Who must sign the disinterment application?

The correct answer is that the authorizing person must sign the disinterment application. In Iowa, the process of disinterment, which is the act of removing a deceased person's remains from their burial place, typically requires consent from a legally recognized individual. This ensures that the wishes of the deceased and the rights of the family are appropriately respected.

The authorizing person is usually defined by law or family arrangements and may include the next of kin or someone designated to make funeral arrangements. Their signature is crucial, as it provides the necessary legal authority for the action to be taken, safeguarding the integrity of the disinterment process and protecting against unauthorized actions.

While others such as the funeral director or next of kin may be involved in the process or have significant roles, the legal requirement is that a recognized authorizing person must provide consent through their signature on the disinterment application. The involvement of the county clerk typically pertains to the documentation process but does not extend to authorizing the disinterment itself.