Which power of attorney grants the agent the authority to control the disposition of the principal's remains by statute?

• A. General power of attorney
• B. Durable power of attorney
• C. Springing power of attorney
• D. Power of attorney for health care

Answer: (D)

In California, the authority to control the disposition of a principal’s remains is provided through a health care power of attorney. This statutory form is designed to handle health-related decisions for a person who can’t make them themselves, and it includes the agent’s authority to arrange for the principal’s remains after death in accordance with the principal’s wishes or the statute. That focus on health care and end‑of‑life matters makes it the vehicle for directing burial, cremation, or other disposition.

General powers of attorney and durable powers of attorney cover financial and broad non-health matters and do not automatically grant authority over disposition of remains unless the instrument explicitly includes it. A springing power of attorney simply defines when the powers take effect, not the scope of those powers. So the health care power of attorney is the form tied to disposition of remains by statute.