Which document provides legal authority to dispose of remains?

The disposal permit is the document that provides the legal authority to dispose of human remains. In the context of funeral service practice, a disposal permit is often required by state or local authorities to ensure that the remains are handled and disposed of in accordance with the law. This document typically includes essential details such as the name of the deceased, the manner of disposal (burial, cremation, etc.), and the location where the disposal will take place.

While the other documents listed have important roles in the funeral process, they do not specifically grant legal authority for the disposal of remains. The death certificate serves as an official record of death but does not authorize the removal or disposal of the body. A funeral contract outlines the services and arrangements agreed upon between the funeral provider and the family but does not serve as legal permission for disposal. Embalming authorization is simply consent for the embalming process, which is separate from the actual disposal of the remains. Thus, the disposal permit is uniquely positioned as the document explicitly required for this legal purpose.