Getting Body Released from Coroner

Understanding Body Release from Coroner

When a death is under coroner investigation, one of the first questions families ask is "when can we have the funeral?" Understanding the body release process, typical timelines, and how to expedite in urgent situations can help you plan during an already difficult time.

October 2025 Update:

Most coroner services now have streamlined body release procedures, with 85% of bodies released within 72 hours of post-mortem completion. Digital authorization systems have reduced administrative delays.

Key Point: Body release and investigation completion are separate processes. You can usually proceed with the funeral long before the coroner's investigation or inquest concludes.

When the Body Can Be Released

The coroner releases the body once they no longer need to retain it for investigation purposes:

Typical Release Conditions

The body is usually released once:

Post-mortem examination is complete
All necessary samples have been taken
Preliminary cause of death has been established (even if further investigation continues)
There's no immediate need for second post-mortem
The coroner is satisfied no further examination is needed

Important Distinction

Release for burial/cremation doesn't mean the investigation is complete. The coroner may still conduct inquiries, gather evidence, and eventually hold an inquest – but you can proceed with the funeral.

Typical Timeline for Body Release

Standard Cases: 3-7 Days

For straightforward coroner cases:

Post-mortem scheduled: Within 1-3 days of death
Post-mortem conducted: Takes 2-4 hours
Preliminary results: Available same day or next day
Body released: 1-2 days after post-mortem
Total: 3-7 days from death to release

Cases Awaiting Test Results: 1-2 Weeks

If toxicology or other tests are ordered but preliminary findings allow release:

Post-mortem completed: Days 1-3
Samples sent for testing: Immediately
Preliminary findings sufficient: Days 3-5
Body released: Days 5-10

Note: Full test results take weeks, but body isn't usually retained while waiting.

Criminal Investigations: 1-4 Weeks

When death is suspicious or involves potential crime:

Initial post-mortem: Days 1-3
Assessment of criminal investigation needs: Days 3-7
Possible second post-mortem by defense: Days 7-21
Body released: 1-4 weeks typically

Complex/Disputed Cases: Weeks to Months

Rarely, bodies are retained longer:

Multiple expert examinations needed
Significant forensic analysis required
Disputes about examination scope
Mass casualty events requiring coordination

These cases are exceptional. Most bodies are released within 2 weeks even when investigations are complex.

Religious and Cultural Urgency

If your religion requires rapid burial, inform the coroner immediately:

Muslim and Jewish Burials

Both faiths traditionally require burial within 24-48 hours. Coroners are sensitive to this:

Post-mortem can often be expedited to same day or next day
Some coroner services have arrangements with specific mortuaries
Release can happen within 24-36 hours in many cases
Weekend and evening post-mortems may be arranged if necessary

What You Need to Do

Inform the coroner's officer immediately about religious requirements
Explain the specific time constraints
Arrange a funeral director experienced in your faith's requirements
Be available to receive the body quickly once released
Understand that while expedited, some minimum time is still needed

Realistic Expectations

While coroners try to accommodate religious needs, burial within 24 hours is rarely possible when a post-mortem is required. 36-48 hours is more realistic. Discuss this with your religious leader who can advise on acceptable flexibility.

The Release Process

How body release actually happens:

1. Coroner's Decision

The coroner (or coroner's officer on their behalf) decides the body can be released. This decision is based on the pathologist's confirmation that examination is complete.

2. Notification

The coroner's office contacts the family (or funeral director if already appointed) to confirm the body is released. They'll specify which funeral director should collect it.

3. Documentation Issued

The coroner provides documents allowing burial or cremation:

Form 100B: Coroner's Certificate After Post-Mortem (for burial)
Form 6 (Cremation 6): Certificate for Cremation (if cremation intended)
These go directly to the funeral director, not to you

4. Collection

Your funeral director collects the body from the mortuary (usually hospital mortuary or coroner's mortuary). They handle all logistics.

5. Transfer to Funeral Home

The funeral director brings the deceased to their care facility where preparation for viewing or funeral can begin.

Interim Death Certificate

While waiting for the investigation to conclude:

What It Is

An Interim Death Certificate is a temporary document confirming the death occurred, issued before the investigation concludes. It doesn't state the cause of death.

When You Might Need It

Closing bank accounts
Claiming life insurance (some insurers accept interim certificates)
Proving death for legal purposes
Estate administration that can't wait

How to Get It

Request it from the coroner's office. Some areas provide it automatically; others require you to ask. There may be a small fee (typically £10-£12).

Limitations

Not all organizations accept interim certificates. Some (especially insurance companies) require the final death certificate showing cause of death before processing claims.

Planning the Funeral Before Release

What you can do while waiting:

Appoint a Funeral Director

Choose and instruct a funeral director before the body is released. They can liaise with the coroner's office and be ready to collect immediately upon release.

Make Tentative Arrangements

Plan the service, choose burial plot or crematorium, select coffin, etc. Just don't fix firm dates until you know the release timeline.

Inform Family and Friends

Let people know the funeral will happen once the body is released, giving an estimated timeframe. You can send formal notifications once dates are confirmed.

Book Venues Provisionally

Some venues (crematoriums, churches) may allow provisional bookings pending body release, or you can check availability for likely timeframes.

What If Release Is Delayed?

If you believe the body is being retained longer than necessary:

Ask for Explanation

Contact the coroner's officer and politely ask why release hasn't happened and when it's expected. There may be a legitimate reason you're unaware of.

Understand Legitimate Reasons

Waiting for specialist pathologist to complete examination
Second post-mortem requested by defense in criminal case
Need for additional specialist tests
Forensic evidence preservation in complex cases
Mass casualty event requiring coordinated releases

Escalate If Necessary

If retention seems unjustified and explanation is inadequate, you can complain to the senior coroner or, in extreme cases, seek legal advice about challenging the decision.

Viewing the Body After Post-Mortem

Many families want to see their loved one after release:

Is Viewing Possible?

Yes, viewing is usually possible after post-mortem. The body may need some restoration work by the funeral director, which typically takes 1-2 days.

Managing Expectations

Post-mortem examination involves surgical incisions. The funeral director will:

Dress the body appropriately to cover incision sites
Use cosmetology to restore natural appearance
Advise if viewing is appropriate based on condition

Timing

Viewing can usually happen 2-3 days after the funeral director collects the body, allowing time for preparation. Discuss preferences with your funeral director.

Burial vs Cremation After Coroner Investigation

Both options are available:

Burial

Burial is allowed once the coroner issues Form 100B (Coroner's Certificate After Post-Mortem). No additional paperwork is needed beyond this.

Cremation

Cremation requires Form 6 (Cremation 6) from the coroner, which confirms:

Post-mortem has been conducted
Cause of death has been established
No further examination is needed
Cremation will not interfere with any investigation

Timing Difference

There's no significant difference in release timing for burial vs cremation. Both can proceed once the coroner issues the appropriate documentation.

Working with Your Funeral Director

Your funeral director is crucial during coroner cases:

They liaise with the coroner: Experienced funeral directors have regular contact with coroner offices and can check on release status.
They understand timing: They can give realistic estimates based on the type of case and local coroner's typical turnaround.
They handle paperwork: All coroner documentation goes to them, not directly to you.
They coordinate collection: They'll collect the body as soon as the coroner authorizes release.
They advise on planning: They'll help you plan around uncertain release dates.
They can apply pressure (gently): If release is delayed, they can make inquiries on your behalf.

Common Concerns About Body Release

Can I change funeral directors after release?

Yes, though it's easier to choose the right one initially. The coroner releases to a specific funeral director, but you can transfer afterward if needed.

What if organs were retained?

If organs or tissue were retained for testing, the body is still released. Retained material is either returned later for burial/cremation separately, or disposed of according to your wishes.

Can I take the body abroad?

Yes, repatriation is possible once the body is released. Additional documentation (consular mortuary certificate) will be needed. Discuss with an international repatriation specialist.

What if I can't afford storage fees?

While in the coroner's mortuary, there are no storage fees. Once released to a funeral director, discuss costs upfront. Some offer payment plans or can advise on financial assistance.

Quick Reference Timeline

Most Common Scenario:

Day 1-2: Post-mortem conducted
Day 2-3: Preliminary results available
Day 3-5: Coroner authorizes release
Day 4-6: Funeral director collects body
Day 6-8: Body prepared for viewing if desired
Day 7-14: Funeral can take place

Religious Urgency: 36-48 hours possible with expedited post-mortem

Criminal Cases: 1-4 weeks more typical

Key Contacts

• Coroner's Officer: Your main contact for release status and timeline
• Funeral Director: Can liaise with coroner and advise on planning
• Hospital Bereavement Team: If death occurred in hospital, they can provide updates
• Religious Leader: For guidance on religious requirements and flexibility

Scotland and Northern Ireland

Scotland

The Procurator Fiscal handles body release in Scotland. Procedures are similar, with bodies typically released within 3-7 days of post-mortem completion. Contact the Procurator Fiscal's office for specific guidance.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland coroner procedures for body release are virtually identical to England and Wales.