If you wish to take the body abroad, you must give written notice to the Coroner. The Coroner will tell you within four working days whether further inquiries are needed.
Your local funeral director can apply directly to the coroner on your behalf. The coroner will request to see the original death certificate upon application.
If you wish to bring the body back to England or Wales, the Coroner may need to be involved. In certain circumstances, an inquest may be necessary. You can ask for advice from your local Coroner's office.
Some countries require a Cadaver Certificate before they will allow a body into the country for burial. The certificate, if issued, confirms that no epidemic of infectious disease occurred in the borough for some three months preceding the death.
Cadaver certificates
The funeral director who is making the arrangements on behalf of the relatives of the deceased person usually handles the formality of obtaining the cadaver certificate. However, anyone can apply. The funeral director will also assist families with anything requested by the Coroner and with requirements of the authorities in the overseas country where the deceased is being repatriated. Some of these requirements may also apply to burials in another part of the United Kingdom.
Contact us
The Coroners Court for the Eastern District of London. Queens Road
Walthamstow
London
E17 8QP
Direct line 020 8496 5000
Fax No (for Walthamstow, Newham and Redbridge): 020 8496 3378
Fax No (for Barking & Dagenham and Havering): 020 8496 3379
Email sue.hardie@walthamforest.gov.uk
The office hours are:-
Monday to Friday, between 8.00am and 12.00 noon and 1.00pm and 3.30pm.
Outside these hours, the Coroners Officer on call may be contacted via your local Police Station.
