After how many days may a funeral director dispose of unclaimed cremated remains?

• A. 30 days after the cremation date
• B. 120 days after the date of cremation
• C. 180 days after the date of cremation
• D. 365 days after the date of cremation

Answer: (B)

New York law allows disposal of unclaimed cremated remains after a set waiting period to give relatives a chance to claim them. Specifically, if no one has claimed the remains and the funeral director has made reasonable efforts to locate next of kin, the remains may be disposed of 120 days after the cremation date. This period provides time for family members to come forward while ensuring the final disposition occurs in a timely and respectful manner. The 30-day window is too short for locating relatives, while 180 days or a full year go beyond the specified timeframe.