FAQs

It is the goal of the Coroner’s Office to return loved ones to their families as quickly as possible. There are factors that affect this time line. The Coroner or Deputy Coroner that is leading the investigation will be the best source of information relating to the case.

Per Indiana law death certificates are required to be certified within 72 hours of the conclusion of a death investigation. This means a certification can take place the next day, or several weeks after the death depending on the type of investigation that is taking place. Investigations that require autopsy or toxicology will take longer. *Death certificates are NOT provided by the Coroner’s Office but can be obtained from the HEALTH DEPARTMENT. The funeral home chosen by the family can also assist in obtaining certificates.

Indiana law dictates certain criteria have to be met to certify a cause and manner of death. If those criteria can not be met by the investigation of evidence, medications, medical history, or immediate circumstance, the individual may have to go to autopsy. Autopsies are performed by licensed pathologists and licensed forensic pathologists under contract with the Coroner’s Office. If an autopsy is performed a short delay in the disposition of a loved one’s remains will occur (generally just a few days).

If an autopsy is deemed necessary by the Coroner’s Office there is no direct cost to the family of an individual. If a family wants an autopsy and one is NOT deemed necessary by the Coroner’s Office, it is the financial responsibility of the family.