Funeral Representative Designation
(MI)

Summary

This template designates a funeral representative to make decisions about funeral arrangements and the handling, disposition, or disinterment of a decedent's body, and provides for the representative's signed acceptance. This template is for use in Michigan. This template includes practical guidance and drafting notes. This template grants the representative authority to make funeral arrangements and decisions regarding the disposition of remains pursuant to Public Act 57, which was enacted in 2016. See Mich. Comp. Laws § 700.3206. Under amended Mich. Comp. Laws § 700.3206(2), an individual 18 years of age or older who is of sound mind at the time a funeral representative designation is made may designate in writing another individual who is 18 years of age or older and who is of sound mind to serve as funeral representative. A properly designated funeral representative is presumed to have rights, such as the right to make decisions about cremation, and to retrieve from the funeral establishment and possess cremated remains of the decedent immediately after cremation. See Mich. Comp. Laws § 700.3206(1). This template is formatted as an independent document, in contrast to including the designation in a will. For more information about funeral designations, see Requisites, Instrumentation, and Will Provisions (MI). For a will template, see Will for Single Individual (Basic) (MI), Will for Married Individual (Pour Over to Inter Vivos Trust) (MI), and Will for Single Individual (Pot Trust for Children) (MI).