Which party is legally entitled to authorize cremation in most jurisdictions?

• A. The executor of the will
• B. The next of kin
• C. The person who has right of disposition
• D. The court

Answer: (C)

The key idea is who has the legal authority to approve the final disposition of a body. That authority rests with the person who has the right of disposition—the legal power to authorize actions like cremation regarding the remains. This right is defined by state law and typically belongs to the decedent’s closest surviving relative or to a designated personal representative or executor. Cremation cannot proceed without this consent, and if no one with this right is available, a court may appoint someone to decide. So the most accurate answer is the person who has right of disposition, because that role is specifically established to authorize the final disposition of remains in most jurisdictions.