How to Prepare for an Inquest Hearing: Tips for Families
When a loved one dies suddenly, unexpectedly, or while in the care of the state, families are often left with urgent questions and a heavy sense of uncertainty. For many, an inquest is the first real opportunity to start piecing together what happened — to hear from those involved and, hopefully, to get closer to some answers.
The trouble is, inquests can be daunting. They involve formal legal procedures, unfamiliar surroundings, and the difficult experience of hearing, in detail, about a loved one’s final moments. There’s no way to make it easy — but preparing in advance can make it a little less overwhelming, and help you feel better able to take part.
Here are some things that can make a difference.
What an inquest can (and can’t) do
An inquest isn’t a trial. It won’t decide whether anyone is legally responsible for the death. Its role is to establish four key things: who the deceased was, when and where they died, and how the death came about.
In some cases — particularly if Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights is engaged — that last question is looked at in a wider way, examining in what circumstances the person died. This can bring in questions about systemic failings, the role of state agencies, and whether there were opportunities to prevent what happened.
Knowing whether your inquest is a standard one or an Article 2 inquest can help you understand the scope of the evidence and what issues might be explored.
Understanding the paperwork you’ll receive
Before the hearing, the coroner will usually share documents with the “Interested Persons” — a defined legal term under section 47 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. Close family members are automatically included in this group, along with certain other individuals and organisations connected to the death.
That evidence can include post-mortem and toxicology reports, medical records, witness statements, CCTV footage, photographs, or reports from investigative bodies. The coroner decides what is disclosed, and it may arrive in stages rather than all at once.
Reading through the material can help you work out what’s already clear and what’s still missing. If you have legal representation, your solicitor can request further documents from the coroner where it’s reasonable to do so.
Who might be giving evidence
Some witnesses will attend in person to give evidence; others may have their statements read aloud if the coroner thinks that’s appropriate. They might be police officers, doctors, prison staff, or members of the public.
It’s worth thinking ahead about which witnesses are central to understanding the events, and whether there are questions you’d like to see asked. The coroner controls the questioning, so having a lawyer can help make sure those questions are framed in a way that’s more likely to be allowed.
Whether you’ll need a lawyer
Inquests are designed to be accessible, but in practice they can be complex — especially when public bodies have their own legal teams. Having your own representative can help balance things out.
Legal aid is sometimes available, particularly in Article 2 inquests, through “Exceptional Case Funding”. In certain situations, the usual financial eligibility test is waived for the hearing itself. However, funding is not automatic — applications must still meet legal criteria, such as the “wider public interest” or “Article 2” grounds, before they will be granted.
A solicitor experienced in inquests can advise on the issues, review and request disclosure, question witnesses, and help ensure your concerns are properly put forward.
Preparing yourself for the experience
It’s important to be ready for the fact that you might hear upsetting, even graphic, details about your loved one’s death. The setting can also be intimidating, especially if you’ve never been in a courtroom before.
Some families bring a relative or friend for support. Others ask the coroner’s staff in advance about seating arrangements, breaks, or the availability of a private room. If you have a lawyer, they can talk you through what to expect each day so you’re not taken by surprise. Counselling or support groups — whether before, during, or after the hearing — can also make a real difference.
What the outcome might look like
At the end of the inquest, the coroner (or jury, if there is one) will reach a conclusion. This might be a short-form conclusion such as “natural causes”, “suicide”, or “unlawful killing”, or a narrative conclusion that gives more detail about the circumstances. Narrative conclusions can include findings about what happened and what may have contributed, but they still can’t make legal determinations about civil or criminal liability.
Sometimes, the coroner will also issue a Prevention of Future Deaths report. This is sent to organisations that may be able to make changes to reduce the risk of similar deaths happening again. These reports can play an important role in prompting improvements.
How we help
At Saunders Law, we represent families at every stage of the inquest process. We work to make sure concerns are raised, all relevant evidence is considered, and that hearings are as thorough and fair as possible.
For many families, the inquest isn’t just about finding out what happened. It’s about dignity for their loved one, accountability where it’s due, and the hope that lessons will be learned.
Contact our team today on +44 (0)207 632 4300 or via our online enquiry form. We’re happy to speak with you confidentially and without obligation.
