The Coronial process — Australia

• The death was sudden, unexpected or unexplained
• The cause of death is unknown
• The death occurred during or after surgery/anaesthesia
• The person was in custody, care, or under a compulsory treatment order
• The death may have been caused by accident, violence, or poisoning
• No doctor can issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

• Autopsy — usually within days. You can request a non-invasive (CT) autopsy in some states
• Body released — usually within a few days to a week (sometimes longer for complex cases)
• Toxicology — weeks to months
• Coronial findings — months, sometimes over a year
• Inquest — only held in complex or public-interest cases

• You can ask who the case officer is and how to contact them
• You can ask for information about the autopsy findings
• You can object to an autopsy on religious or cultural grounds (the coroner will consider it)
• You can request a copy of the coronial findings when they are complete
• You can be represented at an inquest
• You can access free coronial counselling in every state

Coronial delays mean you may not know the cause of death for weeks or months. The funeral may be delayed. There may be things you can't say publicly while the investigation is open. This limbo is its own kind of grief — real and valid.