When Someone Passes Away

The Coroner Process

A sudden, accidental or unexplained death may need to follow the Victorian coroner process. Timing, documents and release arrangements vary, so keep any notice received and contact On Sum to discuss the funeral.

What On Sum Arranges

We arrange the next step according to the documents and requirements of the relevant organisation.

Keep the Notice

Keep the organisation name, contact person, reference number, documents and any instructions received.

Allow Time

The timing depends on the relevant authority. The funeral date usually cannot be confirmed until release or documentation is approved.

Prepare Your Wishes

While waiting, the family can consider religious and cultural needs, cremation or burial, personal wishes and the budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where medical or government procedures apply, we explain the next step from the documents and information available.

Can We Discuss a Funeral Date?

The date should remain flexible until the documents and release are complete. We can discuss the preferred arrangements first and confirm the date later.

What Can We Prepare During the Coroner Process?

Prepare the family contact, religious and cultural needs, cremation or burial preference, photographs and life-story information.

Can On Sum Guarantee the Timing?

The relevant authority determines the timing. We help the family understand the progress and what can be prepared.

Need Help?

Call On Sum and we will explain the next step using the information you already have.

What the funeral director can do

Record the family contact and any notice or reference information already received.

Liaise with the Coroners Court of Victoria about release and transfer arrangements.

Begin discussing cremation or burial, the venue, ceremony, faith and cultural needs, funeral products and budget.

Keep the proposed funeral date flexible until release timing is confirmed.

Information the family can prepare

Keep the main contact details, any coroner or police reference, the deceased person’s full legal name and date of birth, and initial wishes for cremation or burial. Photographs, clothing, music and life-story notes can be prepared while the required examinations and documents are being completed.

On Sum can request release and arrange transfer after approval. The coroner decides when the deceased person can be released. The investigation itself may continue after the funeral.