What should a funeral director do if the deceased has no known next of kin?

When a deceased individual has no known next of kin, the funeral director has a responsibility to ensure that proper legal and ethical protocols are followed regarding disposition of the body. In this situation, contacting the local authority for disposition is the correct course of action.

Local authorities, such as the medical examiner's office or a designated government agency, can assist in determining the appropriate steps for handling the deceased's remains, including identification and arrangement of burial if necessary. They typically have the procedures and resources to deal with cases of unclaimed bodies and can facilitate the legal process of disposition according to state and local laws.

Choosing to prepare the body for immediate burial or proceeding without any arrangements does not respect the legal requirements for handling a deceased person's body without next of kin. Waiting for family to arrive is often impractical, especially in cases where no relatives can be identified. Hence, contacting the local authorities ensures that the disposition is handled properly and in accordance with state law.