Mr. Bakutis is a frequent speaker and author of papers and legal articles. Mr. Bakutis discusses everything you need to know about the decedent’s body – the standards used for declaring death; who may declare death; the requirements for death certificates; how anatomical gifts are arranged; when autopsies are required by law; who has the right and the duty to bury or cremate the body; who is liable for the expenses of burial or cremation; and trends in burial practices. The Health & Safety Code has a strict order of priority of those who have the right to control the disposition, including cremation, of the decedent’s remains. There is no requirement that a licensed funeral director conduct a burial. Nevertheless, the places where people typically die – hospitals, nursing homes, etc. – generally will release the body only to a representative of a licensed funeral establishment. Private burials are prohibited in city limits and in proximity to cities. A crematory may not cremate the body within 48 hours of the time of death as shown on the death certificate, unless the waiting period is waived by court order or by the justice of the peace or medical examiner. The Health & Safety Code is discussed in detail.