Question about inquests

[HHH3]

I've just received a copy of the PM and a witness statement from the coroner. No date set yet for the inquest. There's a line in the covering letter which I'm confused about...

'Also you should be aware that you are entitled to be legally represented at the forthcoming inquest - this is not obligatory in any way, it is entirely a matter for you.'

What does this mean? Why would I want to be legally represented? I'm completely confused.

The deceased is my baby's father and I'm in no way connected to the circumstances of his death.

TIA

Don't worry it's nothing to do with you or any of your actions as such. The inquest is simply an inquiry into the circumstances of the death and family members are entitled to ask questions of the witnesses who are called to give evidence.

I don't know the circumstances of the death but for example if someone dies in hospital and negligence is suspected then the family of the deceased may wish to instruct a solicitor to deal with the potential negligence claim and attending the inquest would be part of that.

Some people may want to instruct a solicitor if they want to get answers from the witnesses but don't feel able to question them themselves.

As the letter says there is no obligation for you to have legal representation, there is no obligation for you to attend the inquest at all (unless you are summoned as a witness).

Thank-you!

Now I understand. It completely baffled me but then I have no knowledge of these things.

Now they've sent me these things do you know if they'll also let me know when there's a date for the inquest? The police said they'd let me know but I'm worried I might get forgotten and I'm not entirely sure his family will let me know.

Also, how long does it normally take from the death until the inquest? And once they've set a date how long is it usually from setting the date until the inquest itself?

They should let you know the date as you'll be on the list of people to notify (hence why you've received the info you have) and you can always call the coroner's office to check.

Timescale really varies depending on how busy the particular coroner's office is, how many witnesses are needed, what evidence the coroner needs to gather etc.

Inquest which is a charity helping families deal with inquests has produced a handbook (free to download) which might help you.

www.inquest.org.uk/help/handbook/handbook-introduction

Thank-you so much - especially for the link. Have had a quick look but will read properly when I have more time and may well contact them as well.