Family Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I speak to about a death investigation?

To inquire about a death investigation, please contact our office at 262-548-7575. Our normal business hours are Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. If you have questions outside of these hours, please call dispatch at 262-446-5070.

Please keep in mind that we do our best to keep families informed at each step of the process, but we may not be able to answer all questions if the investigation is incomplete or if release of the information would compromise an active criminal investigation.

Is it necessary that I identify the body at the Medical Examiner’s Office?

No. However, there may be rare cases where we request family to positively identify their loved one from a photograph.  This process may occur at our office or at a different location.

Can I see my deceased loved one at the Medical Examiner's Office?

No. The Waukesha County Medical Examiner's Office does not allow families to view their loved one at our office. A funeral home is the appropriate setting for that viewing to take place. We ask family and friends to be patient while we complete our examination. The decedent can then be released to the funeral home of their choice.

How can I get autopsy results?

If our office performs an autopsy, we will contact the next of kin when the exam is complete. During that conversation we will provide the autopsy findings, cause of death information if it is known. If cause of death is not known at this time, we will explain what the next steps are.

What does pending cause of death mean?

Sometimes cause of death cannot be immediately determined after an autopsy; this is not uncommon. This means additional information is required to make the determination. In these cases, we sign the death certificate with cause of death as "pending" to allow time to gather the additional information needed. We will contact the next of kin to provide cause of death once the necessary testing and analysis is complete. We will also update the death certificate with the final cause and manner of death information at that time.

How can I receive my loved one’s personal possessions?

Personal property may accompany a decedent when they arrive at our facility. All personal property received by our office is carefully documented. Property is released to the funeral home when they pick up the decedent from our office. The list of property items we had custody of will also be provided to the funeral home at that time.

In some cases, law enforcement may take property as part of their investigation. If this occurs, the family will need to work with that agency to review those items.

When will my loved one’s body be released?

Our office does everything possible to complete examinations and release bodies as soon as possible. In many cases, bodies are examined and released to a funeral home within 24 hours. Weekends and holidays may slightly extend this timeframe.

How long will cause and manner of death be pending?

The time it takes to determine cause and manner of death can vary. Every person is different, every death is different. Therefore, every death investigation is different.

Following the autopsy, toxicology studies will be ordered. Other laboratory studies will also be ordered if needed. These tests are completed outside of our office by private labs. Laboratory specimen processing takes more time when someone has died. Laboratory reports will be sent to our office after the tests are complete.

To determine cause and manner of death, the forensic pathologist will review information from a variety of sources. This process is similar to putting together a puzzle. First, the pieces of the are received, then they need to be assessed. The pieces of the puzzle may include medical records, death investigation observations, law enforcement reports, autopsy findings and laboratory results. Once the pieces have been received and assessed, they are put together to determine the final cause and manner of death.

This process is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible. We appreciate the patience of families and friends as we work to provide accurate and complete answers.

Can a “pending” death certificate be used as proof of death?

Yes. "Pending" as cause or manner of death implies that additional studies are necessary, such as drug testing, microscopic tissue examination, etc. A death certificate, even a pending certificate, is a legal document which serves as proof that the named individual has been pronounced deceased.

How is a death certificate created?

The death certificate is completed in two sections. The medical portion is completed either by our office if we accept jurisdiction, or by the deceased’s physician; the other portion is completed by the funeral home. Once the death certificate is complete, it is filed with the state vital records office and the local register of deeds.

How do I receive a copy of a death certificate?

The funeral home can assist you with obtaining copies of death certificates. You may also contact the register of deeds directly to order copies. You can contact the Waukesha County Register of Deeds by phone at 262-548-7863 or via email [email protected].

What if the funeral is being held out of state?

Families should contact the funeral home of their choice in the state they want. A funeral director from that out of state funeral home will then connect to a local funeral home here to plan for the transport of the decedent. The family should notify the out of state funeral director that their loved one’s death is being investigated by our office.