Please fill out the CREMATION AUTHORIZATION FORM (pdf) and bring it in to Lakeshore Memorial Services or fax it to us at 616-395-3629.

Based on State of Michigan law, the next of kin, in the following order of priority, has the final say over the disposition of a family member:

     (1) Spouse

     (2) Majority of children eighteen years of age or older

     (3) Majority of grandchildren eighteen years of age or older

     (4) Majority of great-grandchildren eighteen years of age or older

     (5) Parents

     (6) Majority of siblings eighteen years of age or older

     (7) Majority of nephews or nieces eighteen years of age or older

     (8) Majority of the children eighteen years of age or older of any nephews or nieces

     (9) Grandparents

    (10) Majority of cousins of the same degree who are eighteen years of age or older

    (11) Any other person who is related to the decedent by blood and who is eighteen years of age or older  

If no person listed above exists, exercises the right, or can be located, the decedent’s guardian, if any, has the final say over the disposition. If no person listed above, including a guardian, exists, exercises the right, or can be located, then a personal representative named in the decedent’s will or appointed by a court has the final say over the disposition. If no majority decision can be reached in any of the above situations, any of the named individuals may petition the court to make a determination.(25) Nothing above affects the decedent’s right or specific other people’s rights to make a gift of all or a part of the decedent’s body. (26)