Under what condition may cremation be performed without family consent?

Cremation can be performed without family consent if there is legal documentation that authorizes it. This legal documentation may take the form of a will, a cremation authorization form, or any other legal directive that clearly states the deceased's wishes regarding cremation. The key factor here is the presence of legally valid documents that affirm the decision to proceed with cremation, thereby circumventing the need for family consent.

In many jurisdictions, laws governing cremation establish that while family members typically hold the authority to consent, a legally binding document that expresses the individual's wishes can override that necessity. This ensures that the deceased's preferences are respected, especially in cases where the family may not agree or be available to provide consent.