What right does a durable power of attorney hold after the death of the decedent?

A durable power of attorney ceases to have any authority or effect upon the death of the principal (the individual who granted the power). Therefore, the correct response is not related to what rights the durable power of attorney holds after the death of the decedent because it essentially loses its validity at that point.

Focusing specifically on the role of a durable power of attorney, upon the death of the principal, the responsibility for handling the deceased's affairs typically falls to the executor or personal representative appointed in the will or, in the absence of a will, determined by state probate laws. Prior to death, a durable power of attorney may allow the agent to make medical or financial decisions, but post-mortem activities like donating the body to science, managing the estate, claiming life insurance benefits, or settling debts are the duties of the executor and not the agent appointed through a durable power of attorney.

Therefore, it’s essential to understand that no right or authority granted by a durable power of attorney exists after the decedent's death, which means that the choices listed will not be applicable in that context.