When Your Loved One is in the Care of the Coroner
Unfortunately, Marc is personally familiar with having people he has loved in the care of the Coroner. As the death is unexpected, it can be a confronting experience.
Who is the Main Point of Contact for the Coroner?
In NSW, there is a hierarchy of the next-of-kin. The ‘Senior next of kin’ is the family member recognised as the main point of contact by the Coroner and serves as the main decision-maker when necessary. In the first instance, this would be a spouse or partner. For more details, see: Senior Next of Kin - NSW.
Additionally, in NSW, the local police officer overseeing the matter has authority over any valuables. They can only be contacted when they are on shift. Ask the Coroner for the specific officer’s name and contact details.
Unlike NSW, the ACT recognises that all members of the immediate family have rights in relation to a deceased person. Anyone who meets the legislative definition is entitled to be consulted and kept updated about the coronial process. For more details, see: ACT Coroners Court Information.
What is the Process for an Autopsy?
There are many questions you may have about the autopsy process. The following links provide detailed answers:
How Long Before Your Loved One Can Be in the Care of a Funeral Director?
There are no guaranteed timelines, and it is not appropriate nor helpful to try to pressure the Coroner in any way. However, in our experience, the process is usually completed within a week and rarely, if ever, exceeds two weeks.
When Should You Start to Make Enquiries with a Funeral Director?
In our experience, families usually contact a funeral director after an autopsy has taken place. However, starting the process beforehand makes the process easier. In the best circumstance, everything is ready once the Coroner has granted authority for your loved one to be released.
If you need further guidance, we are here to assist you through this difficult time.