The loss of a loved one will always involve bereavement and grief. This can be made worse if there is uncertainty about the cause of death.

The lawyers in our Inquest Department have over twenty years’ legal experience in a variety of Courts and Tribunals.  They have a personable approach and an eye for detail.

Inquests are conducted by a Coroner. The Coroner will start with an investigation.  The Coroner will write to all ‘Interested Persons’ to let them know that an investigation is taking place. Once the investigation is concluded, if the cause of death is clear and there are no other relevant circumstances, the Coroner may issue a death certificate.

If the cause of death is not clear, or there are outstanding issues which need to be addressed, the Coroner will hold an inquest. Inquest proceedings are inquisitorial, which mean that the Coroner does not listen to arguments from opposing sides.  The Coroner’s role is to find out who died, where and when they died and how they died.

In some circumstances, ‘how’ can also include the circumstances surrounding the death. The Coroner then records her or his findings.  The Coroner has a duty to write a ‘Prevention of Future Deaths Report’  if there have been failings which led to a death and changes need to be made in future.

You do not need legal representation to attend an inquest.  However, many people choose to be represented by a lawyer at inquest proceedings to guide them through the process. It is recommended that you seek legal advice as soon as possible so that the team can consider the scope of the investigation and write to the Coroner’s office to obtain all the relevant documents.

We are able to talk you through the proceedings, obtain further information on your behalf and consider whether other evidence should be brought to the attention of the Coroner.  We can offer a fixed fee service where appropriate and will always take means into account. We can also attend the inquest with you and question any witnesses on your behalf, or instruct a barrister to do so if you prefer.

It is difficult to obtain Legal Aid for inquests and this is not a service we are currently able to offer. If we believe that Legal Aid might be granted, we will refer you to an alternative provider to assist with this.

Please leave your telephone details with the office and one of our lawyers will call you back.  Alternatively, please email any enquiries to inquests@albinandco.co.uk

Nicola Gordelier has a wealth of experience representing clients at the Magistrates’ Court, the Crown Court and at Tribunals.  Nicola has an interest in Inquest Law and undertook training to represent clients at inquests between July 2019 and September 2020.

Paul Gilmartin has previously represented clients at Inquests and is able to use his considerable past experience to assist in this area of law.