Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Medical Examiner
8-
The Medical Examiner is required by state law to determine the cause and circumstances of all sudden, unexpected deaths, as well as those suspected to be homicides, suicides, or accidents. All deaths related to any type of injury or intoxication must be investigated, even if the cause appears obvious.Medical Examiner
-
An autopsy is a systematic examination of the body, performed to document injuries and diseases, as well as normal conditions of the body. The procedure is performed by a medical doctor with special training in forensic pathology. The Lenawee County Medical Examiner has arranged a procedural response for the autopsy and collection of test specimens which usually does not delay the release of the body more than 48 hours.Medical Examiner
-
There is no charge to the family for an autopsy required by Michigan state law. The Office of the Medical Examiner is funded as a public service. In the event that the Medical Examiner determines an autopsy is not necessary, families may request a private autopsy arranged through a funeral director.Medical Examiner
-
Autopsies are performed in a professional manner which does not interfere with the viewing of the deceased, provided that the body was in a condition suitable for viewing prior to the autopsyMedical Examiner
-
The funeral directors transport all personal property to their facility upon completion of the examination of the body.Medical Examiner
-
Viewing or visitation is not allowed while the body is being examined by the Medical Examiner's Office. The funeral director will assist family in arranging private viewing after the deceased body is released.Medical Examiner
-
Requests for organ or tissue donation will be respected and discussed with the Gift of Life organization. The Office of the Medical Examiner works closely with the Gift of Life on all cases.Medical Examiner
-
Medical Examiner
To request a report from the Lenawee-Hillsdale County Medical Examiner’s Office, we require all requests to be submitted through the Lenawee County Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Portal. Any fees incurred by the FOIA request will be assessed in accordance with the Lenawee County Freedom of Information Act Policy.
The FOIA Portal is found on our website.
- Click on Make Request.
- Describe what you are requesting.
- Select the department: Medical Examiner
- Complete the rest of the information. Email must be included.
- Click on Make Request.
Once our office receives the request, an email response will be sent to you. If we have the report that you are requesting, an invoice will be attached in the FOIA response. Following FIOA guidelines, if you request a report that we do not have, you will be sent a denial. It is recommended that you check with the office to ensure that the information you are seeking is available. It takes approximately 12 weeks to get the autopsy report from the Forensic Pathologist.
Payment for the report may be made on our website.
Please note that an additional fee of $2.50 (enhanced access fee) will be added for payments made by credit/debit card on the Medical Examiner’s Website. The report will not be sent until payment is received. The cost of the report will likely be around $20.00 or less.