NYS Chain of Command Law 4201

Listed below is the "At Need written statement of person having the right to control disposition." This list gives you a clear chain of command of who has the legal right to control the dispostion of the deceased.

AT-NEED WRITTEN STATEMENT OF PERSON HAVING THE RIGHT TO CONTROL DISPOSITION

(Provided to Funeral Director)

PERSON OTHER THAN AGENT

I, ________________________________, 

(Name of Next-of-Kin, Other Person (Printed)

hereby represent and assert that I am entitled to control the disposition of the remains of____________________________. 

                                                                                                                                              ( Name of Decedent (Printed) )                                                                   

I further represent that I am the person having priority to control the disposition in accordance with Subdivision 2 of Section 4201 of the NYS Public Health Law.  The order of priority set forth in Subdivision 2 of Section 4201 of the NYS Public Health Law is the following:

                   *  Person designated in written instrument pursuant to Section 4201;

                   *  Spouse;

                   *  Domestic Partner;

                   *  Children 18 or Older;

                   *  Either of the Parents;

                   *  Any Sibling 18 or Older;

                   *  Authorized Guardian;

                   *  Person 18 or older in the following order

                               *  Grandchildren;

                               *  Great-Grandchildren;

                               *  Nieces and Nephews;

                               *  Grand-nieces and Grand-nephews;

                               *  Grandparents;

                               *  Aunts and Uncles;

                               *  First Cousins;

                               *  Great-Grandchildren of Grandparents;

                               *  Second Cousins;

                   *  Fiduciary;

                   * Close friend or relative or other relative who is reasonably familiar with the decedent’s wishes,  including his or her religious beliefs, when no one higher on the list is available, willing, or competent to act; (NOTE: This person must complete an “At-Need Written Statement of Person Having the Right to Control Disposition” form.)

                   * Public administrator (or the same official in a county not having a public administrator); or, anyone willing to act on behalf of the decedent who completes the “At-need Written Statement” form.

I also have no knowledge that the decedent executed a will containing directions for the disposition of his/her remains, or designated an agent by executing a written instrument pursuant to Section 4201 of the Public Health Law.

Date:

Signature of Agent