Who holds the eighth priority in the order of controlling remains?

• A. An appointed fiduciary of the decedent's estate
• B. A close friend or relative who is familiar with the decedent's wishes
• C. The decedent's living spouse
• D. The person designated in a written statement

Answer: (A)

This item tests the legal order of who may control the disposition of a decedent’s remains. The eighth position goes to the appointed fiduciary of the decedent’s estate because, after the closer family members and any designated individuals have been considered or if no one with higher priority can act, the court-appointed or will-appointed fiduciary has the authority to handle the decedent’s affairs, including funeral and cremation decisions. The fiduciary’s role is to act in accordance with the decedent’s wishes as far as they are known and to carry out the estate’s interests within the law. So, when no one higher in the priority list is available or willing, the fiduciary steps in as the next legally empowered party to control the remains.