Which party has the highest priority to authorize removal from a cemetery plot?

• A. The surviving parents
• B. The surviving children
• C. The surviving spouse
• D. The surviving brothers or sisters

Answer: (C)

In this scenario, the rule is about who May authorize removing remains from a cemetery plot. California law places a defined order of priority for authorization, with the surviving spouse at the top. This reflects the close duty and authority spouses typically have over the deceased’s disposition and memorial arrangements. If the spouse is unavailable or declines, the next in line would be surviving children, then surviving parents, then siblings, and so on. So the surviving spouse is the best answer because they have the highest legal standing to authorize removal. The other relatives come after, which is why they would only be able to authorize if the spouse cannot or does not. In cases of dispute or lack of consent, a court order may be sought.