Coroners decision/court - I'm confused!

[HHH3]

My DS's father committed suicide a few weeks ago. His brother rang a couple of weeks later to let me know funeral arrangements. During the phonecall he said that the postmortem had been done and the coroner had recorded it as suicide.

But I spoke to the police officer earlier who originally informed me of his death and she asked if I'd like her to let me know when there's a date for coroners court.

Admittedly, I know nothing about these things but I thought that as it had been recorded as suicide there'd be no need for coroners court. Maybe I misunderstood his brother but I'm completely confused now.

Does anyone know how this works?

IIRC the coroner is called in if someone dies unexpectedly, for whatever reason. There's a lot of reasons why an inquest would happen, there's full details here

www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/burials-and-coroners/guide-charter-coroner.pdf

I hope this helps.

Thanks lady. That really helps. From what I've read so far I'm assuming that an interim death certificate has been issued. The funeral was a few days ago. I just don't understand why he said it's been recorded as suicide. Tbh I'm a little worried.

IIRC it's quite normal for an interim death certificate to be issued, the court's task is to take evidence which will help the Coroner (and jury if one is required - it isn't always) to determine with certainty the final cause of death.

Sorry for your troubles, OP

I'm sorry you are going through this - I hope you get it sorted out soon :(

You can call them and they will explain it to you. The investigations can sometimes take months and they will look into the full circumstances. They often release the body before the full investigation is complete as it would be distressing for the family otherwise and it gives you/them a chance to say goodbye. They would have done a post mortem before releasing it.

I'm sorry that my post is so clinical. I really do hope you're OK.

Thank-you all.

Postmortem was done and funeral has been held. Clinical is good - it's how I'm dealing with it right now. We weren't together but it was still a massive shock and the consequences will go on and on.

Last question...if I assume a fact of death certificate was issued (which it sounds like what has happened) what would that say on it? Would it give a cause of death or does it simply say that this person has died?

It will give a cause of death, subject to that being confirmed at the inquest. AFAIK.

My father's death certificate had the cause of death written on it.

It's going to take some time, you need to be kind to yourself. It can take a long while, please do remember that there's a lot of support on here for you if you need it. It's not just the practical side of things, but there's a huge amount of emotion as well.

Thank-you!

That makes sense now and has put my mind at rest,

Thanks lady

Big hugs and to you HHH3.

My close friend killed herself in March, and the final inquest was held in August. In the end the verdict was 'Open', as there was doubt as to her intention.

The coroner asked questions of the pathologist and other witnesses before coming to his decision. Family members were allowed to comment too. The coroner was lovely.

Thank-you sunshine. So sorry to hear about your friend

OP, IME Coroner's Officers are very good at explaining the process, and can ensure your questions are addressed at the inquest, as long as it falls within the Coroner's scope. Do you think it might help to speak to them?

I'm not sure tbh. Not even sure if I'll go to the inquest. In a way I don't feel like I have the right. We weren't together and things were very difficult between us. But otoh I want all the info I can get in case I ever need it for DS.

If I were to ring the coroner's office would it matter which one? He lived and died in a different county to where I live.

It would need to be the one where he died, your police officer contact will know.

Coroner's courts are public, anyone can observe if they wish to - if that helps at all with having the right to attend.

Thank-you. I'll have a think about giving them a call.

Will decide nearer the time whether I go to the inquest or not.

to you too. It happened years ago and it feels like a long time ago now.

I found the inquest tough, but for me it answered a nagging question about her death. I didn't agree with the verdict though, but it was a comfort to her family which was something.

Big hugs and be kind to yourself. It's a terrible shock.