What do I do now?

This document provides clarifying information regarding the Coroner's Office involvement.

Release of Authorization for Property

This document may be completed by the legal next of kin to allow another individual to retrieve property from the Coroner's Office on his or her behalf.  This document must be accompanied by a copy of the legal next of kin's government-issued identification (such as a driver license or passport).

Release of Authorization for Disposition

This document may be completed by the legal next of kin to allow another individual to act on his or her behalf for final disposition.  This document must be accompanied by a copy of the legal next of kin's government-issued identification (such as a driver license or passport).

Mortuary Release-Authorization for the Release of Remains in Custody of the Coroner

Starting September 1, 2011, the San Mateo County Coroner's Office will only be accepting the above authorization form to release remains in the custody of the Coroner's Office. The form will need to be completed with the decedent's name, kin information, kin signature, and verification information from the mortuary.  If additional signatures are attached, please be sure to include both pages of the form.  Prior to retrieval of the decedent, fax the completed form to the Coroner's Office at (650) 571-6258.

Private Autopsy

Autopsies are available for deaths which are not within the Coroner’s jurisdiction.  These autopsies are done by written request of the legal next of kin, and the requestor pays customary charges for the autopsy. (California Government Code Section 27520)

County Cremation

When requesting the San Mateo County Coroner's Office to take custody of human remains (including fetal remains of 20 weeks gestation or more) which are unclaimed pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 7104.

California Trauma Scene Practitioners

A trauma scene waste management practitioner is a person who undertakes as a commercial activity the removal of human blood, human body fluids, and other associated residues from the scene of a serious human injury, illness, or death.  The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) oversees the application and registration of the practitioners populated on this list.  The list is regularly updated by CDPH.  The Coroner's Office cannot provide recommendations.