MI SB0551

Allows individuals 18 years or older of sound mind to designate in writing a "funeral representative" to make decisions about funeral arrangements, body disposition, cremation, and possession of cremated remains.

Establishes a priority order for funeral decision-making authority: designated funeral representative, surviving spouse, adult children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, and other descendants, with specific 48-hour response requirements.

Prohibits certain individuals from serving as funeral representatives unless they are the surviving spouse or relative, including funeral establishment employees, health professionals who treated the decedent, cemetery employees, and crematory employees.

Permits funeral representatives to designate successor representatives and allows revocation by resignation, refusal to act within 48 hours, inability to be located, or by written revocation or subsequent designation by the declarant.

Authorizes courts to resolve disagreements about funeral arrangements within 7 business days and provides liability protections for funeral establishments, cemeteries, and crematories that rely in good faith on designated funeral representatives or priority designations.