Who has the legal authority to make funeral arrangements for a deceased person?

The executor of the estate or next of kin holds the legal authority to make funeral arrangements for a deceased person because they are typically designated to manage the deceased's estate and handle decisions regarding their final affairs. The executor is appointed through a will or by the probate court, while the next of kin, often a close family member, has priority in decision-making if no will exists. This authority includes arranging for burial or cremation, selecting a funeral home, and making decisions about the service itself, ensuring that the wishes of the deceased and the needs of the family are respected.

The funeral director does have a significant role in facilitating these arrangements, but they do not possess the legal authority to make unilateral decisions regarding the deceased's funeral. Similarly, the state government does not typically intervene in funeral arrangements unless specific laws or regulations come into play, such as in cases of unclaimed bodies. Friends of the deceased might be involved in planning details or providing support, but they do not have the legal standing to make arrangements on behalf of the deceased.