MA H1671

Allows individuals 18 or older to direct the disposition of their remains and funeral arrangements through a pre-need funeral contract or sworn affidavit, which cannot be cancelled without authorization from a designated person or due to insufficient funds

Establishes a priority order for who controls disposition rights when no designation exists: designated person/military designee, surviving spouse, majority of surviving children, surviving parents, majority of surviving siblings, majority of surviving grandparents, guardian, personal representative, next of kin, public officials, or any willing person

Forfeits disposition rights for persons charged with murder/manslaughter of the decedent, those who fail to act within 2-3 days of notification, spouses with pending divorce petitions, or those deemed estranged by probate court

Authorizes probate court to resolve disputes among family members with equal priority, considering factors such as practicality, relationships, willingness to pay, and decedent's wishes

Provides liability protection for funeral homes and directors who rely in good faith on instructions from persons claiming disposition rights, and allows funeral homes to preserve remains and recover costs during disputes