In what situation is a funeral director required to get consent before proceeding with services?

A funeral director is required to obtain consent from the appropriate parties when it involves minors wanting to make funeral arrangements. This requirement stems from the legal principles surrounding minors, who are generally considered not to have the capacity to enter into contracts or make decisions independently in many legal matters. Consequently, a funeral director must ensure that a responsible adult, such as a parent or legal guardian, provides consent before any arrangements can be made on behalf of a minor.

The necessity for consent when dealing with minors is rooted in the protection of young individuals, ensuring that their interests are safeguarded and that they are not placed in situations where they may not fully understand the implications or responsibilities. This legal framework serves to uphold the standards of ethical practice within the funeral industry, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and responsibility in sensitive situations involving a minor's funeral arrangements.