Minnesota State Mortician Practice Exam

Which individual is considered second in the order of duty of disposition?

1. Adult child

2. Legal spouse

3. Parent(s)

4. Adult sibling

The correct answer is: Legal spouse

The legal spouse is considered second in the order of duty of disposition because, according to many state laws and legal frameworks, they have a recognized primary role in making decisions regarding the final arrangements for a deceased individual. This prioritization reflects the legal and emotional bond established in marriage, which often confers significant responsibilities and rights over personal matters, including funeral and burial decisions. In many jurisdictions, the legal spouse is placed second on the hierarchy of disposition after the individual designated as the executor of the estate or the person with the highest legal authority. Following the spouse, the order typically moves to adult children, parents, and then siblings, reflecting a hierarchy based on familial relationship and legal standing. This structured order emphasizes the importance of immediate family members and their roles in honoring the wishes of the deceased and managing their affairs. Understanding this hierarchy is important for morticians and other professionals in the funeral industry, as they guide families through the process of making arrangements and need to recognize who has the authority to make decisions regarding the disposition of remains.