Which statement correctly describes delegated authority in funeral arrangements?

• A. The duty of a funeral director to arrange transport.
• B. The right of adults to name an individual to carry out their wishes, which must be made in writing.
• C. The right of a family member to override a will.
• D. The authority of a will to determine burial site.

Answer: (D)

Delegated authority in funeral arrangements means the person designated by the deceased is empowered to act on their behalf to carry out funeral wishes. A will is the classic tool for this, because it names an executor or personal representative and sets out specific directives about funeral matters, including where to bury. The executor has the legal power to implement those instructions after death, ensuring the decedent’s preferences are followed. This reflects how authority is transferred to someone else to manage the disposition of remains according to the deceased’s plan. Other statements describe professional duties, informal rights to appoint someone to carry out wishes, or scenarios (like overriding a will) that don’t align with how delegated authority is legally applied. When the burial site is specified in the will, that directive provides the basis for the authority to arrange the burial accordingly.