Who is first in line to authorize an autopsy or postmortem?

The surviving spouse or state registered domestic partner is the first in line to authorize an autopsy or postmortem examination. This is based on the legal rights granted to the spouse or domestic partner in many jurisdictions, including Washington state. Their position as a primary next of kin gives them the authority to make decisions regarding the remains of the deceased, including the decision to undergo an autopsy.

This prioritization is rooted in the recognition of the marital or domestic partnership relationship, which is typically considered to hold significant personal and legal ties. Such decisions impact not only the disposition of the body but may also have implications for funeral arrangements and other end-of-life decisions.

Other relatives, such as parents, children, and siblings, may have the right to make decisions concerning the deceased if there is no surviving spouse or domestic partner. However, this does not place them above the spouse or domestic partner in terms of authorization for an autopsy, emphasizing the legal precedence granted to the closest personal and familial relationship in such circumstances.