What term refers to the legal authority to make decisions about the deceased's body?

The term that refers to the legal authority to make decisions about the deceased's body is "next of kin." This designation typically indicates the family member who is recognized by law as having the legal right to make decisions regarding the disposition of the deceased's remains. Next of kin often includes immediate family members such as a spouse, children, or parents, and the priority can vary depending on specific laws in different jurisdictions.

Understanding who the next of kin is is essential for funeral directors and service providers, as they need to ensure that decisions regarding funeral arrangements and the handling of the body comply with legal requirements and respect the wishes of the closest relatives. In many cases, next of kin must give consent for burial or cremation and for any other final arrangements.

The other terms mentioned do not specifically refer to the authority over a deceased person's body. Guardianship pertains to the responsibility for a living individual, particularly minors or incapacitated persons. Power of attorney is a legal document allowing someone to make decisions on behalf of another while they are alive, typically in financial or healthcare matters, but it ceases upon death. Custodianship generally refers to the physical custody of something rather than the legal authority to make decisions about a deceased person's remains.