California-Specific Agencies and Programs
What is California's Right to Know law regarding cause of death?
Short answer
Next of kin have the right to request a copy of the coroner's report in California. Submit a Public Records Act request to the county coroner's office. Reports may have portions redacted during an active investigation but must be released once the…
What this usually means
Next of kin have the right to request a copy of the coroner's report in California. Submit a Public Records Act request to the county coroner's office. Reports may have portions redacted during an active investigation but must be released once the investigation is closed.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.