What to do if…
you are told there will be an inquest or hearing and you do not know what to expect

What to do now

1. Find out exactly what the hearing is. Ask the office or organisation that contacted you for:

   • the case reference,
   • the hearing type, for example an inquest hearing, a pre-inquest review hearing, or another death-related hearing,
   • the court, coroner area, or official body dealing with it,
   • whether it will be in person, remote, or hybrid, and how to join.

2. Check which UK process applies. If you are in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, the word may be “coroner” or “inquest”. If you are in Scotland, a relevant public death inquiry may be called a Fatal Accident Inquiry. Ask the person who contacted you which process applies before relying on any checklist.

3. Confirm your status and what it changes. Ask whether you are being treated as an interested person, witness, next of kin, nearest relative, personal representative, or another role. Then ask:

   • how you will be kept updated about dates and decisions,
   • what documents you should expect to receive,
   • when they are usually shared,
   • who your named contact is.

4. Ask for the scope in plain language. Request a short explanation of:

   • what the hearing will cover,
   • what it will not decide,
   • whether any other investigation or court process may affect the timing.

5. Ask for the running order of the day. Request a simple outline of:

   • who is expected to attend,
   • who may speak and in what order,
   • whether evidence will be heard,
   • whether witnesses give evidence on oath or affirmation,
   • how questions are handled,
   • whether family members or interested persons can ask questions, and how.

6. Ask what you can see in advance. If you are told something cannot be shared yet, ask:

   • what can be shared now,
   • what may be shared later,
   • whether there is a disclosure process in your case,
   • whether anything needs to be requested in writing.

7. Write down three questions you need answered today. Keep them practical, for example:

   • “Do I have to attend, or can I just receive the outcome?”
   • “If I am expected to speak, is it optional or required?”
   • “What happens immediately after the hearing, and when will we receive paperwork?”

8. Get practical support for attending. If you may attend a coroner’s court, ask whether the Coroners’ Courts Support Service is available at that court and what support may be offered on the day. If your hearing is not at a coroner’s court, ask the court or official body whether there is a support service, waiting area, remote attendance option, or named contact for bereaved families.

9. If the death involved custody, detention, or another public body, consider early advice. You do not have to decide everything now, but it may help to speak to a solicitor or legal aid adviser experienced in inquests or death investigations. If cost is a concern, ask whether Exceptional Case Funding or another funding route may be relevant.