Q: Who has the legal authority to make decisions in regard to disposition of remains?
There is a guardian (co-guardians in this case), a will, and a trust. The ward dies, the will has no written instructions for disposition of remains. Who is the 1st person legally responsible for making decisions about the disposition?
The guardian, the guardian who also is executive (letters of office not issued yet) and is trustee, or the power of attorney for health care. Illinois
A: Powers of attorney and guardianships end at death. The only person with any legal authority is the executor of the will, who will have letters of office. That person has to see to it that bills are paid, including the funeral, cremation, etc.
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