After someone has died - some practical issues

Making major life decisions

Losing someone can be really hard. In the time just after the loss, people may react strangely because they are experiencing many emotions like sadness and/or anger.

Making decisions at such a time can be very stressful and you may be tempted to make a decision quickly without thinking about all the consequences. Every decision you make will have benefits and losses and it can be really hard to work out what is the right thing to do.

If possible, delay any major decisions, and speak to someone who is not so directly affected about some of the consequences.

Belongings

It may be tempting in the initial turmoil to get rid of, or give away, all the person's belongings because it hurts to see them and handle them. These belongings can be very comforting later and it may be wise to keep some of the things that are special to you or the person who died.

Giving away belongings, at an appropriate time, is also a healthy part of grieving. It may help you say goodbye to your loved one.

The coroner's office and other related bodies

The role of the coroner's office

Functions of the coronial system vary between countries and states. In Australia, it is a legal requirement in all States that deaths from unnatural causes, including apparent suicide, are reported to the coroner. Police acting on behalf of the coroner investigate and document each death that is reported. The purpose is to determine the manner, cause and circumstances surrounding the death.

There is an educational and preventive function inherent in the coronial system. The coroner is permitted to make recommendations, which may lessen the likelihood of a similar event happening again.

Medical reports

A post-mortem examination is performed by a pathologist to establish the medical cause of death.

The report may be made available to the next of kin once the investigations have been completed. This may take several months.

States vary in providing access to information. In many states the coroner's report or a summary is sent to the family or their nominated medical practitioner (usually the family doctor) on request.

The doctor may help the family deal with the issues and explain and discuss any complex medical information. Any request for a report should be made in writing and forwarded to the coroner's office, giving name and address of the doctor or person requesting it, and the details of the deceased, including the date of death.

Support services at the coroner's office

States vary in provision of counselling by the coroner's office and may include:

• support if needed, especially during the time
• immediately following the death
• information about the coronial system
• information relating to any notes that may have been written prior to the death
• more information can be obtained by contacting your state office.

Acknowledgements

The information is adapted from the book "After Suicide, Help For The Bereaved" by Sheila Clark. Published in 1995 by Hill of Content Publishing Company Pty Ltd, Melbourne 3000.

The information is not specifically about suicide and should be of assistance to anyone who is bereaved.