Next of kin refers to a decedent's closest living relatives in the order recognized by California law (Health & Safety Code § 7100). For cremation arrangements, this typically means the surviving spouse or registered domestic partner first, then adult children, then parents, then adult siblings, and so on down the line. These individuals have the legal right and responsibility to authorize disposition of the remains when the decedent has not left written instructions or designated a healthcare agent.

Next of kin refers to a decedent's closest living relatives in the order recognized by California law (Health & Safety Code § 7100). For cremation arrangements, this typically means the surviving spouse or registered domestic partner first, then adult children, then parents, then adult siblings, and so on down the line. These individuals have the legal right and responsibility to authorize disposition of the remains when the decedent has not left written instructions or designated a healthcare agent.