Who is the legal protector of a deceased body until final disposition?

The legal protector of a deceased body until final disposition is the custodian. This role involves ensuring the respectful handling and care of the body after death, as well as making arrangements for its final disposition, whether through burial, cremation, or another method. The custodian is typically someone designated, often within the funeral home or acting on behalf of the family, who is responsible for managing these arrangements in compliance with legal and ethical standards.

The executor, while responsible for managing the estate of the deceased, does not specifically focus on the body itself or its disposition. Similarly, a guardian typically refers to someone who is responsible for the care of a living individual, such as a minor child, rather than a deceased person. The term superintendent often relates to administrative roles in various organizations, and is not specifically used in the context of overseeing the care of a deceased body.