Do I need a lawyer?

We would always recommend that you have legal representation where possible, especially if you have concerns about the circumstances of your loved one’s death.

Many families tell us that having a lawyer helped them to:

- Understand and navigate the inquest and any investigation processes;

- Liaise with the coroner about things such as upcoming hearing dates;

- Understand and manage disclosure (documents relevant to the inquest, such as medical notes);

- Obtain documents, such as investigation reports;

- Make submissions and applications, and question witnesses in court;

- Feel that they were supported through the inquest process. 

It is also important to remember that other Interested Persons involved in the inquest, such as prisons, hospital trusts or police forces, will have their own lawyers (and sometimes several).