Dealing with any death is a traumatic experience. It will be even more difficult if you are also faced with legal procedures such as a coroner’s investigation or an inquest. A lawyer can give you advice and help to guide you through the processes. They can also represent you at the inquest.

A lawyer can help you at different stages in the coronial process by giving you information, advice and representation. You may need to speak with a lawyer at the investigation stage or if an inquest has been ordered.

• A lawyer can give you information and help you to make an application such as to:
  • request an inquest;
  • object to an inquest;
  • be considered an interested party;
  • object to a post-mortem examination;
  • object to organ removal and retention;
  • appeal a coroner’s decision to do a post-mortem; or
  • object to or request an exhumation (digging up) of a body.
• A lawyer can help you to prepare for the inquest by:
  • explaining the process to you and what you can expect;
  • helping you to prepare questions for witnesses;
  • analysing the evidence;
  • speaking on your behalf; and
  • representing you in the inquest.
• After the inquest a lawyer can give you advice about the coroner’s findings and explain your options such as:
  • whether you should seek review of the coroner’s findings; and
  • how to seek a review of the coroner’s findings.