Official and practical matters

What to expect after a suspected suicide

When someone dies by suspected suicide, a number of official people and organisations will become involved.

The role of the Police

When someone dies suddenly, including in cases of suspected suicide, the first official response usually involves the Police.

The coroner and the coronial process

When someone dies by suspected suicide, the Police are required by law to report the death to the coroner, along with the information gathered from their investigation.

The post-mortem or autopsy

After someone dies by suspected suicide, their body is usually taken to the mortuary so a post-mortem (also called an autopsy) can be carried out.

Your tangihanga/funeral director

Once the post-mortem is complete, your funeral director will be able to collect the person’s body from the mortuary and help you make arrangements for the days ahead.

If the person died overseas

When a New Zealander dies by suspected suicide overseas, there are practical steps you must take, but support is available to help you navigate them.

Practical matters

Bereavement leave

When someone close to you passes away, taking time to grieve and care for yourself and your whānau is important.

Organising the paperwork

If you're responsible for some or all of the personal affairs of the person who died, it’s likely you'll receive a lot of information after their death: letters, documents and phone calls.

The death certificate

You’ll need a death certificate to help manage the personal affairs of the person who died.

A will or no will

A will is a legal document that outlines what should happen to a person’s belongings, money and assets after they die.

Managing banking matters

Managing the person's banking arrangements after they have died can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of deep grief.

People and organisations to notify

After someone close to you dies, there are many people and organisations who may need to be informed.