Help if someone dies

Basic information

We can offer information about the local police system and legal system, including any legal aid that is available.

We can provide lists of local lawyers and local interpreters (although we do not pay for either) and, where possible, details of support groups.

In all cases where you, as next of kin, have concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death we suggest you get professional legal advice.

We cannot investigate deaths

We cannot investigate deaths ourselves and, in many countries, investigating authorities and the courts may refuse to answer enquiries, including from British consular staff. In these circumstances it is very important to consider appointing a local lawyer who can look after your interests in court and follow any trial for you.

Standards vary worldwide

We will consider making appropriate representations to the local authorities if there are concerns that the investigation is not being carried out in line with local procedures; if there are justified complaints about discrimination against the person who has died or their family; or where we judge that a local delay or decision creates significant distress for the bereaved, ensuring that we do not interfere in the investigation or judicial processes in that country. We cannot interfere in another country's investigation or judicial processes. You should be aware that the standard of investigative procedures and expertise varies greatly across the world.

Meeting family representatives

Consular staff in London are available to meet family representatives. They can contact you if the investigating authorities tell us about any new developments. Where possible, if you visit the country during the early stages of the investigation and initial court hearings relating to the death our staff there may be able to meet you.

Where legal systems differ significantly from the UK, or proceedings are conducted in a language you do not understand, we may help to arrange, and attend, an initial round of meetings with the authorities. We may be able to accompany you to the first day of a trial and verdict.

Support

There are a number of organisations in the UK that can help bereaved families and friends come to terms with their loss, whether the death was natural or otherwise. Where the death was a result of murder or manslaughter, if you wish, we will put you in touch with the Victims Support National Homicide Service, who will allocate a named caseworker to give you free and confidential help. Charities such as Support after murder and manslaughter (SAMM abroad) can help you face the problems and difficulties that arise from death overseas under suspicious circumstances.

Death of a British national abroad in suspicious circumstances

As well as the support we can offer if someone dies from natural causes, where there is evidence of suspicious circumstances we can suggest the best way to raise concerns with the local authorities.

A coroner in England and Wales will normally hold an inquest if a person died a violent or unnatural death overseas and the body is returned to the coroner's district. Different procedures for investigating deaths apply in each part of the UK.

For more detailed information on the services we can provide and the support available, you may find our leaflet 'Guide for bereaved families' helpful.