FAQs • Ontario County, NY • CivicEngage

Does the Coroner need permission/consent to perform an autopsy?: When a case falls under the jurisdiction of the Ontario County Coroner, New York State law entitles the Coroner to do an autopsy - family permission/consent is not required. If the family has a concern, it should be made known to the Coroner immediately. The Coroner will note the concern and whenever possible, will work with the family. However, it is ultimately up to the Coroner to do the type of exam they feel necessary in order to determine the cause and manner of death.

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County Coroner

1. What's the next step?: The next of kin selects a funeral home. The funeral director will be a valuable asset moving forward and will be able to address many specific questions you might have. The type of funeral (viewing/cremation) and payment for such are independent of the Ontario County Coroner. All questions or concerns should be discussed with the funeral director.

2. What if I want an autopsy and the Coroner declined jurisdiction?: If the Coroner has declined jurisdiction (authority) and you still want an autopsy, information can be provided for a pathologist to be contacted. Any fees will not be paid by the Ontario County Coroner. Families are responsible for and will need to make payment arrangements with the pathologist directly.

3. What will happen to the person's clothing and property?: Clothing - will be released in most cases to the funeral home.
Property - will be collected and held at the police agency who is investigating the death. In some cases property will be held and will fall under the jurisdiction of the Ontario County Treasurer’s Office.

4. Do autopsies affect funeral arrangements?: A standard autopsy does not affect any type of funeral arrangements.

5. Will the Coroner provide status/result update(s)?: The Coroner will only call if trying to obtain/verify information or to return a phone call. The Coroner will not contact families to provide case status or results. It is the family’s responsibility to contact the Coroner when looking for updated information.

6. Does the Coroner need permission/consent to perform an autopsy?: When a case falls under the jurisdiction of the Ontario County Coroner, New York State law entitles the Coroner to do an autopsy - family permission/consent is not required. If the family has a concern, it should be made known to the Coroner immediately. The Coroner will note the concern and whenever possible, will work with the family. However, it is ultimately up to the Coroner to do the type of exam they feel necessary in order to determine the cause and manner of death.