Georgia State Board of Funeral Service Practice Exam

What condition must be met for a funeral home to be liable for refusing to accept remains?

1. A court order or written agreement signed by the involved parties

2. A verbal agreement from the family

3. An acknowledgment from the local health department

4. A confirmation from the decedent's attorney

The correct answer is: A court order or written agreement signed by the involved parties

A funeral home can be held liable for refusing to accept remains if there is a court order or a written agreement signed by the involved parties. This legal framework establishes a binding commitment that obligates the funeral home to provide services, regardless of any potential objections or concerns the funeral home may have regarding the circumstances surrounding the remains. In the absence of such a formal agreement or court order, the funeral home may have grounds to refuse service based on various considerations, such as the condition of the remains or compliance with local regulations. Verbal agreements with the family, acknowledgments from the local health department, or confirmations from the decedent's attorney do not carry the same legal weight as an official court order or written agreement. This distinction is crucial in ensuring that funerals are handled in accordance with legal and ethical obligations, as well as the wishes of the deceased's family.