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NAAG Forensic / Private autopsy / For funeral directors
For funeral directors

When a family asks “why?”

Families often learn from their funeral director that an independent autopsy is possible at all. When they do, NAAG’s board-certified forensic pathologists can help, from anywhere in California and beyond.

Call 1-800-985-5346 Private autopsy for families
What to tell families

Three things families need to hear.

  • An examination is still possible. Even when the coroner declined and the hospital could not, a private autopsy can usually be arranged.
  • Please wait to embalm. Embalming destroys the value of toxicology and alters tissue. Cremation makes an examination impossible.
  • Call NAAG directly, any day. 1-800-985-5346. We explain the options and quote the whole fee before anything is arranged.
How we work with you

A partner, not a competitor.

Referral

You or the family call us. We take it from there with the family, gently and clearly.

Transfer

Our own staff collect within about 180 miles of San Diego or Fresno, or you bring the decedent to us. Timing is coordinated with you.

Examination

Performed promptly in our medical facility by a board-certified forensic pathologist.

Release

When the examination is complete, we coordinate release back to your care for the family’s arrangements.

Questions

Questions from funeral directors.

Do you examine at the funeral home?
No, never. Every NAAG examination takes place in a medical facility, with imaging, laboratory support, proper photography and a controlled chain of custody. We arrange transport, or you can bring the decedent to us.
Who authorizes the examination?
The person legally entitled to control disposition. We confirm authorization with the family before anything is scheduled, and we handle any release needed from the coroner or hospital.
What should I tell the family?
That an independent private autopsy is available, that embalming should wait until they have decided, and that they can call us directly on 1-800-985-5346, seven days a week.
Can we transport the decedent to you?
Yes. Families often already have a funeral home engaged, and a transfer by you may be simpler for them. We coordinate timing with you directly.
Further readingAll guides →
GuideThe first 24 hours after an unexpected death: what families should know.What happens after an unexpected death, who takes charge of your loved one, what to ask the coroner, and how to keep the option of a private autopsy open.GuidePrivate autopsy: a guide for families.How a private autopsy works: when to request one, who can authorize it, why timing matters, what you receive, and how to choose a qualified forensic pathologist.
Contact

Start with a conversation.

Tell us who you are and, in general terms, what you need. The right member of our team will respond.

Submit a case Contact NAAG
Phone1-800-985-5346
Emailconsult@naagforensic.com
Office6335 Ferris Square, Suite C
San Diego, CA 92121

Please don't email case records or images. The case request form collects what we need to open your matter; we'll arrange secure transfer of records after that.