Kansas Funeral Director Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT included in the order of priority for disposing of a decedent's remains?

1. Public official

2. Surviving parents

3. Guardian at the time of death

4. Grandchildren

The correct answer is: Grandchildren

In determining the order of priority for disposing of a decedent's remains, laws typically establish a hierarchy based on familial and legal relationships. The entities that are usually given precedence include the public official responsible for overseeing disposition, surviving parents, and, in certain circumstances, a legally appointed guardian at the time of the decedent's death. Grandchildren do not typically have the same legal standing or priority in matters regarding the disposal of remains compared to those mentioned above. While grandchildren may have emotional ties to the decedent, the decision-making authority for handling remains generally rests with closer relatives or legal guardians. Thus, they are not included in the traditional hierarchy, making the selection of grandchildren the correct answer as the one not included in the order of priority.