Coroner FAQs
The next of Kin is defined in the following hierarchy:
- Spouse - is a husband or wife who are legally married, separated but, not divorced.
- Children of the deceased over 18 years of age.
- Parents
- Siblings
Remains of the deceased will only be released to a Certified Funeral Director. It is important for the Next of Kin to select a Funeral Director as soon as possible and notify this office of the selection.
If a positive identification is necessary, the Coroner or Deputy Coroner will notify you of the procedure and where to report. If you are a Banks County Resident you will be notified in person
If any personal items of the deceased are retained by the Coroner’s Office, you must possess and present a current photo identification card to pick up such items. Any prescription medications collected during our investigation will be destroyed following the investigation and not returned to the family.
You may be initially informed that the Cause and Manner of Death are “Pending ”. Pending simply refers that the Cause and Manner of Death are still under investigation. Pending cases may be cleared in as little as two days or may remain pending for several months depending on information made available by the GBI Department of Forensic Sciences.
The average pending case in Georgia is cleared in 8 - 12 weeks. You will be contacted as soon as the investigation results are complete. The Next of Kin will be the first to be notified of all completed pending cases. For this reason, if you move or change your phone number, it is imperative you inform our office.
Contact Information
Banks County Coroner
150 Hudson Ridge Suite
Homer, Georgia 30547
Phone: 706-677-1821
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm