Who has the right to control the disposition of a deceased person's remains in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, the right to control the disposition of a deceased person's remains is granted primarily to the surviving spouse, adult children, and parents. This hierarchy reflects the understanding that these individuals are typically the closest family members and are likely to be most aware of the deceased's wishes or cultural practices regarding their remains.

The law prioritizes the family relationship when determining who has this right, ensuring that the decisions made regarding burial, cremation, or other methods of disposition align with the deceased's personal connections and family dynamics. This arrangement also facilitates the timely and respectful management of funeral arrangements, allowing designated family members to navigate decisions with a deeper understanding of the deceased's values and preferences.

Other options, such as only the deceased's parents or the funeral director, do not encompass the full legal perspective. Parents alone may not always be the most appropriate designees, especially if a surviving spouse or adult children are present. While the funeral director plays a vital role in guiding the family through the logistical and legal aspects of funeral planning, they do not have the authority to control the disposition of remains. Local government does not engage in decisions about individual cases of disposition unless specific regulations or conditions are invoked, such as public health concerns or unidentified remains.