Bednobs, I'm sorry I have only just seen this.
In the circumstances it might help you to have legal rep. Whilst that will not help if you have to give evidence, it might help if there are questions you wish to ask of others. A lawyer will be able to do this dispassionately and objectively.
Inquest practice is slightly different area since it is inquisitorial generally rather than adversarial.
Given you have a bit of time, my suggestion is you seek a barrister on a direct access basis who specialises in inquests. If you go to Counsel direct you will not need to pay a solicitor as well. If you phone a few chambers, the clerks will help you and v often a barrister will have a chat with you initially (I say that, because i always do but I can't speak for others).
With my next post I'll do a link to the DA portal. I'd suggest doing this sooner rather than later. You could then have a chat with whoever you instruct and make sure you give them all you need so that you are effectively represented.