Attending an inquest as a family member

One person hugging another to provide support

As a familiy member

Finding out that the death of a loved one needs an inquest, and attending a public inquest hearing, can be distressing for the family and friends of the deceased.

It is important to know that family members are not required to attend an inquest hearing unless a family member is called as a witness.

Many people find that attending a hearing can provide them with a sense of closure as to the death of their loved one, and you can have other persons, such as family members or close friends, at the inquest to provide support.

The below information is provided to answer any questions you may have if the death of your loved one needs an inquest, and to give you a sense of what to expect at an inquest hearing.

Everything you need to know about the inquest process

The Coroner decides when an inquest is needed based on investigations such as the results of a post-mortem examination.
Where an inquest is needed a member of an inquest team will notify a family member by email and will then follow-up with a telephone call.

The inquest team will provide you with some basic information about the inquest, and to answer any questions you might have, such as when and where the inquest hearing will take place.

Depending on the nature of the death of your loved one, this can include the following information,

  • Do I need legal representation at an inquest hearing?
  • What documents can I request before the hearing takes place?
  • Where a jury may be needed for an inquest.
  • Where a family member may be called as a witness at the inquest hearing.
  • If you need translation services or other special requirements in order to attend an inquest

Before the inquest hearing the Coroner will decide, what issues need to be determined, what evidence must be considered, and what witnesses will be called.

The Inquest Team will contact family and witnesses such as Gardaí and doctors to agree a date for the inquest hearing. When agreed a notification of the inquest date, time and location will be sent to all parties to the inquest.

On the day of the hearing you will be met by the Court Registrar. The Registrar will bring you into the court and answer any questions you might have before the hearing starts.

The Coroner will open the inquest by giving an overview of the purpose of the hearing and the scope of the investigation.
Witnesses, including family members, medical professionals, members of An Garda Síochána, or anyone with relevant information, may be called to give evidence. Expert witnesses, such as pathologists, may also present their report findings and toxicology results.

During the hearing the Coroner questions the witnesses. All interested persons at the inquest or their legal representative (if they have one) may also question witnesses.

After hearing all the evidence the Coroner, or jury, makes their findings, records a verdict, and the coroner closes the inquest hearing.

Both of the Dublin District Coroners Courts are wheelchair accessible.

If you are attending court and you need translation services, a sign language interpreter, or have other special requirements please inform the Inquest Team at least 14 days before the inquest date so that arrangements can be made to assist you.

You can contact the inquest team using of Contact page.

When the inquest has ended copies of the post mortem report, depositions taken at inquest, including a copy of the verdict, can be requested from the Inquest Team. A fee may apply in some cases.

Requests for inquest documentation after an inquest has ended can be made using our Contact page.

The Coroner’s findings are an official written record of their decision about the causes and circumstances of your loved one’s death.

The Coroner makes their findings at the end of the hearing in Court. Their findings include the identity of the deceased, the date and place of death, the medical cause of death, and the circumstance in which the death took place.

The manner of death is also known as the Coroner’s verdict. There are a number of verdicts available to a Coroner or jury. Verdicts include accidental death, misadventure, suicide, open verdict, natural causes (if found at inquest), and unlawful killing.

The Coroner or jury may make a recommendation designed to prevent a similar death occurring.

The Coroner’s findings are publicly available documents. The Coroner may issue their findings in the form of a summary of the key points and any recommendations.

The Coroner’s findings can be important for matters of community safety and public policy.

Wooden judge's gavel on a sounding block

Attending an inquest as a legal representative

Legal representatives, usually solicitors, have an important role in guiding their client through the inquest process.

Read more

Documents, a stethoscope, and a pen on the table

Attending an inquest as a medical professional

If the death of patient in your medical care is reported to the Coroner you may be requested to provide documentation to assist their investigations.

Read more

Person making notes

Attending an inquest as a media professional

An inquest is an open hearing and members of the public, including the media, may attend.

Read more

Contact us

For any further queries please fill out the Inquest File form