Private autopsy: a guide for families.
A private autopsy is an independent examination that a family arranges directly, outside the coroner or hospital system. Families choose one when questions remain unanswered, when a death may affect the health of relatives, or when they need findings they can rely on in a legal claim. This guide explains how it works.
Medically reviewed by Evan W. Matshes, MD, FRCPC, D-ABP, Medical Director and Chief Forensic Pathologist · Updated
- A private autopsy is arranged and authorized by the family, usually the legal next of kin.
- It can be performed even if the coroner or a hospital has already done an autopsy: that is a second autopsy.
- Time matters. Embalming and cremation can make an examination less complete, or impossible. Call before they happen.
- Choose a board-certified forensic pathologist who works in a medical facility, documents thoroughly and retains tissue.
- Decide early whether you need answers for the family or findings for a legal claim; the examination is the same, the report is not.
What is a private autopsy?
An autopsy is a medical examination after death to determine the cause of death and to document disease and injury. A private autopsy is one the family arranges and pays for independently, rather than one ordered by a coroner, medical examiner or hospital. At NAAG every private autopsy is performed directly by a board-certified forensic pathologist, in a medical facility, to the same standard as a forensic case.
Why do families request a private autopsy?
- Unanswered questions. The coroner did not take jurisdiction, the hospital did not offer an autopsy, or the explanation given does not make sense.
- Health of the living. A sudden death in a young person may be caused by an inherited heart, metabolic or neurological condition that relatives should know about.
- Concerns about care. A death after surgery, in a care facility or in hospital raises questions about what happened.
- Legal claims. Where a death may lead to a lawsuit or insurance dispute, the examination must be documented to the standard a court expects.
- Independence. In deaths in custody or other sensitive circumstances, families often want an examination by a physician with no connection to the agencies involved.
Can we get a private autopsy if the coroner already did one?
Often, yes. An examination after a first autopsy is called a second autopsy. Much can still be learned, particularly from structures that were not examined, from retained organs and tissue, and from additional laboratory testing. Once the coroner releases your loved one, the family may arrange a second examination before the funeral home proceeds. If records, photographs or retained tissue exist, a second-opinion review may answer the question without a second autopsy.
Who can authorize a private autopsy in California?
Generally, the person with the legal right to control the disposition of the remains authorizes the autopsy. Under California law that is usually, in order: a person named for that purpose in a power of attorney for health care, the surviving spouse or registered domestic partner, the adult children, the parents, then the adult siblings. Where several people share the right, they may need to agree. We confirm authorization with you on the first call, and any release needed from the coroner, medical examiner or hospital.
This is general information, not legal advice. If authorization is disputed, speak to an attorney.
Why does timing matter?
Embalming introduces chemicals that interfere with toxicology and alter tissues. Cremation makes an examination impossible. Even refrigeration has limits. If embalming, cremation, burial or transport is scheduled, call before it happens: 1-800-985-5346, seven days a week. A funeral home will usually hold a loved one for a short time while the family arranges an examination.
What does a private autopsy include?
A complete private autopsy includes a full external and internal examination, photographic documentation, collection of specimens, microscopic examination, and the laboratory testing the case requires, such as toxicology, genetic testing or neuropathology. From January 1, 2027, NAAG adds postmortem CT imaging. NAAG performs no partial autopsies other than brain-only examinations for dementia, because an examination limited to one region cannot exclude a cause of death elsewhere.
The examination is the same whichever report you choose. A family report is a narrative written for you. A litigation report is prepared to the standard courts expect, with full exhibits and documentation. See the private autopsy program for every option, including brain-only examinations and the Apex Autopsy Service for families who need absolute confidentiality.
How do we choose a provider?
Ask these questions of anyone you consider:
- Will a board-certified forensic pathologist perform the examination personally?
- Is it performed in a medical facility, with imaging, laboratory support and proper documentation, rather than on a funeral home table?
- Are tissue, photographs and specimens retained, so further testing is possible later?
- Is the fee quoted in writing before anything begins, with no hourly surprises?
- Will the pathologist explain the findings to you, and testify if needed?
- Is the provider independent of any hospital, agency or insurer involved?
What if my loved one died outside California, or abroad?
NAAG examines loved ones from across the United States and from overseas. Funeral-industry partners bring your loved one to our Fresno or San Diego facility, including, for families who require it, by private aircraft.
Frequently asked questions.
How long does a private autopsy take?
The examination itself usually takes a day. Reports follow after laboratory testing; toxicology alone typically takes about two weeks. NAAG’s Apex Autopsy Service completes the examination within 24 hours of authorization and the report within five calendar days, apart from toxicology.
Will a private autopsy delay the funeral?
Usually only briefly. We coordinate with your funeral home, and an open-casket service is generally still possible.
How much does a private autopsy cost?
NAAG quotes every private autopsy as a flat fee, in writing, before any work begins, with no hourly billing. Fees depend on the service and whether transport is included. Call 1-800-985-5346 for the current fee schedule; payment plans are available.
Is a private autopsy confidential?
Yes. Private examinations are handled with discretion, and findings are shared with the authorizing family. The Apex Autopsy Service adds the highest level of confidential, concierge handling.
Can a private autopsy be used in court?
Yes, if it is performed and documented to a litigation standard. If you expect legal action, say so at the outset so the report is prepared for that purpose.
Talk to a forensic pathologist
Every case is different. Tell us about yours and we will tell you honestly what an examination or review can answer.
Start with a conversation.
Tell us who you are and, in general terms, what you need. The right member of our team will respond.
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.