Office of the Coroner

FAQ

Find answers about what happens after a death, how to request records and where to get help.

For families

Why is the Coroner investigating the death?

Colorado law requires the Coroner to investigate certain deaths. The circumstances of the death determine whether the office must investigate.

Where will my loved one be taken?

The office is at 330 North 19th Avenue, Brighton, CO 80601.

What happens during the investigation?

Coroner staff investigate the circumstances of the death. Your loved one remains in the office’s care until release to the mortuary selected by the legal next of kin.

What should I do next?

Reach out to family or friends for support. If you are the legal next of kin or estate executor, select a mortuary to help arrange the funeral, burial or cremation and guide you through the paperwork.

Do I need to identify my loved one in person?

The office will contact you if staff need your help with identification.

Can I view my loved one at the Coroner’s Office?

Arrange a viewing with your mortuary. The Coroner’s Office does not prepare people for traditional viewings.

When can my loved one be released to the mortuary?

The office says release is usually possible within two to four days of death. The legal next of kin must authorize the selected mortuary by signing the release form there.

Who is the legal next of kin?

The office lists this order of priority for directing final arrangements: estate personal representative or special administrator, surviving spouse if not legally separated, designated beneficiary with disposition rights, majority of surviving adult children, majority of surviving parents or legal guardians, then majority of surviving adult siblings. Ask the office what documentation it needs for your situation.

How do I retrieve personal belongings?

Clothing usually goes to the mortuary. The office typically holds other items for safekeeping. If you are the legal next of kin or estate executor, call before visiting to confirm the items can be released. Bring identification and any requested documents.

How do I notify a family member serving in the military?

The American Red Cross can assist with emergency notification and arrangements for return home. The office lists 303-722-7474 as a contact number.

Who can help clean a site with blood or other biohazards?

Look for a professional biohazard or crime scene cleanup service. Local law enforcement may be able to suggest resources.

Where can I find grief support?

See our grief resources for help coping with a loss.

Autopsies and records

Will an autopsy be performed?

The Chief Coroner decides based on the circumstances of the death, Colorado law and forensic standards. Share any concerns or reasons for requesting an autopsy with the office.

How will I know whether an autopsy was performed?

Call during office hours to ask about the autopsy. The office may also notify the legal next of kin by mail.

What if I object to an autopsy?

Explain your concerns to the office promptly. Staff may be able to accommodate some requests. The Chief Coroner may authorize an autopsy without next-of-kin consent.

Can I arrange a private autopsy if the Chief Coroner declines one?

The legal next of kin can hire a private pathologist and is responsible for the cost. The office lists an approximate range of $2,000 to $5,000. Confirm pricing directly with the provider. Other county coroner offices or 1-800-AUTOPSY may help you find a provider.

Can this office perform a private autopsy if another county declines one?

Yes. Contact the office to ask about private autopsy arrangements.

How long do autopsy results take?

The office estimates that the final autopsy report is usually available about 14 weeks after the examination.

How do I request an autopsy report?

Autopsy reports are public records in most cases. Submit a written request using the instructions on the Forms page. The office charges for copies requested by people outside the immediate family.

Can we have an open casket after an autopsy?

An autopsy generally does not prevent an open-casket funeral. Discuss viewing arrangements with your mortuary.

How do I get a death certificate?

Request a certificate through the mortuary or Colorado Vital Records at 303-692-2200. The Coroner’s Office does not issue certificates to the public. When an autopsy is performed, certification awaits final results. The office lists a typical interval of 10 to 12 weeks for certification and can issue a Certified Letter of Death to the legal next of kin in the meantime.

Costs and final arrangements

Is there a charge for Coroner services?

The office provides standard services at no additional cost to the immediate family when the case falls under its jurisdiction.

How do I choose a mortuary?

The office does not recommend specific providers. Ask people you trust and consult the Federal Trade Commission for consumer information on funeral services.

What if I cannot afford burial or cremation?

Veterans’ families can ask the Department of Veterans Affairs about benefits at 800-827-1000. Contact Social Services in the county where your loved one lived to ask about local assistance. Some donation or research programs may offer low-cost alternatives. Call the Coroner’s Office promptly if interested, as these programs can have time limits.

Can my loved one donate organs, tissue or their whole body?

Donation depends on eligibility, the circumstances of the death and next-of-kin consent. When the office is investigating, Coroner staff must approve the donation. See General Resources for donation organizations.

Contact and opportunities

How do I contact the office?

Call 303-659-1027 or email CoronerQuestions@adcogov.org. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m., on holidays and on staff development days. Call before visiting and bring government-issued photo ID. Staff may ask callers to confirm identity and relationship. Information may be limited for people other than the legal next of kin.

How do I apply for a job?

See Employment and Current Openings for qualifications and vacancies. Apply through Adams County Government. The office does not consider applications sent directly to it.

How do I volunteer, intern or observe an autopsy?

See Internship for qualifications and apply through Adams County Government. Visit Volunteer for available opportunities and Other Educational Opportunities for the office’s policy on educational autopsy observation.

Does the office offer presentations or tours?

Coroner staff provide education to community groups, students and professionals. Contact the office to ask about classes, presentations or tours.