On behalf of the Contra Costa County Coroner's Office, we offer our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your loved one. During this difficult time, we are committed to making the coroner's office process as simple and efficient as possible, providing you with the support you need.
 

What to expect if your loved one is at our office

If your loved one is brought to our office, they will be seen by our forensic pathologist, who will conduct an  autopsy or inspection to determine the cause of death. Additionally, the Deputy Coroner will review the medical findings and is responsible for determining the legal manner of death. Autopsies may be conducted for several reasons, including:

• When a death is suspicious, violent, unnatural, or unexpected
• When there is a public health concern, such as an outbreak with an undetermined cause
• When no doctor is familiar enough with the deceased to determine the cause of death and sign the death certificate
   

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

Please note that the Contra Costa County Coroner's Office does not facilitate viewings of decedents at our facility, nor do we offer any viewing services. The earliest opportunity to view your loved one will be once the exam is completed and your loved one is transferred to the funeral home of your choice.
 

How to obtain a death certificate

Please be advised that the Coroner's Office does NOT issue death certificates. To obtain a death certificate, you may contact the Contra Costa County Vital Registration and Statistics Office, or you may request a copy through the funeral home handling the arrangements.
 

There are no funds to pay for burial or cremation

If the deceased or legal Next of Kin does not have sufficient funds for burial, the alternative may be the Indigent Program. Please email ccc-coroner@so.cccounty for more information.
 

When will I know the cause of death?

If toxicology testing is required this can be a lengthy process. Currently, toxicology results can take between six to ten weeks. The county will issue a pending death certificate. Once the pathologist signs their Autopsy/Inspection reports the Death Certificate will be updated to reflect their finding.
 

Coroner Reports

Copies of most Coroner, Pathology and Toxicology reports are available for release once the case is closed. A  case may take several months to close, so please be patient. The first copy to the Next of Kin is provided at no charge. Next of Kin can email coronerreport@so.cccounty.us to request their copy. If you are not the legal Next of Kin the coroner report is $26.00. You may mail your request and a check or money order to Contra Costa County
Corner, 1960 Muir Road, 1st Floor, Martinez, California 94553. Please include the mailing address where you would like the completed report to be mailed. Note: we do not email reports.
 

Property Recovered

The property recovered off the decedent will be inventoried and released along with the remains to the  funeral home. You may retrieve the property once the remains are at the funeral home.

Due to the increasing number of phone calls and our new office hours we will be answering all questions with Funeral Homes via fax or email. (925) 313-2886 or ccc-coroner@so.cccounty.us
 

For Funeral Homes Requesting a Referral Number for EDRS:

If you are a funeral home in need of a referral number for EDRS, please ensure the record

• Is attested by a doctor
• Referred to the Coroner
• In INC (incomplete status)

The record will automatically appear in our que. The Coroner Investigator will review the causes of death and issue the referral number as needed.

For any additional questions, you can contact us via fax at (925) 313-2886 or by email at ccc-coroner@so.cccounty.us.
 

I need assistance with a Death Certificate or have questions

Please fax (925) 313-2886 or email ccc-coroner@so.cccounty.us
 

County Cremation Forms

If you have a county cremation authorization form faxed to your office, please fill out a D-15 Demand Form and send back to the coroner's office via fax. The payment will be submitted to our fiscal department and a payment will be processed. Keep in mind this process can take up to 4 weeks. Please visit the FORMS link to obtain a copy of the D-15.
 

Next of kin authorizing someone else to make arrangements

If a legal next of kin would like to authorize someone else to make the funeral arrangements for them a form can be found under the FORMS link. Please complete this an email to us at ccc-coroner@so.cccounty.us.
 

Decedent Pick-up Hours

Monday through Fridays (excluding holidays) at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

To schedule a decedent pick-up, click here

If you are trying to serve a subpoena, you can either send it by mail or come to the office during our business  hours. Please ensure you have the proper fees. We require one check for $26.00 (record) and a separate check for $15.00 (declaration).

If you have questions about holding blood or inquiring about samples please email your questions to ccc-coroner@so.cccounty.us and they will be forwarded to the Sergeant.

Our facility does not allow viewing of autopsy and does not provide tours. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please reach out to our SAVES program at (925) 655-0112.

Release Form
Private Autopsy Request
Legal NOK Authorization
Copy of Coroner Report
D-15 (Demand) Form

What do I do now?

We understand that the selection of a funeral home is a personal decision. Feel free to contact a funeral home of your choice. The funeral home professionals are prepared to assist you in making arrangements and will work closely with the Coroner's Office to arrange for the release of your loved one from our facility. They may assist you in obtaining certified copies of the death certificate once they are filed with the County.
 

What constitutes a Coroner's Case?

Coroner's Offices throughout the state fall under the jurisdiction of California Government Code 27491 and Health and Safety Code 102850. which directs the Coroner's Office to inquire into and determine the circumstances, cause, and manner of the following types of deaths:

• Any death from known or suspected homicide
• Any death by known or suspected suicide
• Any death resulting from known or suspected accident, old or recent
• Any death involving known or suspected criminal action
• Any death related to substance abuse or poisoning
• Any death in which a physician is unable to reasonably state a cause of death
• Any death involving suspected contagious diseases constituting a public hazard
• Any death of unidentified persons
• Any death related to occupational diseases or hazards
• Any death suspected to be from Sudden Infant Syndrome (SIDS),
• Any death wherein the decedent has not been attended by a physician within the 20 days preceding death
• Any death while in jail or police custody or at State prisons
   

Is an autopsy really necessary?

Not all deaths investigated by the Coroner require an autopsy. An autopsy is performed only on those cases
where it is required by law or where it is necessary to determine the cause of death.

The Coroner's concern is to determine cause and manner of death. Determining the cause of death in a person may help identify histories, contagious disease, and help prevent further premature or preventable deaths within the community. In criminal cases, autopsies help courts to reach a just verdict. Finally, autopsies help families understand how the death occurred and provide closure. This can be an important step in the grieving process.

In some cases, our Forensic Pathologists may perform a limited, exterior examination only. The doctor will use his/her professional judgment to determine which type of post-mortem examination is warranted.