Funeral Arts National Board Practice Exam

Who is authorized to sign for the cremation of a body?

1. Only immediate family members

2. The decedent’s attorney

3. An ex-spouse

4. Friends of the family

The correct answer is: An ex-spouse

The authorization for cremation typically depends on the legal framework governing the disposition of remains in a given jurisdiction. Generally, the correct individual to sign for the cremation is someone who has the legal right to make decisions regarding the body, which often includes immediate family members, the decedent’s legal representative, or someone designated by the deceased. In many cases, an ex-spouse may still have a legal right to make decisions regarding cremation, particularly if there has been no formal legal separation or changes to the decedent’s wishes. This is contingent on local laws, which can vary significantly. An ex-spouse may still retain the authority unless they have been officially removed from any decision-making role through divorce proceedings that specify different arrangements. In contrast, immediate family members or the decedent’s attorney usually have first claim to such matters, but ex-spouses can still play a role if the necessary legal permissions are in place. Friends of the family are typically not authorized to sign for cremation unless explicitly named in legal documentation or through the decedent's wishes. The involvement of an attorney may not be directly relevant unless they are taking action on behalf of the immediate family or the decedent's estate. Thus, recognizing the authority an ex-spouse