FAQs

Ohio Law (ORC 2108.52) provides that the Coroner does not need permission for an autopsy. A family may object to an autopsy because of religious beliefs, as stated in section 313.13.1 of the Ohio Revised Code. In this case the Coroner will review the matter and determine whether it is absolutely necessary to perform an autopsy over the family's objections. If after careful review the Coroner determines an autopsy is required, the family may ask the court to intervene. These legal proceedings may take several days and will delay the release of the body to the funeral director. It is important for family members to inform the coroner's office immediately if they have any objection to an autopsy since most begin as soon as the body arrives at the coroner's office.

An autopsy is a medical examination by a forensic pathologist of the body of a deceased person for the purpose of determining the cause and manner of death and recovering evidence from the body which might be needed in a criminal or civil legal action. A record is made of the autopsy findings including microscopic and toxicological laboratory tests. These laboratory tests are conducted after the release of the body for burial. There is no charge to the next-of-kin for an autopsy or any of the tests which may be conducted by the Coroner.

Routinely, the body is released to a licensed funeral director within 48 hours. The next-of-kin should notify a funeral director who, in turn, will arrange to secure a written release from the next-of-kin, arrange transportation for the deceased to the funeral home and obtain the necessary documents for burial or cremation.

Most often, the next-of-kin discusses this with other family members, clergy, or friends. The Coroner is prohibited from recommending a funeral director.

The clothing and personal effects are inventoried upon receipt of the body. Under most circumstances they are released with the body to the funeral director. In cases of homicides, vehicular accidents, and other situations where examination or retention of the clothing or personal effects is necessary, they will be held by the Coroner's Office or the investigating agency.

The amount of time required to complete an autopsy report is 8-12 weeks. In other cases, it can be longer depending on the type of extra testing and investigation needed to certify cause and manner of death. In Hamilton County, the autopsy report is a public record (excluding unadjudicated homicides) and can be obtained by sending a written request and self-addressed, stamped envelope to the address below, or you can send an email to hccorecordsdept@hamiltoncountyohio.gov.

Hamilton County Coroner
4477 Carver Woods Drive
Blue Ash, OH 45242

The request must contain the name of the deceased and the date of death. There is no charge to the primary next-of-kin. There is a $.25 per page fee for all others. The Office may only accept by mail a check or money order. Cash is accepted when the request is made in person.

The death certificate will be prepared within 10 days after the date of death. If the cause of death is not immediately identified a "pending" death certificate will be issued and a supplemental form identifying the cause of death will be issued as soon as possible. The "pending" certificate will allow the family to begin processing of the estate. A copy of the death certificate may be obtained by contacting your funeral home or the Bureau of Vital Records located nearest the place of death.

The Coroner's staff of forensic pathologists is available to discuss their autopsy findings with the family. The investigative staff is available to assist whenever possible. Your family physician, clergy, or funeral director may be able to answer many questions for you.

The legal next of kin is one of the following, in this order:

• Spouse
• Adult Child/Children
• Parent(s)
• Sibling(s)
• Niece(s)/Nephew(s)

You can find the release form here:

RELEASE FORM.pdf
RELEASE FORM (Spanish).pdf