Why the wait on inquest for death cert?

mollzer

My husband recently ended his own life, I have a mortgage to pay and 2 small children.
I have been told I have to wait on the final death cert before any insurances can be paid out.
His own bank account has to be closed to debits, where does this leave me?
Have informed all banks/credits union etc of his death but what do I do now with regards to his share of income towards bills etc?
I seem to have been left in limbo and will be for some time to come, until inquest.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
*Apologies for the above, probably the wrong choice of wording............what I am looking for is not advice but peoples own stories.........how long waiting for inquest, has anyone been in a similar position etc.*

(Thanks hullaballoo)

hullaballoo

Just for the sake of future posters: do NOT give out legal advice. Practical advice only please.

I'm leaving this thread open because of the awkward position the OP finds herself in.

Victor

mollzer wrote:

My husband recently ended his own life, I have a mortgage to pay and 2 small children.

My condolences. If you want to chat about it, the Personal Issues board is here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=127

I have been told I have to wait on the final death cert before any insurances can be paid out.

I imagine this is normal and while it might not seem like it the inquest is there to help everyone, family, professions and other people who might commit suicide.

His own bank account has to be closed to debits, where does this leave me? Have informed all banks/credits union etc of his death but what do I do now with regards to his share of income towards bills etc?
I seem to have been left in limbo and will be for some time to come, until inquest.

I think, if you are saying finances are difficult, talk to www.mabs.ie or your local Community Welfare Officer. Exceptional needs payments can be made.

You may also be entitled to: (a) Bereavement Grant €850 (b) Widowed Parent Grant €4,000 (this seems to be dependent on a Widow's Contributory Pension)

how long waiting for inquest, has anyone been in a similar position etc.*

A friend died a few years ago (epilepsy) and it was a clear case and the coroner was happy to issue a death certificate shortly after the autopsy. Some cases aren't quite so clear. Perhaps have a word with your GP and ask him if he knows anyone in the coroners office that can fill you in on details or if there is a bereavement service that can help you, even if its only a few leaflets explaining procedures.

gonk

mollzer wrote:

My husband recently ended his own life, I have a mortgage to pay and 2 small children.
I have been told I have to wait on the final death cert before any insurances can be paid out.
His own bank account has to be closed to debits, where does this leave me?
Have informed all banks/credits union etc of his death but what do I do now with regards to his share of income towards bills etc?
I seem to have been left in limbo and will be for some time to come, until inquest.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
*Apologies for the above, probably the wrong choice of wording............what I am looking for is not advice but peoples own stories.........how long waiting for inquest, has anyone been in a similar position etc.*

(Thanks hullaballoo)

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss and I can empathize as my eldest brother took his life several years ago.

As it happened, we needed to furnish proof of his death to several institutions although the situation was not as urgent as yours as he had no children or other dependents.

The reason the death certificate cannot be issued until the inquest is held is that the death certificate states the cause of death. The main purpose of the inquest is to determine the cause. In my own experience, it took about 6 months for the inquest to be held (Dublin City Coroner's Court). However, in the interim, you can ask the coroner to issue a certficate of the fact of death. This is an official certificate from the coroner confirming your husband's death but without stating the cause of death. I would have thought this should be sufficient for the banks and other institutions. Here's what the Dublin City Coroner's website says:

"Prior to inquest (or whilst awaiting the postmortem report) the coroner’s office will provide an Interim Certificate of the Fact of Death which may be acceptable to banks, insurance companies and other institutions."

See here for more detail: http://www.coronerdublincity.ie/faqs/death.htm#book5

Once again, sincere sympathy to you and your family.

mollzer

Thanks to gonk and Victor for that information.
I have posted off my letter requesting interim death certs......at € 2 a pop!!

I have also applied for the widows pension and grant, both of which are going to be of great help.

Also found a booklet by the Dept of Social and Family Affairs, information on Bereavment.......great booklet, full of relevent information. Well worth getting for anyone who has recently been bereaved.