Who is legally authorized to make funeral arrangements in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the individual who is legally authorized to make funeral arrangements is typically the next of kin or a legally designated individual. This aligns with the legal framework governing funeral services, which recognizes the close relationship and responsibilities of family members or designated representatives in overseeing arrangements for the deceased.

The next of kin is generally someone like a spouse, adult child, parent, or sibling, who has a direct personal connection to the deceased and may be seen as the most appropriate person to make decisions concerning the funeral. In cases where the deceased has designated someone else through a legal document, that individual also holds the authority to make arrangements.

This principle is important as it acknowledges the personal and emotional significance of funeral decisions. Other options, such as the funeral director, while essential in providing services, operate under the guidance of the individual who holds the legal authority to engage those services. Meanwhile, the deceased's employer or a hospital administrator do not have the legal standing to make funeral arrangements unless they fall under the categories mentioned above or have been explicitly authorized by the deceased.