OUR CASEWORK SERVICE

Has someone in your family died in prison, police custody or in mental health detention? We may be able to help.

We provide free and independent advice to bereaved families on the inquest process and related investigations following a death in state detention or care in England and Wales.

When can we help?

Our specialist casework team can help you navigate the legal processes, explore options for legal representation and funding, and work with you and your family to engage meaningfully in the post-death investigation and inquest.

Get in touch if your loved one died

  • in prison (including Young Offender Institutions and Secure Training Centres)
  • in police custody or following recent police contact
  • in immigration detention
  • in mental health facilities as either a voluntary or detained inpatient
  • in a state funded care setting and had a learning disability and/or autism.

If the death of your loved one does not fall into one of the above categories, we unfortunately won’t be able to offer casework support. However, we can:

  • where applicable, signpost you to other specialist organisations or lawyers who may be able to assist
  • provide information and answers to frequently asked questions
  • provide a free digital copy of our INQUEST Handbook. This is a trusted guide for bereaved families and friends affected by a sudden death that involves an inquest

We are not able to advise on matters relating to medical malpractice. We suggest contacting Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) or seeking other sources of support.

Get in touch

If your loved one died in one of the above circumstances,

1.     Complete our online Help and Advice form

2.     Call us on 020 7263 1111 and select

  • option 1 for our new enquiries advice line open Tuesday and Thursday only (from 10am to 1pm, and 2pm to 3.30pm)
  • option 2 if you have already opened a case with INQUEST

Please include all upcoming urgent dates such as inquest hearings or post-mortem or date of death when contacting us. 

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