Can I afford private representation?

We offer transparent, fixed-fee structures for many cases, so you know exactly where you stand from day one. No hidden costs. We also offer Legal Aid.

The police want to interview me voluntary. Do I need a lawyer?

Yes. What you say in a voluntary interview is evidence. Never attend without legal protection. We can arrange to be there with you.

Is it too late to change solicitors?

It is rarely too late. If you are unhappy with your current representation, we can facilitate a seamless transfer of your case immediately.

Can a family instruct directly?

Yes. Inquest instructions are accepted under the Direct Access scheme where suitable. The first call covers whether the case is.

What is a pre-inquest review?

It is the procedural hearing that fixes the scope, witnesses, and timetable for the substantive inquest. Position before the PIR matters.

Is legal aid available for inquests?

In some cases, yes — typically through a solicitor with a legal aid contract. Astons Law Chambers can refer where this is the right route.

Home / Defence work / Inquests

Coroner’s Court

Inquests

An inquest is an inquiry in the Coroner’s Court into how someone died. It is not a trial and decides no one’s guilt. A family, or another interested person, can be represented at the pre-inquest review and at the inquest itself.

Representation of families and interested persons in the Coroner’s Court — pre-inquest review hearings through to the substantive inquest.

Book a Consultation Call 07922 247 999

Hourly: £175–£400 +VAT
First appearance: £500–£1,500
Single day hearing: £700–£3,500
Trial brief fee: £1,500–£3,000+

Indicative only. A written fee is set out in a client-care letter before any instruction is accepted. Full fee schedule →

What Astons Law Chambers does

Pre-inquest review hearings and scope arguments.
Examination of witnesses at the substantive inquest.
Article 2 inquest representation.
Disclosure review and documentary preparation.

Process

A short call to identify the type of inquest, the issues, and any next hearing date.
A written client-care letter setting out scope and fee.
Disclosure review and preparation of position, witnesses, and questions.
Representation at the pre-inquest review and the substantive hearing.

Instructing directly

A solicitor is not required for this work.

Astons Law Chambers is authorised under the Bar Standards Board's Public Access scheme to accept instructions directly from members of the public. The practice is also authorised to conduct litigation, so the case can be run end-to-end without a separate solicitor. Suitability is assessed during the first call; where a solicitor is needed, Astons Law Chambers will say so and refer where useful.

For matters that qualify for public funding, see how legal aid works at Astons Law Chambers — eligible cases are referred to a partner solicitor firm at no cost.

How Direct Access works →

Common questions

Can a family instruct directly?: Yes. Inquest instructions are accepted under the Direct Access scheme where suitable. The first call covers whether the case is.
What is a pre-inquest review?: It is the procedural hearing that fixes the scope, witnesses, and timetable for the substantive inquest. Position before the PIR matters.
Is legal aid available for inquests?: In some cases, yes — typically through a solicitor with a legal aid contract. Astons Law Chambers can refer where this is the right route.

Pre-inquest review

Scope is set before the inquest.

The PIR is where the case takes its shape. Early instruction allows time to be heard there, not after.

Call now

Before you call

A short, useful first call covers three things:

The allegation and any charge.
Any next hearing date.
What you have been told so far.

If you don't have all three, call anyway — the first call is free.

Related work

Inquests

What Astons Law Chambers does

Process

A solicitor is not required for this work.

Common questions

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