The right to control disposition is the legal right to decide what happens to a person's body and funeral.
In Utah
Utah law sets the order of who holds the right:
- Someone your loved one named in writing
- The surviving spouse
- A nominated personal representative
- Adult children, by majority
- Parents
- Adult siblings
- Further next of kin
When it matters
Most families decide together, and the funeral home works with whoever makes the arrangements. It matters when relatives disagree, or when the closest relative can’t be reached. Naming someone in writing ahead of time avoids the question.
Sources
- Utah Code § 58-9-602, checked September 26, 2026.
Last reviewed September 26, 2026. Prices change; check the provider’s current price list.