Skip navigation

Who is an interested person?

If you are a close relative (such as a spouse, civil partner, child, sibling or parent) or the personal representative of the person who has died, you will be considered to be an ‘interested person’.

The Coroner has the discretion to decide that a person is an interested person. This might occur where a person is involved with the death in some way. Where an interested person is a public or private organisation then a person appointed by that organisation may attend the inquest or provide evidence on the organisation's behalf.

Interested persons can include

  • Family members such as a spouse, civil partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild
  • Personal representatives like the executor of the deceased’s will
  • Medical professionals involved in the death investigation
  • Insurance beneficiaries under a policy on the deceased’s life
  • Individuals or organisations who may have caused or contributed to the death
  • Employer or trade union representatives if the death was work-related
  • Public bodies with investigatory functions in relation to the death, including the Heath and Safety Inspectorate
  • Anyone else that the Coroner may feel has an interest in the particular case

As an interested person

  • You’ll get details about any post-mortem that takes place
  • You’ll receive important documents and evidence
  • You’ll be informed about all hearing dates and can attend the inquest and any pre-inquest hearings
  • You can ask questions to witnesses during the inquest
  • You can bring someone with you for support, such as a lawyer

What you may need to do

  • You might be asked to give a statement or provide evidence
  • You may be asked to provide information to the Coroner for use at the inquest

Communication:

  • It’s helpful if one family member is the main contact person for a family or part of a family. This makes sure information is shared quickly and clearly. It is important that you let the coroner’s officer know if you move or change your contact details
  • It's also helpful if you tell the coroner's officer if you have a disability or if English isn’t your first language so that arrangements can be made to help you participate in a hearing