Who must approve a valid "document of gift" before it is honored at the time of death?

• A. No one
• B. The next of kin
• C. The adult child of the deceased
• D. Any one of the same class of kindred as the next of kin

Answer: (A)

A valid document of gift expresses the decedent’s clear, legally binding intent to dispose of the remains as specified, and in California that authorization takes effect at death without needing approval from others. Once the document meets statutory requirements and hasn’t been revoked, the institution can honor it based on the donor’s wishes, independently of next of kin or other relatives. Only if the document is invalid or revoked would others’ involvement come into play.