Who has the legal right to control the disposition of remains in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the legal right to control the disposition of remains is vested in the person designated in a signed disposition agreement or, in the absence of such an agreement, the next of kin. This prioritization recognizes the importance of individual wishes and family connections in making decisions about the final arrangements.

The signed disposition agreement serves as a formal document that outlines the individual's preferences and appoints a specific person to manage those preferences after death. If such an agreement does not exist, state law typically allows the next of kin, usually defined as immediate family members, to take control of the disposition process. This framework upholds the dignity of the deceased and respects the role of family in managing matters related to death and burial.

In contrast, a funeral home owner does not automatically have the right to dictate the disposition of remains unless explicitly authorized by a legal agreement. The coroner’s role is primarily investigative, concerning the cause of death, and does not extend to decision-making regarding the remains. Lastly, while the state sets regulations and guidelines surrounding funeral practices, it does not interfere directly in individual disposition decisions unless mandated by law, such as in cases of unclaimed remains. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the legal structure regarding the control of remains in Tennessee.