but here at F A Stockill we will always ensure there are enough bearers on hand on the day, just in case. Please note we never allow family to lower coffins on a burial.
How many coffin bearers will be needed?

This depends on the size and weight of the coffin. Usually there are between four and six bearers.
Do funeral directors re-use coffins?

No, most definitely not. The coffin is cremated or buried with the deceased.
Can I touch the coffin as I leave the ceremony?

Yes, absolutely.
As a member of the congregation, can we take away the Order of Service or should we leave it there?

Please take it with you. An Order of Service can provide a lovely memento of your family member or friend for quiet contemplation later.
Do crematoriums cremate more than one person at a time?

No. The only exception is if the next of kin have requested it for a mother and baby or small twin children.
What happens when the curtains shut at the crematorium?

Nothing happens until the congregation have left the building. The coffin is removed from behind the curtain after the service has taken place.
When do we collect the ashes?

They are usually available two to three days after the service. In case of urgent matters such as limited time or travel they may be available on the same day.

We will never hassle you to collect the ashes from us. Some families wish different things and maybe wish to wait until the other parent has passed to scatter both. We have stored some ashes for over 25 years. However, we do encourage family to arrange a resting place for them as soon as they feel able so as not to cause further upset later.

You may find our cremations section helpful.
Do funeral directors expect a tip?

We’ve included this as it’s a frequently asked question on the internet. The answer is no. Although Claire has never met a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates she didn’t like!
I have a question that isn’t answered. Can I ask you anonymously?

Absolutely – we welcome any feedback or questions. Just fill in this online form and we will post the answer on this page.

Plan ahead with golden charter pre-paid funeral plans

A funeral plan is an easy way to arrange the funeral you want in advance. A plan allows you to specify your wishes and pay for the funeral director’s services included in your plan. As customers often tell us, that can bring peace of mind to you and your family.

A plan from Golden Charter also includes an allowance towards third party costs. These are essential, non-funeral director services such as the cremation or burial fees, plus the minister or officiant’s fee to perform the service.

F. A. Stockill and Son Funeral Directors trading as F. A. Stockill and Son Funeral Directors is an appointed representative of Golden Charter Limited trading as Golden Charter Funeral Plans which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:965279).