Who is most likely to have the right to control the funeral arrangements?

The most appropriate choice regarding who has the right to control funeral arrangements is the decedent's spouse. Traditionally, in many states and jurisdictions, the spouse is generally granted the highest priority when it comes to making decisions about funeral arrangements. This is due to the close relationship and legal bond that a marriage entails, which typically confers upon the spouse the responsibility for making such decisions in the event of a partner's death.

In many circumstances, while children, parents, and siblings may also have rights or interests in the arrangements, they typically follow in line behind a spouse in terms of legal standing and presumption of authority. The decedent's adult daughter, while having a strong emotional connection and likely significant interest, would generally not supersede the spouse unless there are specific legal documents or circumstances indicating otherwise.

Understanding the hierarchy of relationships in making funeral arrangements helps clarify why the spouse stands at the top of the list, emphasizing the importance of legal and personal bonds when making end-of-life decisions.