Which person has the lowest priority for giving consent to remove remains?

In the hierarchy of consent for the removal of human remains, the order reflects the closest legal and emotional connections one has to the deceased. The surviving spouse typically holds the highest priority, followed by surviving parents, then children. Surviving siblings fall lower in this hierarchy primarily because they are seen as more distant relatives in terms of both familial obligations and legal authority.

In many jurisdictions, including Washington, the law prioritizes immediate family members as having the strongest claim to give consent. Therefore, siblings are not considered to have the same level of emotional support or decision-making authority as spouses, parents, or children. This structure is designed to ensure that those who had the closest relationship and responsibility toward the deceased are the ones making critical decisions regarding their remains.