MA S1217

Allows adults 18+ of sound mind to direct the disposition of their remains and funeral arrangements through a pre-need funeral contract or sworn affidavit

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

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

Probate court may resolve disputes among family members with equal priority by considering factors including reasonableness of arrangements, relationship to decedent, willingness to pay costs, and decedent's wishes

Funeral homes are protected from liability when acting in good faith on instructions from someone claiming disposition rights, and may refuse to proceed during disputes until receiving a court order