Which statement describes the order for who may control disposition when the primary holder is unavailable, according to Health and Safety Code 7100?

• A. The eldest child
• B. The parent or parents of the deceased
• C. The next in priority pursuant to Health and Safety Code 7100
• D. The majority of the children

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that there is a statutory order of priority for who may control disposition when the person normally authorized (the primary holder) is unavailable. Health and Safety Code 7100 sets a specific hierarchy, so the lawful next person in line is the one who may step in. Saying “the next in priority pursuant to Health and Safety Code 7100” is exact because it signals that the control follows a defined sequence in the statute, not a chosen individual by age, parental status, or a majority of siblings. The other options suggest single relatives or a majority rule, which the statute does not use. The concept to grasp is that disposition authority shifts to the next person named in the statutory priority.