Who decides the disposition of remains if the deceased left no will?

In Washington State, if a deceased individual has not left a will, the decision regarding the disposition of their remains typically falls to the next of kin. This is rooted in the law that stipulates that relatives of the deceased have the primary responsibility for making arrangements for the body, including decisions on burial, cremation, or any other form of disposition.

The next of kin hierarchy is generally established by law, and it commonly includes the spouse, children, parents, and siblings, in that order. If there are no relatives available or willing to make these decisions, the role may fall to a more distant relative according to the established hierarchy.

While funeral directors play a key role in the process by facilitating and guiding families through arrangements, they do not have the authority to make legal decisions about the disposition of remains. Similarly, state-appointed officials, often involved when there are disputes or unclear circumstances, step in only when there's no available next of kin or if there's a need to resolve conflicts. A close family friend does not have the legal authority to decide on disposition unless they are designated by the family or if legally appointed in some capacity.